Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Complement C3 involvement in Febrile Seizures in Children

Elevated inflammation, characterized by increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in febrile seizures (FSs), has been well documented; however, the underlying causes and contributing factors remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular components that may contribute to or protect against inflammation in children with FS. The study involved children aged 6-60 months with FS (FS group, n = 29), afebrile seizures (AS group, n = 17), and febrile controls (FC group, n = 30). Leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, complement C3 and C4, fibrinogen, intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol levels were measured at onset (T1) and 24 h later (T2) in the seizure groups and at T1 in the FC group, whose samples served as controls for both periods alongside the AS group. At T2 time compared with T1, VCAM-1 levels increased and C3 levels decreased in the FS group, whereas ICAM-1 levels increased in the AS group (p = 0.001, p = 0.048, p = 0.035, respectively). The FS and AS groups had higher leukocyte counts at T1 than T2 (p < 0.001, p = 0.023, respectively). The FS group had higher cortisol levels than the AS group and higher ACTH levels than the FC group at T1 (p < 0.001, p = 0.037, respectively), but at T2, the FS group had lower ACTH levels than the AS and FC groups (p = 0.037, p = 0.006, respectively). In conclusion, VCAM-1 and C3 alterations observed in FS suggest their involvement in inflammation, possibly related to leukocyte migration. Additionally, a higher ACTH peak after FS may be associated with a more benign profile compared with epilepsy.