Yield of diagnostic studies in children presenting with complex febrile seizures.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the yield of diagnostic workup in children presenting with complex febrile seizures. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of charts of patients who presented to our pediatric emergency department with complex febrile seizures (focal, prolonged, or recurrent). Patients with known seizure disorder, congenital central nervous system malformations, or hydrocephalus were excluded. The charts were reviewed for diagnostic workup. RESULTS There were 71 eligible encounters (mean age, 1.5 years); 59.2% were males. None of the 71 patients had positive blood or urine cultures; none had abnormal blood count or serum chemistries. Only 1 patient who had a very abnormal presentation in febrile status epilepticus had positive cerebrospinal fluid culture and abnormal brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with complex febrile seizures do not require extensive diagnostic workup.