Association of Iron Deficiency Anaemia With the First Episode of Febrile Seizure in Children

Introduction Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in neurologically healthy children under six years of age. Iron deficiency is a prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide, though it is medically preventable and treatable. In many developing countries, anaemia remains a significant concern in young children. Iron plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and overall bodily growth, and low levels of serum ferritin may lower the seizure threshold. Methods The study aimed to determine the correlation of iron profiles between patients with their first episode of febrile seizures and patients with only febrile illnesses. This case-control study enrolled children between 6 and 60 months of age. The case group comprised children who experienced their first episode of febrile seizure, while the control group included children presenting with febrile illness without seizures. The cost of the iron profile was waived for patients enrolled in the study. The study was conducted at a tertiary care centre and charitable hospital. Total blood counts and iron profiles were analyzed to find the association between the risk of febrile seizures and anaemia. Results The study included 150 children, with 50 febrile seizure cases and 100 controls with only febrile illness. The mean age of cases was 2.15 years, while that of the controls was 1.73 years. Males were more prevalent in the febrile seizure group, with 31 (62%) compared to 19 (38%) females. The mean serum transferrin value in cases was 22.46, compared to 28.42 in controls, indicating lower levels in cases (p=0.029). The mean TIBC in cases was 434.84, higher than the control group's 334.46 (p<0.001). The mean serum iron level in cases was 77.64, lower than that of controls at 86.63, though the difference was not significant (p=0.195). RDW >15% was observed in 46 (92%) cases compared to 57 (57%) controls (p<0.001). Conclusion Iron deficiency anaemia is a correctable risk factor for children with febrile seizures between 6 and 60 months of age. Timely diagnosis and correction of anaemia may help prevent febrile seizures in these children. Further research is needed to evaluate effective prevention strategies.