Objective: Iron deficiency is common in children of developing countries. Febrile seizure is also found between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. Iron has role in the metabolism of neurotransmitter (such as GABA and serotonin) and some enzymes (such as monoaminoxidase and aldehideoxidase). So, might have the relationship between iron deficiency and febrile seizures. Thus objective of the study was to determine the association between serum ferritin status and febrile seizure in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Method: This prospective case-control study was conducted among 29 children with febrile seizure (case) and 25 febrile children without seizure (control) from July 2017 to October 2018. Those who had seizure disorder and neurodevelopmental disease were excluded from the study. Age, sex, associated febrile illness and serum ferritin level of both the groups were recorded in preformed questionnaire. The data of both groups were compared and statistically analyzed.
Results: Among 29 children of the case group 03 had mild anemia clinically and others normal but in the control group 24 was not anemic, only one was mildly anemic. Majority, the number was 19 of the case group had acute respiratory infection. Serum ferritin level < 30 ng/ml was found in 11 children of the case group but none in the control group. This was statistically significant. P value was <.001.
Conclusion: Anemia might be clinically absent but low serum ferritin level was found in children of febrile seizure. Iron supplementation might be needed to prevent seizure to every child presenting with febrile seizure.
Serum ferritin, febrile seizure