Comparing the effect of intermittent Diazepam and continuous Phenobarbital in prophylaxis of recurrence of febrile seizure

The vast majority of children with febrile seizure have a normal long term out come, but their parents are always worrying about recurrent febrile seizure. With attention to controversy in treatment a precise knowledge of the short and long term side effect is an important prerequisite for assessing the various treatment strategies. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of intermittent Diazepam and continuous Phenobarbital for the prophylaxis of recurrence of febrile seizure. In this clinical trial study 100 children with febrile seizure treated with intermittent Diazepam were compared with 100 children with febrile seizure treated with continuous Phenobarbital. Diazepam (1 mg/kg/d) was administered orally every eight hours during all febrile illness and Phenobarbital (3-5 mg/kg/d) was administered daily. Data were analyzed by chi-square and t-test. During a mean follow up of 19 months, recurrence rates in the two groups were similar (14%). 74% of children receiving Phenobarbital had side effects versus 26% receiving Diazepam. (p=0.00001). Mean of fever in year was 3.2 ± 1.4 in Phenobarbital group and 3.0 ± 1.1 in which had no significant difference. Oral Diazepam, given only when fever is present, is safe and reduces the risk of recurrent febrile seizure.