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Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children with febrile seizure

R Fallah1, B Tirandazi2, S Akhavan Karbasi3

  • 1Pediatric Neurologist, Associate Professor ,Department of Pediatrics, Growth Disorders of Children Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|February 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency is linked to febrile seizures (FS) in children. This study found lower iron levels and higher rates of iron deficiency and anemia in children experiencing their first FS compared to healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common seizure type in children, affecting 2-5%.
  • Previous research on the link between iron deficiency and FS has yielded conflicting results.
  • This study aimed to clarify the association by comparing iron status in children with FS and controls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between iron status and first-time febrile seizures in children.
  • To compare iron levels (hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin) in children with FS versus healthy children.
  • To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children with FS.

Main Methods:

  • An analytic case-control study was conducted.
  • Participants included children aged 6-60 months with a first febrile seizure and age/sex-matched healthy controls.
  • Iron status was assessed through hemoglobin, serum iron, and serum ferritin levels.

Main Results:

  • Children with FS had significantly lower hemoglobin (p=0.042), serum iron (p=0.001), and serum ferritin (p=0.001) levels compared to controls.
  • The prevalence of iron deficiency was higher in the FS group (48% vs. 28%, OR=4.3, p=0.03).
  • Iron deficiency anemia was also more frequent in children with FS (22% vs. 10%, OR=3.16, p=0.04).

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency may be a significant risk factor for developing febrile seizures.
  • Routine evaluation of iron status is recommended for children presenting with febrile seizures.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnemiaCase-Control StudiesFebrileIron-DeficiencySeizures

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