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Iron deficiency anaemia--a risk factor for febrile seizures in children

Ahmad Sherjil1, Zaheer us Saeed, Sohail Shehzad

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, HIT Hospital, Taxila, Cantt, Pakistan. drahmadsherjil@yahoo.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|February 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with febrile seizures are nearly twice as likely to have iron deficiency anaemia. This study investigated the link between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile seizures in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and febrile seizures (FS) are prevalent pediatric conditions globally.
  • Iron insufficiency can manifest as neurological symptoms, including behavioral changes and cognitive deficits.
  • A potential association between IDA and FS in children warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile seizures in children.
  • To compare the prevalence of IDA in children with and without febrile seizures.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter case-control study involving 310 children aged 6 months to 6 years.
  • Cases comprised 157 children with febrile seizures; controls included 153 children with febrile illnesses without seizures.
  • Iron deficiency anaemia was assessed using hemoglobin, serum ferritin, MCHC, and MCV levels.

Main Results:

  • 31.85% of children with febrile seizures had iron deficiency anaemia.
  • 19.6% of children without febrile seizures had iron deficiency anaemia.
  • The odds ratio for IDA in children with febrile seizures was 1.93.

Conclusions:

  • Children experiencing febrile seizures have a 1.93 times higher likelihood of having iron deficiency anaemia.
  • The findings suggest a significant association between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile seizures in pediatric populations.
  • Early detection and management of iron deficiency may be crucial in preventing febrile seizures.
Abstract

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