Febrile seizures: current role of the laboratory investigation and source of the fever in the diagnostic approach.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the value of performing laboratory tests, taking cultures, and imaging, a diagnostic approach for febrile seizures (FSs) still routinely performed despite the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations not to. Another aim of this study was to identify the most common sources of fever in patients with FSs and to determine whether the occurrence of FSs correlates with the seasons of the year.

Methods: This is a retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with simple or complex FSs who were seen in the emergency room or inpatient unit from January 2004 to December 2009.