Frequency and causes of seizure among hospitalized burned children

Methods

In this cross-sectional retrospective study, frequency, type, time of occurrence and atiology of seizures in children with burn was investigated. All cases were under 18 years and were hospitalized in Shahid Motahari Burns Hospital during 2006–2011. Extracted data from patients’ medical records was reviewed and statistically analyzed.

Results

Among 1103 patients, 69 (6.2%) had seizures, more frequently in the first 24 h following burn. Thermal burn, especially with boiling water was the cause of burn in most of the children. Seizures occurred more commonly in children less than 3 years old and was generalized (tonic–clonic). Seizure was found to be primarily associated with febrile seizure, while hyponatremia was diagnosed as the second cause. Previous seizure history and seizure with unknown cause were identified as other etiologies.This paper summarizes the key information about seizure following burn, which health professionals, especially those in burn centers, should be aware. However, since this study was single-center more investigations in other centers are needed.