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The relationship between iron deficiency anemia and simple febrile convulsion in children

Parsa Yousefichaijan1, Aziz Eghbali1, Mohammad Rafeie2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences
|September 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency anemia appears to protect children against simple febrile convulsions. This suggests iron may increase the neuron excitation threshold, potentially preventing seizures in febrile illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Simple febrile convulsion is a common pediatric neurological disorder.
  • Hypotheses suggest a link between iron deficiency and altered neuron excitation thresholds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of iron deficiency anemia on simple febrile convulsion episodes in children.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 382 children at AmirKabir Hospital.
  • Participants were divided into case (febrile convulsion) and control groups.
  • Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count and iron profile after fever subsided.

Main Results:

  • Anemia prevalence was significantly lower in children with febrile convulsions (22.5%) compared to controls (34%).
  • Febrile convulsion group showed higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels.
  • Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency may have a protective effect against simple febrile convulsions in children.
  • Iron deficiency likely increases the threshold for neuron excitation during fever.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildIron deficiencyfebrile convulsions

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