Serum zinc levels are low in children with simple febrile seizures compared with those in children with epileptic seizures and controls

Abstract

To investigate serum zinc levels in children with simple febrile and epileptic seizures and compare them with controls. A prospective, case-control study was conducted between July 2009 and September 2010 in Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai. Sixty-seven children (22 with epileptic seizures, 23 with simple febrile seizures and 22 controls) were enrolled. Serum zinc level was estimated using atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean (SD) serum zinc level in children with epileptic seizures, simple febrile seizures and controls were 969·8 (177·3), 638·1 (206·8) and 939·9 (258·4) ug/L, respectively (p<0·05). Serum zinc levels are lower in children with febrile seizures than in those with epileptic seizures and normal children. Zinc supplementation of children at risk of febrile seizures requires further study.