Serum zinc status in febrile seizures

Abstract

Background Febrile seizures (FS) are the single most common type of seizures seen in children between 6 and 60 months of age. There has been a conflict about the role of zinc in FS. Aim The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any changes in serum zinc level in children with FS. Patients and methods This study included 100 infants and children aged between 6 and 60 months who were divided into two groups: group I included 50 patients with FS as a case group (study group) and group II included 50 patients with fever without seizures as a control group. Both groups were age and sex matched. Serum zinc level was estimated in all patients by colorimetric test kit. Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences, version 17. P value less than 0.05 was significant. Results FS levels were significantly reduced in case group when compared with control group (76.72±10.99 vs. 133.80±33.44 μg/dl, respectively). P value was less than 0.001. Conclusion Serum zinc level was significantly reduced among children with FS compared with febrile children without seizures. Zinc deficiency can be considered as a risk factor for FS and expected to have a role in the pathogenesis of FS.