THE INCIDENCE OF FEBRILE CONVULSION IN EXCLUSIVELY BREAST-FED CHILDREN

Background: Febrile convulsion (Fe) is one of the most common emergency diseases in childhood that has an incidence of3-4%. The most common causes of FC are gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. We know that exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months of life decreases this disorder. Methods: In this study we evaluated the frequency of exclusive breast-feeding on children who had FC and were admitted in the pediatric emergency department of Imam Reza hospital. Control group was 100 children, who were matched with the case group. Results: 65.5% of the case group had exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months of life, compared with 75% in the control group. It was not significantly different (p>0.05). However, 55% of children with complex FC had been exclusively breastfed compared to 75% in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months of life does not have a significant effect on FC, but it may protect children from complex FC which is a predisposing factor for epilepsy.