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Major and minor bio-element status in children with febrile seizure

S Akbayram1, M Cemek, A Büyükben

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.

Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|July 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Febrile seizures (FS) in children are linked to lower levels of essential trace elements like zinc and selenium. This study found significant differences in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, gallium, zinc, and selenium levels between children with FS and healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common seizure type in children.
  • The precise causes of FS are not fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors, including neurotransmitter and trace element levels, are implicated.
  • Trace elements play crucial roles in neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential alterations in serum trace element concentrations in children experiencing febrile seizures.
  • To compare element levels in children with FS against a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective analytical case-control study design.
  • Inclusion of 48 children diagnosed with FS and 55 age-matched healthy children.
  • Measurement of serum levels for various elements including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, gallium, selenium, zinc, and strontium.

Main Results:

  • Children with FS exhibited significantly lower serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, gallium, selenium, and zinc compared to controls (p<0.05 to p<0.001).
  • Strontium levels showed no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05).
  • Marked deficiencies in selenium and zinc were observed in the FS group.

Conclusions:

  • Altered serum levels of multiple trace elements are associated with febrile seizures in children.
  • Specific deficiencies in elements like zinc and selenium may play a role in the pathogenesis of FS.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of correcting these elemental imbalances.

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