Fever and convulsions--indications for laboratory investigations
Jaffe, M.; Bar-Joseph, G.; Tirosh, E.
Pediatrics 67(5): 729-731
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7255005 Document Number: 181938
The routine laboratory investigations performed on 562 children seen with their first episode of convulsions and fever were retrospectively analyzed. By dividing the cohort into SFC and non-SFC groups, the yield of abnormal laboratory results was significantly more prevalent in the latter group. In almost all of the cohort cases, clinically significant laboratory abnormalities in blood chemistry could have been anticipated from the history and physical examination. The only routine investigation indicated, even in the absence of clinical suspicion, is a lumbar puncture. In ideal situations even this procedure may be omitted. Other investigations should be performed only if the clinical features of the case warrant them. Routine skull roentgenogram is noncontributory in the evaluation of this condition.