BMC Pediatrics (Oct 2024)

Development and validation of a nomogram for the estimation of the prognosis of patients presenting with a febrile seizure

  • Qingran Wang,
  • Weiling Sun,
  • Jinyan Zhao,
  • Lili Tong,
  • Baomin Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05132-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background Febrile seizures constitute a prevalent emergency in early childhood. Previous studies indicated that certain febrile seizures in children may progress to epilepsy, exerting a substantial impact on children's health and developmental trajectory. The objective of this study was to formulate a predictive nomogram to assess the likelihood of transitioning from febrile seizures to epilepsy in pediatric patients, thereby facilitating informed decisions regarding medical interventions for febrile seizures. Methods A total of 306 patients were enrolled and categorized into training (70%) and test (30%) cohorts. Clinical characteristics were subjected to comparison utilizing chi-squared and t tests. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify significant factors for predicting the risk of transitioning from febrile seizures to epilepsy, leading to the development of a nomogram. The nomogram’s performance was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration, and decision curve analysis. Results Predictive factors associated with the transition to epilepsy encompassed lower Na, elevated RDW, IL-6, and increased background slow rhythm and epileptiform discharges in EEG. The nomogram, incorporating five factors, exhibited commendable predictive value (AUC train = 0.812, AUC test = 0.791) for assessing the risk of transitioning from febrile seizures to epilepsy. Calibration analyses confirmed reliability, and decision curve analysis underscored its clinical utility. Conclusions Lower Na, elevated RDW, IL-6, background slow rhythm, and epileptiform discharges are associated with the risk of transitioning from febrile seizures to epilepsy. The nomogram stands as a valuable tool for predicting this risk, aiding in the strategic implementation of medical interventions to enhance outcomes for patients with febrile seizures.

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