Clinical Features according to the Frequency of Seizures in Benign Convulsions with Mild Gastroenteritis: A Single-Center Study

Purpose: Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) are typically characterized by cluster seizures. Although some studies have explored the clinical characteristics of CwG in relation to seizure frequency, available data remain limited. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed patients aged 3 to 36 months who were diagnosed with CwG at Chonnam National University Hospital from March 2005 to February 2024. Patients were stratified into three groups based on seizure frequency: group I (single seizure), group II (two seizures), and group III (three or more seizures). Medical data were compared across all three groups, as well as between redefined groups (I vs. II/III and I/II vs. III). Results: A total of 178 patients were included, with 50 (28.1%) in group I, 46 (25.8%) in group II, and 82 (46.1%) in group III. Median age did not significantly differ among the groups. Vomiting was more prevalent in group II/III compared to group I (86.7% vs. 72%, P=0.020). In group III, most seizures resolved within 5 minutes (98.4% vs. 90% in group I, P=0.004), and there were no cases of focal tonic-clonic or clonic seizures. Platelet counts and serum calcium levels were significantly lower in group III than in groups I/II (277×10³/mm³ [interquartile range, IQR, 221 to 333] vs. 312×10³/mm³ [IQR, 257 to 368], P=0.024; and 9.5 mg/dL [IQR, 9.1 to 9.9] vs. 9.7 mg/dL [IQR, 9.3 to 10.1], P=0.038, respectively). Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of CwG are influenced by seizure frequency. Notable differences were observed in the incidence of vomiting, seizure duration and type, platelet counts, and serum calcium levels.