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Clinical features of benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis in Chinese infants
Yun-Feng Wang, Zhong-Shu Zhou
Beijing, China
Author Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China (Wang YF, Zhou ZS)
Corresponding Author: Zhong-Shu Zhou, Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China (Tel: +86-10-84206180; Email: wangyf252@126.com)
doi: 10.1007/s12519-012-0393-x
Background: Benign convulsions occur in infants during the course of mild gastroenteritis. It is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity in many countries. However, its occurrence in China has not yet been widely recognized by Chinese pediatricians.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 48 patients with convulsions between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2009.
Results: The age of onset of gastroenteritis was between 13 months and 24 months in 34 patients (70.83%). The episodes occurred at a distinct autumn/winter peak (75%). The seizures mostly occurred within the first 5 days of gastroenteritis, especially within the first 3 days, peaking on day 2 (39.58%). Thirty-five patients (72.92%) had clustered seizures in their episodes. Most episodes were symmetric, generalized tonic¨Cclonic (83.33%) and brief (93.75%). The seizures were induced by pain and/or crying in 19 (39.58%) patients. Stool culture was positive for rotavirus in 21 (53.85%) of the 39 patients. Twenty patients (20/41, 48.78%) still had clustered seizures after the administration of a single anticonvulsant. The seizures persisted even after the administration of two combined anticonvulsants in 5 (26.32%) of 19 episodes. All patients exhibited normal psychomotor development.
Conclusions: Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis are not rare in China, and rotavirus infection is a major cause.
Key words: gastroenteritis; infant; seizure
World J Pediatr 2013;9(1):73-75
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