Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of meningitis in patients presenting with first episode of febrile fits seen at our institution.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in department of pediatric medicine Khyber teaching hospital, Peshawar from July 2017 to April 2018. Data were collected through non-probability convenient sampling technique prospectively from 120 patients. All relevant information was collected containing bio data of patients and relevant questions of interest, filled by doctor himself and analyzed by SPSS 21.
Results: Out of 120 participants, 69(57.5%) were male and 51 (42.5%) female. Mean age was 19.9±13.4 months. Highest number of patients were in age group 6 to 12 month i.e. 55 (45.8%). Simple fits were observed in 82(68.3%) patients followed by complex fits in 38(31.7%) patients. Six (5%) patients CSF was suggestive of meningitis. Significant relation was found among meningitis and complex fits (p=0.001), as all meningitis patients had complex fits. Among the total (6 cases) meningitis patients, four were in 6 to 12 month of age group while two were in 13 to 36 months (p=0.003).
Conclusion: Meningitis in patients presenting with first episode of febrile fits is more common in lower age group and those who have complex febrile fits.

Key words: Febrile fits, meningitis, complex fits.