LAUSR

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the rate, timing and risk factors of acute recurrence of seizures in the children admitted for non-febrile seizure in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This multicenter prospective study was conducted in the ED of three hospitals. All consecutive visits of children aged 28 days to 15 years who attended the ED for a non-febrile seizure for one year were included in the study and prospectively followed. The rate of acute seizure recurrence within 24h was evaluated and association with potential risk factor was tested. Timing of seizure recurrence was assessed. RESULTS 181 ED visits were enrolled. 19.9% (36/181) of children presented acute seizure recurrence. 50% of seizure recurrence occurred during the 2h after ED arrival and 70% within 6 hours. Multivariable analysis showed that age <5years and seizure recurrence in the emergency department were associated with a significant increase in acute recurrence risk. CONCLUSIONS Early seizure recurrence is common in children with nonfebrile seizure, with younger children at higher risk. Based on thess findings, acute recurrence risk after a non febrile seizure should justify to observe the children admitted for a non-febrile seizure in the ED, especially young children. A larger study should analyze other risk factors associated with increased risk of acute seizure recurrence and help ED management.