A Comparative Analysis of Serum Interleukin-6 Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures and Febrile Controls
K Jagadish Kumar1, Gaurav Kurvari1, H C Krishna Kumar1
1Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Medical College, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were higher in children experiencing simple febrile seizures (SFSs) compared to febrile controls. However, this observed increase in IL-6 did not reach statistical significance in the study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Febrile seizures (FSs) are common in childhood, with cytokine networks implicated in their development.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine suspected in the genesis of FSs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum IL-6 levels in children with simple febrile seizures (SFSs) against febrile controls (FCs).
Main Methods:
- A prospective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study involving 83 children (38 SFSs, 45 FCs).
- Serum IL-6 levels were measured in both SFS and FC groups.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-6 levels were higher in the SFS group (mean 608.15 pg/mL) than in the FC group (mean 342 pg/mL).
- The difference in IL-6 levels between SFSs and FCs was not statistically significant (p=0.165).
- A higher percentage of subjects with IL-6 levels >50 pg/mL was observed in the FC group (44.4%) compared to the SFS group (31.6%), also not statistically significant (p=0.16).
Conclusions:
- Serum IL-6 levels appear elevated in children with SFSs compared to febrile controls.
- The observed difference in IL-6 levels did not achieve statistical significance in this study.
Abstract:
Background Febrile seizures (FSs) are the common presentations of seizures in childhood. Activation of cytokine network plays a significant role in the genesis of FSs. Interleukin (IL)-6 is often considered as key cytokine in the generation of FSs. Objectives To compare the serum IL-6 levels in children between simple febrile seizures (SFSs) and febrile controls (FCs). Materials and Methods This hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, during a period of 21 months. A total of 83 children were included in the study. Out of which, 38 were cases of SFSs and 45 were FCs without seizures. Serum IL-6 levels were estimated in both SFS and FC groups. Results Serum IL-6 levels were increased among children with SFSs (mean = 608.15 pg/mL) when compared with FCs (mean = 342 pg/mL), but the results are not statistically significant ( p = 0.165). In SFS and FC groups, percentage of subjects with IL-6 levels >50 pg/mL is 31.6 and 44.4%, respectively ( p = 0.16). Conclusion Serum IL-6 levels are higher in children with SFSs compared with FCs. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance.
