English

Abstract

Febrile seizures are the most common cause of convulsions in children and a frequent cause of emergency hospital admissions. Indian studies suggested that up to 10% of children experience a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are defined as an event in infancy or childhood usually occurring between 6 months to 6 years of age associated with fever but without evidence of intracranial infection or defined cause. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of low serum zinc level in children presenting with febrile seizures at tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. METHOD: This is an observational cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, tertiary care hospital, Bangalore, from January 2013 to January 2014. Children (6 months to 6 years of age) presenting with febrile seizures who satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Cause of fever was determined after detailed history, physical examination and relevant investigations. Three milliliters centrifuged blood sample was preserved in acid washed test tube. Separated serum was used to measure serum zinc level by calorimetric method. RESULTS: Out of 100 children enrolled, male to female ratio was 1.4:1, 56% of children were below the age of 2 years with mean age of the children was 24 months. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most frequent cause of fever apparent in 70 children (70%), followed by dengue fever 11 children (11%), acute gastroenteritis 6 (6%), urinary tract infection and otitis media in 4 children each (8%), Viral fever in 5 child (5%). Frequency of low serum zinc level was 62% in children with febrile seizures. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is positive correlation between low serum zinc levels and febrile convulsions.