Recurrent seizures after diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine immunization. Onset less than 24 hours after vaccination.

Twenty-two patients with recurrent seizures that started less than 24 hours after immunization with diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine were retrospectively studied. The initial seizure generally occurred after one of the first three DTP vaccine immunizations, and followed that immunization by less than 12 hours. Two of the 22 patients were siblings. Eight patients had additional immunizations with DTP vaccine and four had immediate worsening of their seizures. Of the 22 patients, only one was seizure free and stopped taking anticonvulsants. Three patients exhibited normal development, and 11 had severe developmental delays. Based on these observations, we reviewed current contraindications for immunization with pertussis vaccine.