regarding in particular the quality of the information parents receive.
Material and methods A survey has been sent to primary care paediatricians, hospital
paediatricians, in training paediatricians and paediatric nurses. The survey started
from a clinical scenario (a 18 months old girl at her first febrile seizure). Information
regarded: a) the incidence of febrile seizures between 6 months and 5 years of age; b)
the probability of a second seizure; c) the efficacy of antipiretycs in the prevention of
febrile seizures; d) the use of rectal diazepam in recurrent febrile seizures; e) electroencephalography
indications.
Results Data has been collected by 1025 health professionals: 162 hospital paediatricians,
604 primary care paediatricians, 92 paediatricians in training, 167 paediatric
nurses. Only 45% answered correctly all the questions; 64% answered correctly the
question regarding the incidence of febrile seizures (3-5%); 58% gave a correct
answer to the question regarding the recurrence (20-30%); 75% answered correctly
the question on the efficacy of antipyretics in the prevention; 75% think that diazepam
by rectal administration should be used if the seizures lasts more than 1-2 minutes;
81% think that there are no indications for electroencephalography.
Conclusions The research has strong limits due to the sample selection. The results, considering
their limits, show a discreet knowledge of health professionals. Guidelines
should be shared by all health professionals considering that less than 50% answered
correctly all questions. Parents should receive correct information based on guidelines.
