The association between iron profile studies and febrile seizures in age group 6 months - 5 years

Abstract

Abstract: Children with febrile seizures often demonstrate lower hemoglobin levels, reduced serum ferritin, and altered iron indices compared with febrile children without seizures. These findings suggest that iron deficiency may act as a modifiable risk factor by lowering seizure threshold during febrile illnesses. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the association between iron profile and febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years. This was a cross-sectional observational study carried at department of Paediatrics. Total 200 study participants were enrolled in this study with mean age was 27.57 ± 16.25 months. Most of the study participants who developed febrile seizures belonged to the 25–60 months. About 120 (60%) were males and 80 (40%) were females. Family history of febrile seizure was present in 38 (19%) and about 28 (14%) had recurrence of seizure during same illness. About 152 (76%) were found to be iron deficient, while only 48 (24%) had normal iron status. Moderate anemia was the most common hematological finding seen in 74 (37%) study participants followed by mild anemia in 52 (26%). There was statistically highly significant association between serum Iron level and Serum ferritin level with the occurrence of febrile seizure (p <0.01). There was no association found between MCV, TIBC, Transferrin saturation and duration of seizure during febrile seizure episode. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that iron deficiency anemia is significantly associated with febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years.