Serum zinc and iron levels in children with febrile seizures

Abstract

Objective To assess serum zinc and iron levels in children with febrile seizures (FS) and their relation to clinical findings. Background Zinc and iron deficiencies are assumed to be common in children with FS. Patients and methods This case–control study was conducted on 80 Egyptian children (from 6 months to 5 years old) attending the emergency room and pediatric departments. The children were divided into group I which included 20 patients with FS and group II which included 20 patients with afebrile seizures; group III included 20 febrile patients without seizures or history of previous seizures; and group IV included 20 clinically healthy children, age and sex matched. Detailed history, thorough physical examination, routine investigations, and serum iron and zinc levels were done. Results There were statistically significant differences between group I (children with FS, n = 20), group II (children with afebrile seizures, n = 20), group III (children with febrile illness, n = 20), group IV (healthy children, n = 20) regarding zinc and iron levels. The mean serum zinc levels were significantly low in group I than the other three groups (68.25 ± 11.2, 96.1 ± 6.05, 99.3 ± 6.38, 97.2 ± 6.58, respectively) (P = 0.001). Also, the mean serum iron levels were significantly low in group I than the other three groups (0.43 ± 0.20, 0.88 ± 0.12, 0.86 ± 0.13, 0.83 ± 0.15, respectively) (P = 0.001). Conclusion Children with FS had significantly low serum zinc and iron levels in comparison with afebrile seizures, febrile patients, and healthy children.