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Serum Zinc Level in Children Presenting with Febrile Seizures
Insights
Low serum zinc levels were observed in 26% of children experiencing febrile seizures. This suggests that zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor to febrile seizures in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in children.
- The role of micronutrients like zinc in febrile seizures is under investigation.
- Understanding potential risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of low serum zinc levels in children with febrile seizures.
- To investigate the association between zinc deficiency and febrile seizures in a pediatric population.
- To identify potential nutritional risk factors for febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- 100 children aged 6 months to 6 years presenting with febrile seizures were enrolled.
- Serum zinc levels were measured using a Randox kit on an auto-analyzer.
Main Results:
- The study included 100 children, with 66% being male.
- The mean age of participants was 23.97 ± 14.45 months.
- A low serum zinc level was found in 26% of children with febrile seizures.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency may be a potential risk factor for febrile seizures in children.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the causal relationship.
- This finding highlights the importance of assessing zinc status in children with febrile seizures.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of low serum zinc level in children presenting with febrile seizures at The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health (CH/ICH) Multan.
Methods:
This is an observational cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan from September 2010 to March 2011. Children (6 months to 6 years of age) presenting with febrile seizures who satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Cause of fever was determined after detailed history, physical examination and relevant investigations. Four milliliters centrifuged blood sample was preserved in acid washed test tube. Separated serum was used to measure serum zinc level by employing Randox kit on auto-analyzer in all cases. The outcome variable (serum zinc level) was recorded on a predesigned proforma.
Results:
Out of 100 enrolled children, there were 66 (66%) male with male to female ratio of 1:0.52. Mean age of the children was 23.97±14.45 months. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most frequent cause of fever apparent in 24 children (24%) followed by tonsillitis 17 (17%), pneumonia 16 (16%), urinary tract infection 16 (16%), otitis media 15 (15%), and bronchiolitis 12 (12%). Frequency of low serum zinc level was 26% in children with febrile seizures.
Conclusion:
Zinc deficiency could be a potential risk factor for febrile seizure in children.
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