Clinical and genetic analysis of a new multigenerational pedigree with GEFS+ (Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus)

Abstract

Febrile seizures affect 2-5% of all children younger than 6 years. A small proportion of children with febrile seizures later develop epilepsy. The syndrome of generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by febrile seizures that may persist beyond age 6 years and nonfebrile seizures. Several genes have been localized for FS by linkage analysis, and three GEFS+ genes (SCN1A, SCN1B, GABRG2) have been identified. We identified a large multigenerational family with GEFS+ in France. All affected members had FSs. Among them, seven had other types of epileptic seizures including FSs after age 6 years, nonfebrile generalized seizures, or partial seizures later in life. Genetic linkage study excluded the candidate genes and loci for FS and GEFS+, thus proving the existence of a new GEFS+ genetic locus underlying the phenotype observed in this family.