Intention to treat febrile convulsions with rectal diazepam, valproate or phenobarbitone.
One hundred and eighty-six consecutive children aged between six and 72 months admitted to the Manchester Children's Hospitals with a febrile convulsion in the first year of life, a complicated febrile convulsion, or more than one febrile convulsion within two years, were allocated randomly to one of three groups who were offered rectal diazepam in the event of a subsequent prolonged febrile convulsion, or prophylactic treatment with sodium valproate or phenobarbitone. Over-all risk of recurrence was 30 per cent and adequate prophylactic treatment did not lessen this risk. Side-effects in 24 per cent of the valproate group and 61 per cent of the phenobarbitone group did not justify the use of prophylactic treatment.
McKinlay
I
I
University of Manchester, Department of Child Health.
Newton
R
R
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014635:Valproic Acid; D003975:Diazepam; D010634:Phenobarbital