The Possibility of Bacterial Meningitis in First Simple or Complex Febrile Seizures among Children 6-24 Months of Age: An Evaluation of 564 Patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the probability of bacterial meningitis presenting with a first simple febrile seizure or complex febrile seizure without any conspicuous signs of meningitis. Methods: This was a record based cross-sectional study of 564 patients of 6-24 months of age and was evaluated in a paediatric emergency department between 2007 and 2013 for their first febrile seizure. Results: In the study group 452 (80%) were diagnosed with simple febrile seizure and 112 (20%) with complex febrile seizure. In neither group was any patient diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The number of children undergoing lumbar puncture was significantly higher in the complex febrile seizure group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The ratio of bacterial meningitis was not increased in patients with complex febrile seizure who otherwise appeared well and lacked clinical findings of meningitis like the patients with simple febrile seizure.