Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms in children with febrile convulsions

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study the possible contribution of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene polymorphisms to the susceptibility of febrile convulsions.BackgroundFebrile seizures (FSs) are considered the most common seizure disorder in childhood. They are considered a major cause of emergency department visits and a source of family anxiety. FSs of children involve an interaction between the immune-inflammatory process, cytokine activation, and genetic factors.Patients and methodsThis was a case–control study and included 55 children diagnosed to have febrile convulsions and 28 healthy children with no history of any type of convulsions or any neurological disorders. IL-1Ra gene polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR and compared in both groups.ResultsThe most common genotype for the IL-1Ra gene in both groups was I/I. The IL-1Ra I/I homozygote was significantly more frequent in patients with FSs than in healthy controls (76.4 vs. 46.3%, P = 0.01). In addition, IL-1Ra I/II genotype was significantly associated with resistance to FSs (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the studied groups regarding the distribution of other genotypes of IL-Ra gene. IL-1Ra allele I is associated with higher susceptibility to FSs among members of the case group (P = 0.03). However, IL-1Ra allele II is associated with resistance to FSs among the healthy control group (P = 0.01).ConclusionIL-1Ra I/I homozygous genotype is significantly associated with febrile convulsions.