Effect of breast – feeding in the first 6 months of life on febrile convulsion

Javad Akhondian MD. Associate Professor .Pediatric Neurologist .

Abstract : Febrile convulsion (FC) is one the most common emergency diseases in childhood that has incidence of 3-4%. The most causes of FC are gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. We know exclusive breast – feeding in the first 6 months of life decreases these diseases . In this study we evaluate effect of exclusive breast – feeding on FC .

This evaluation was a retrospective case – control study that was performed on children who had FC and were admitted in pediatric emergency of Imam Reza hospital .

Control group was 100 children , which were matched with case group .

65.5% of case group had exclusive breast – feeding in the first 6 months of life , compared with 75% in control group . It is not significantly different (P>0.05) . However ,55%of children with complex FC were exclusively breast – fed compared to 75% in control group (P<0.05)

Conclusion :Exclusive breast - feeding in the first 6 months of life dose not have signification effect on FC , but it can protect children from complexity of their FC that is a predisposing factor for epilepsy .

Key Words: Seizure , febrile convulsion , exclusive breast – feeding