BACKGROUND:
Febrile seizures occur as an age-dependent condition, with an incidence of 2 to 5 percent in children younger than five years of age. Iron deficiency anemia is common in developing countries. The association between the iron deficiency anemia and simple febrile seizures has been described in several studies with conflicting results.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To analyse the association between iron deficiency anemia and simple febrile seizures.
2. To look for other significant risk factors for simple febrile seizures.
METHODS:
The study was a case control prospective study conducted on 200 children (6-60 months of age) admitted in the Paediatric ward of Government Theni Medical College Hospital, from July 2018 to June 2019. Cases were those presenting with simple febrile seizures. Controls were children with acute febrile illness without seizures.
Inclusion criteria:
Children aged 6 months to 60 months with febrile seizures admitted in Theni Medical College Hospital.
Exclusion criteria:
◆ Children with seizure due to central nervous system infection (meningitis, encephalitis).
◆ Complex febrile seizures.
◆ Known case of seizure disorder.
◆ Seizure due to trauma, drug or toxin intake, CSOM.
◆ Children with seizure due to metabolic disturbances.
◆ Children with any chronic neurodevelopmental problems.
◆ Haematological problems like haemolytic anaemia,
bleeding/coagulation disorders, haematological malignancy.
◆ Children on Iron supplementation.
After exclusion, the remaining children are categorized according to various risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures.
RESULTS:
The hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in cases when compared to controls. Male gender and Temperature < 102.2°F were significant risk factors for simple febrile seizures as well as its recurrence.
CONCLUSION:
Iron deficiency anemia was more frequent among children with simple febrile seizures than those with febrile illness alone. The result suggests that Iron deficiency anemia may be a risk factor for simple febrile seizures
