Iron deficiency as a risk factor for febrile seizures

Abstract

Introduction: Febrile seizures (FS) are a form of acute symptomatic seizures. Iron deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutrition related problems in the world. Iron is important for neurological functions and development of brain.

Methods: A case control study was done among 100 children at the Pediatric department, NRI Medical College & Hospital. Total of 100 children between age group of 6 months – 6 years with fever were included, out of which 50 children with first febrile seizure were enrolled as cases. 50 children with fever without seizure were enrolled as control group. A pre designed proforma was used to collect the relevant information. Blood samples collected from all cases and control groups and estimated for hematological parameters.

Results: The mean age in months was 22.4 among cases and 26.7 months in controls. Nine cases had a positive family history of febrile seizures. Respiratory tract infections were most common underlying cause of illness. The mean and standard deviation values of all the hematological parameters (HB, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC & serum Ferritin) showed that measurements were lower among cases compared to control and it was statistically significant.

Conclusions: IDA was more frequent among children with FS than those with febrile illness alone. The result suggests that IDA may be a risk factor for FS. Screening for IDA should be considered in children with First Febrile Seizures (FFS).