Febrile convulsions during recovery after anesthesia in an infant with history of MMR vaccination: A case report

RATIONALE: Seizures are rare during the perioperative period; in most cases, there is a previous history of epilepsy or surgery-associated seizures. Febrile convulsions may occur when the body temperature rises above 38°C; this is the most common cause of seizures in children. Febrile convulsions after general anesthesia in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) without a past or family history are rare. Some reviews suggest that since anesthesia changes immunity, elective surgery should be postponed three weeks after live vaccination. PATIENT: A 12-month-old female with bilateral hearing loss underwent cochlear implantation under general anesthesia. She did not have any history of convulsions or developmental disorders. However, 1 week before surgery, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination was given as a regular immunization. DIAGNOSES: Forty minutes after arrival at the PACU, sudden generalized tonic-clonic movement occurred during recovery and the patient's measured body temperature exceeded 38.0°C. INTERVENTIONS: Thiopental sodium was administered intravenously as an anticonvulsant, and the tonic-clonic movement stopped immediately. Endotracheal intubation was performed to secure the airway, and tepid massage and diclofenac β-dimethylaminoethanol administration were performed to lower the patient's body temperature. OUTCOMES: There was no further fever and no seizures, and no other neurological deficits were observed until discharge. LESSONS: The anesthesiologist should check the recent vaccination history even if the patient has not developed particular symptoms after vaccination. It is important to know that febrile convulsions may occur in patients who have recently received MMR vaccination.