Determining Pro-oxidant Antioxidant Balance in Febrile Children With and Without Seizure: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Febrile seizures (FS) are common in children aged 6-60 months with fever (≥38°C).
• Oxidative stress is implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.
• The role of oxidative stress in FS requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in febrile children with and without febrile seizures.
• To assess the relationship between oxidative stress markers and the occurrence of febrile seizures.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted at Heshmatieh Hospital (March 2020-March 2021).
• Included 40 febrile children with FS and 40 febrile children without FS (temperature ≥38°C).
• Measured serum PAB levels using a specialized assay and expressed results in HK units.

Main Results:

• The FS group exhibited a significantly higher mean serum PAB level (180.43±9.28 HK units) compared to the febrile-only group (131.83±17.73 HK units) (P<0.05).
• This indicates a greater level of oxidative stress in children experiencing febrile seizures.
• Elevated PAB suggests an imbalance favoring pro-oxidants over antioxidants.

Conclusions:

• Children with febrile seizures demonstrate increased oxidative stress.
• Serum antioxidant status may play a role in determining seizure risk in febrile children.
• Further research into antioxidant therapies for preventing febrile seizures is warranted.