Risk Factor For Febrile Seizures Research Articles

Risk Factors for Febrile Seizures in Children Under 5 at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Convulsion is most common neurological disorder finding in children having high grade fever.Factors affecting convulsions and prevention of febrile seizures are therefore of utmost importance. The aim of study was to study the risk factors associated with febrile seizures among under 5 children.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Pediatrics GS Medical College and HospitalPilakhuwa, a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. All children under 5years of age who had febrileconvulsions from March2022 to March2023 were included in the study.Results: In a total of 100 children in the study, 59 were boys (59%) and 41 were girls (41%). 59% of children were in the age group of 6months to 3 years. Mean age was 2.23 years (+_1.19years). 32% of children had positive family history. 80% children had simple and 20% children had complex seizures.Conclusions: Respiratory tract infection and acute gastroenteritis were two most common comorbidity. It was seen more in boys than in girls.

The protective effect of breastfeeding on febrile seizures: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Several potential risk factors have been identified in the etiopathogenesis of febrile seizures (FS), including the type and extent of breastfeeding (BF). Given the lack of conclusive data, this study aims to systematically evaluate the evidence on the association between BF and FS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted using descriptors for FS, BF, and formula feeding in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We included observational studies that compared the incidence of FS between those who had ever breastfed and those who were formula fed. The study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform under the number CRD42023474906. A total of 1,893,079 participants from 8 datasets were included. Our main analysis showed no significant association of any type of BF on the incidence of FS compared with formula-fed children (OR: 0.84; CI: 0.67-1.04; I2 = 78%; Cochran's Q = 0.0001), although meta-regression showed that BF was associated with a lower incidence of FS in preterm infants. Our secondary outcome showed a significantly reduced incidence of FS in children who received BF exclusively (OR: 0.80; CI: 0.65-0.99; I2 = 70%; Cochran's Q = 0.02). Conclusion: There was no significant reduction in the incidence of FS in those who were breastfed compared to formula feeding. However, our meta-regression analysis indicated an association between BF and a lower incidence of FS in preterm infants. Additionally, children who exclusively received BF had a significantly reduced incidence of FS. These findings should be further investigated in prospective cohorts. What is Known: • Breastfeeding can modify risk factors for febrile seizures, such as susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, micronutrient deficiencies, and low birth weight. •However, studies have shown conflicting results regarding the impact of breastfeeding on febrile seizures. What is New: •When comparing any breastfeeding pattern with no breastfeeding, there is no significant difference in the incidence of febrile seizures. •When comparing exclusive breastfeeding with no breastfeeding, there may be a decrease in the occurrence of febrile seizures.

Etiological and risk factors in recurrent febrile seizures: Insights through EEG analysis.

Febrile seizures, convulsive episodes in young children during febrile illnesses, are a significant concern due to their potential for recurrence and associated uncertainties. This study investigated the causes and risks associated with recurrent febrile seizures and the critical role of electroencephalogram (EEG) in their accurate diagnosis. Following Institutional Review Board approval and going through the consenting process with parents, this study gathered the clinical features and EEG recordings of children admitted with febrile seizures in the Department of Pediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation (SD), frequencies, and percentages, were computed to understand the data comprehensively. The Chi-Square test was employed to analyze the association between variables, with a significance level of 0.05, ensuring reliable and trustworthy findings. Out of 42 children studied, 28 (66.67%) presented with simple febrile seizures, with the mean time of occurrence of seizures from the onset of fever being 7.85 hours. Abnormal EEG was seen in 50% of children with complex febrile seizures and 16% with simple febrile seizures. Generalized epileptiform discharges were the most common epileptic activity observed. Low sodium levels had a significant relationship with febrile seizures in the analysis. This study emphasizes the importance of EEG in diagnosing febrile seizures, particularly in complex cases. Our findings suggest that low sodium levels may be a significant risk factor for febrile seizures. Further research is necessary to identify other preventable risk factors to reduce the burden of the medical condition.

Febrile seizures in pediatric practice: Risk factors, clinical manifestations, and intensive therapy

Introduction. Febrile seizures (FS) is the most common type of epileptic seizure experienced by young children. Study of methods of intensive treatment (IT) of FS represents a vital area of research in today’s pediatric science. The aim of this work: to assess the current approaches to risk factors, clinical manifestations and emergency care for patients with FS in pediatric practice. Materials and methods. The authors performed an analysis of publications that were found in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, eLibrary.ru, and Medscape databases using the following search terms: febrile seizures, children and adolescents, intensive treatment, anticonvulsants. A total of 64 published sources were chosen for review. Results and Discussion. The risk factors for FS may be numerous, with the main etiological causes in children being genetic susceptibility, viral infections and vaccination. The clinical presentation of FS is characterized by the development of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in the setting of a high body temperature (≥39°C). FS are subdivided into three main clinical types: simple, complex and febrile status epilepticus (FSE). History taking and physical examination represent the main diagnostic means for determining the type of FS and discovering the cause of infection. Laboratory tests, electroencephalography, neuroimaging studies and lumbar puncture are used on a limited basis, mainly in children with complicated FS accompanied by a brain infection. Hospitalization for IT is necessary if the child has prolonged febrile seizures or FSE. The drugs of choice for relieving FS are benzodiazepines. Barbituric acid derivatives and valproic acid also possess therapeutic efficacy against FS. Antipyretic agents are effective only in relieving the toxic syndrome, but have no effect on the severity of FS and do not prevent relapses. The main antipyretic medications used for treatment of FS in pediatric practice are paracetamol, ibuprofen and nimesulide. Besides benzodiazepines, IT of FSE involves the use of intravenous fosphenytoin, phenobarbital or levetiracetam. Conclusion. Improvement of the quality of IT in pediatric practice may improve the therapeutic prognosis in patients with FS and bring down complication and mortality rates.

Frequency and risk factors for febrile seizures during COVID-19 pandemic waves: an observational study.

Febrile seizures (FS) are well-known manifestations of viral illnesses. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and factors associated with FS among pediatric patients with COVID-19 admitted to the National Isolation Centre in Brunei Darussalam. All pediatric patients (< 12years) during the first (n = 12), second (n = 418), and third (n = 219) waves were included in the study. In Brunei, the first, second, and third waves were caused by the original SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron variants, respectively. Data was extracted from a prospective database and the national electronic health record system. Patients with and without FS were compared to identify any significant risk factors. FS were only encountered in the third wave (n = 29, 13%) giving an overall prevalence of 4.5%; 24 (83%) occurring in the typical age group for FS (≥ 6months to < 6years). Five cases (17%) occurred in children 6years and older. Comparing patients in the third wave, univariate analyses showed typical age group, previous history of FS, family history of FS, higher temperature (> 38.6°C), and fewer symptoms on presentation (3 or less) were associated with FS. On multivariate analyses, typical age group, family history of FS, and fewer reported symptoms remained significant (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of FS in COVID-19 patients is comparable to rates reported. However, in Brunei Darussalam, FS only occurred in the third wave that has been associated with Omicron variant. Younger age group, family history of FS, and fewer symptoms on presentation are correlated with risk of FS. What is Known: • Viral infections are the most common cause of FS in children. •Young age and a personal and family history of FS are correlated with the risk of FS. What is New: • There were high rates of FS (13%) among pediatric patients admitted with COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant but not with the original and Delta variants. • FS with COVID-19 were correlated with reporting fewer symptoms on presentation.

A study of association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures

Background: Seizure disorder is a common neurologic condition that affects 10% of kids. Febrile seizures are common in children between the ages of three months and five, with risk factors including genetics, age, gender, fever, type and duration of seizures, family and developmental history, multiple seizures, perinatal exposure to anti-retroviral medications, and pre-existing neurologic abnormalities. Risk factors include fever-induced substances, endogenous pyrogens, the cytokine network, iron deficiency, mutations associated with the Dravet syndrome, family history, high temperature, neonatal discharge, creche attendance, maternal alcohol consumption, smoking during pregnancy, and short time interval between onset of fever and first seizure. Methods: The hospital's ethical committee granted permission to proceed, and children hospitalised for other reasons were included in the control group. Blood indices and serum ferritin were compared between case and control groups, and statistical tools were used to evaluate differences. Serum ferritin levels should be between 30 and 300 ng/ml in men and 15 to 0 ng/ml in women, and a low serum ferritin level denotes an iron insufficiency. Results: The majority of febrile seizures were simple, with 6 (20%) having a family history. The case and control groups showed a correlation in temperature, haemoglobin levels, corpuscular volume, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin levels. Six (20%) had low serum ferritin levels of less than 30 micrograms per liter, compared to 0.03% of controls. Conclusions: Iron deficiency is a significant risk factor for febrile seizures, with serum ferritin and red blood cell indices showing lower levels than controls.

THE STUDY OF FEBRILE SEIZURES IN CHILDREN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA

Background: Febrile seizures occur in 2% to 5% of neurologically healthy children. It is estimated that 30% of the global population suffers from iron deciency anaemia. Considering the high prevalence of iron deciency in children under 5 years and conicting results from previous studies, we planned this research to study the role of iron deciency as a risk factor for febrile seizures in children. Methods:AHospital-based case-control study was conducted at, GANNAVARAM from April 2021 to September 2022. Atotal of 100 infants and children aged between 6 months to 5 years were included in the present study and are further divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Estimation of haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin was done. Results:In the present study 48% cases and 44% controls were in the age group in 12 to 23 months. There were 29 males among cases and 27 males among controls. Among cases 20 females were present as compared to 23 females in control group. There were 38 cases who had rst febrile seizure and 12 cases had past history of febrile seizure. There were 29 cases with hemoglobin less than 10.5 gm% and 14 controls with hemoglobin less than 10.5 gm% in the age group 6 months to 23 months. Hemoglobin was more than 10.5 gm% among 10 cases and 20 among controls. Among the age group 2years and above 7 case and 4 controls had hemoglobin less than 11.5 gm% and 13 controls had hemoglobin more than 11.5 gm%. 29 cases had MCVless than 70 and 15 in control group had MCVless than 70. 32 cases had MCH less than 25 and 18 cases had MCH more than 25. Conclusion: Iron deciency, common in the age group of less than 5 years, is a risk factor for febrile seizure. Early detection and timely correction of iron deciency may be helpful for the prevention of febrile seizures in children of this age group

Association between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Febrile Convulsions in Paediatric Patients: A Prospective Case Control Study

Background: Febrile seizure is among the most common convulsion disorders in children, in the first five years of life.&#x0D; &#x0D; It affects about 2% to 5% of all children between 6 to 60 months of age; coinciding with the peak age of incidence of Iron deficiency anemia.&#x0D; Some of the recent studies have reported that iron deficiency could be a risk factor for febrile seizure because febrile seizure is more common in children under two years and iron deficiency anemia is also common in children of the same age.&#x0D; Due to the presence of iron in the hemoglobin structure, it plays a crucial role in the transport of oxygen to different tissues such as the brain.&#x0D; Iron deficiency reduces the metabolism of some neurotransmitters.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: This study aims to determine the association between iron status and febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 60 months of age.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we evaluated 50 children aged 6 to 60months in two 25 persons group.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cases consisted of 25 children with diagnosis of febrile seizures and controls group consisted of 25 children with febrile illness without convulsions, who were admitted at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Paediatric wards at Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad from November 2020 to April 2022.&#x0D; Both groups were reviewed to determine the iron status using Hemoglobin concentration, Mean corpuscular volume, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and serum transferrin to make the diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The 2 groups were compared and no significant difference was found with regards to age, gender and disease causing the febrile illness.&#x0D; &#x0D; Iron deficiency anemia was found in 48% (12 children) of the cases and 20% (5 children) of the controls group.&#x0D; This indicates a statistically significant association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is more frequent among children with febrile seizures than with febrile illness alone.

Iron deficiency as risk factor for febrile convulsion and the association of iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion

Background: Febrile seizure occurs in 2–5% of neurologically healthy infants and children. The recurrence of febrile seizures is 30% after single episode, 50% after 2 or more episodes, and 50% when febrile seizures occur in infants. Their incidence of febrile seizures in India is 10–17% which is higher than in developed countries (2–7%). Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate iron deficiency (ID) as a risk factor for febrile convulsion and the association of ID anemia with febrile convulsions. Materials and Methods: This was an observational case–control study conducted in tertiary care center in central India between December 2019 and June 2021. All patients with febrile seizures taken as cases and control from similar age group with febrile illness. Body temperature of children in both the groups was measured and recorded. The blood tests of complete blood count, serum iron, and TIBC were performed. Results: In the present study, mean age was 2.33 years in case and mean age was 2.204 years in control. The mean hemoglobin levels were 8.25±1 g/dL in the febrile seizure case group and 9.86±1.49 g/dL in the control group; and their statistical difference was significant. Serum ferritin values was significantly lower among cases group than the control group. The average of MCV, MCH, and MCHC for the case group was less than that of the control group. The present study also demonstrates an association between ID and febrile seizures. Thus, ID is one of the possible risk factors for febrile seizures. Conclusion: The present study showed that hemoglobin, MCV, serum ferritin, and serum iron levels are significantly lower in children suffering from febrile seizures, suggesting that a low iron status has an important role in children with febrile seizures. Thus, ID is predictor for febrile convulsion.

Association of Serum Calcium and Magnesium Level with Febrile Seizure

Background: Febrile seizures occur in 2 to 5% of all children with a recurrence rate of 30 to 40%. Calcium and magnesium is closely related to pathophysiology of seizures and aim of this study was to find out the association of serum calcium and magnesium level with febrile seizure.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted among One hundred (100) subjects of both sexes with age range 6 months to 60 months in department of pediatrics from June 2019 to May 2020. The subjects were grouped into case (group A) and control (group B) by purposive sampling who were seeking fever with convulsion (group A) and fever without convulsion (group B). Statistical analyses were performed by Chi-square test and/or Fisher’s exact test as applicable for comparing qualitative variables and for quantitative variables using unpaired t-test and/or Mann-Whitney U test for comparing between the groups. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test was done to observe the correlation between low calcium and Magnesium level in febrile seizure. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered as significant for all analytical tests.&#x0D; Results: Hypocalcaemia were more in 25-36 months of age and hypomagnesaemia 37-48 months in febrile seizure Hypomagnesaemia were more in patients who had previous febrile seizure (1.89 ± 0.73 mg/dl, p- value 0.045). Association and positive correlation were found between serum calcium and serum magnesium with febrile seizure. Multivariate logistic regression showed hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia are independent risk factor for febrile seizures where hypocalcaemia OR=2.144 and hypomagnesaemia OR 1.2.&#x0D; Conclusion: Association and positive correlation were found between serum calcium and serum magnesium with febrile seizure and more in recurrent febrile seizure.&#x0D; Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2022; 30: 14-22

Serum hypomagnesemia is associated with febrile seizures in young children.

Febrile seizures (FS) frequently manifest in children below 5 years of age. Although the exact etiology is still unknown, genetic predisposition, changes in neurotransmitter levels, and serum electrolyte imbalance are some of the known risk factors. This study examined the possible association between serum magnesium levels in children with FS compared to febrile children without seizures. A retrospective case-control study was conducted from February 2019 to January 2021, recruiting 230 age and gender-matched cases and controls (115 each). Extracted data were analyzed using SPSS using an independent student's t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. The mean serum magnesium levels were 0.93 ± 0.129 vs 0.97 ± 0.0961; p < 0.001, between cases and controls respectively. Similarly, hypomagnesemia (<0.85 mmol/L) was detected in 26.1% and 8.7% of the cases and controls, respectively; p < 0.001. A significant negative correlation was found between serum magnesium levels and the occurrence of febrile seizures; r = [-0.169], p < 0.05. Serum magnesium was significantly low in febrile children with seizures compared to those without, and hypomagnesemia was associated with the occurrence of febrile seizures. These results portray hypomagnesemia as a possible risk factor for febrile seizure, and so should be validated in future large cohort studies so that guidelines are set for proper management of these children.

Association of Serum Zinc Level with Febrile Seizures in Children

Introduction: Febrile seizure (FS), previously known as febrile convulsion, is the most common seizure in children. FS usually occurs between six months and five years of age.&#x0D; Aims and objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the association of serum zinc level with febrile seizures in children of Pakistan.&#x0D; Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore during June 2020 to January 2021. The data was collected from 164 patients of both genders.&#x0D; Results: The data was collected from 164 patients. In the case group, 46 children were male (53.3%), and 36 children (46.7%) were female. In the control group 44 children were male (43.3%) and 38 children were female (56.7%). The age of all participants was between one months and six years.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that low serum zinc levels are fairly un-sufficient to support the hypothesis that Zinc deficiency could not be a potential risk factor for febrile seizure in children.

Risk Factors for Febrile Seizures in Children Aged 6 – 59 Months in Surabaya, East Java

Background: Febrile seizures are common in children under 5 years of age. Parents are concerned when their children have seizures; therefore, it is necessary to provide promotive and preventive education regarding the risk factors for febrile seizures so that parents are more prepared. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for febrile seizures in children. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 170 children. Sampling was carried out by purposive sampling on inpatients and/or outpatients at the Pediatric Department Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital Surabaya during May 2019-July 2020. Secondary data for children with fever were retrieved from medical records, with seizures (n85) and without seizures (n85) as a control group. Furthermore, data on temperature, age, birth weight, and history of asphyxia were analyzed and compared, using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: There was a significant difference between the case and control groups regarding the history of asphyxia and the occurrence of febrile seizures (p=0.002; OR=26.39; and 95% CI 1.52-455.62). There was no significant difference between the risk factors for high temperature (p=0.12), age (p=0.52), or birth weight (p=0.37) with the occurrence of febrile seizures. Conclusions: A history of asphyxia in children under five years is a risk factor for febrile seizures. Appropriate education from health professionals can help parents improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in dealing with febrile seizures and their risk factors.

Association of Iron Deficiency Anemia with Febrile Seizure in Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Febrile seizure is the most common cause of seizure in children. Iron deficiency, by lowering seizure threshold, is proposed to be one of the risk factors for febrile seizure. Many studies have been done to determine the association of iron deficiency anemia with febrile seizure but the results are controversial. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the association of iron deficiency anemia with febrile seizure in Nepalese children. A prospective age and sex matched case control study was performed in 68 cases of febrile seizures and 68 controls of febrile illness without seizure after calculating the sample size. The study was conducted from October 21, 2019 to October 20, 2020 in Pediatric ward and intensive care unit of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal after obtaining ethical clearance from institutional review committee. Data entry was done in statistical packages for the social science version 20. Mean of haematological parameters (haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume) as well as mean of serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation were significantly less and total iron binding capacity was significantly high in cases as compared to controls (P <0.05). Iron deficiency anemia was significantly associated with cases (59.7%), with odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval =1.24 - 5.01) as compared to control (40.3%) (P <0.05). Iron deficiency anemia may be considered one of the risk factors for febrile seizure in children. Hence, Children with febrile seizure should be investigated and treated for Iron deficiency anemia.

Comparative Study of Serum Potassium Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures and Febrile Children without Seizures

Background Febrile Seizure is considered as one of the most common seizure disorders during childhood. The purpose of this study is to compare serum potassium levels in children with febrile seizures and febrile children without seizures. Materials and Methods In this case study, 320 children admitted to Ghaem Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) aged six to 60 months were selected. In the case group, there were 160 children with febrile seizures, and in the control group, there were 160 febrile children without seizures. Potassium serum levels at the time of hospitalization as well as age, gender, duration and cause of fever, duration of hospital stay, and family history of seizures in both groups were investigated and compared. Results Potassium serum levels were significantly higher in children with seizures than in those without seizures (P=0.007). Among children with seizures, those with complex seizures had significantly higher potassium levels (P=0.024). The binary regression test showed that the level of potassium was a risk factor for febrile seizures (P = 0.025). Conclusion Based on the results, higher potassium serum levels can be a risk factor in febrile seizure.

The association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures

Background: Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in children between 6 months and 60 months of age , with body temperature of 38ºC or higher not resulting from Central Nervous System (CNS) infection or any metabolic imbalance without any prior afebrile seizures. Among many risk factors identified for febrile seizures, iron deficiency is hypothesized to be one of the risk factor for occurrence of febrile seizures.Methods: A total of 100 children aged between 6 months to 5 years were included in the present study and were further divided into 2 groups of 50 each, as cases and controls. Control group consisted of age and gender matched children admitted with acute febrile illness without seizures. A detailed history was taken and clinical examination was done in both cases and controls with particular attention to development delay and family history of seizure. Complete haemogram, iron profile and other appropriate investigations were done in both the groups and results were compared.Results: The mean age of onset of febrile seizures was 32 months. There was slightly male predominance, with male: female ratio of 1.27:1. Majority of children with febrile seizures were found to have iron deficiency anemia as opposed to children in control group which was statistically significant. (76% vs 28%), p-value&lt;0.001. All the indices of iron deficiency anemia, like haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, serum iron, serum ferritin were low in febrile seizures group compared to control group. The difference was found to be statistically significant (p-value&lt;0.001).Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was more frequent among children with febrile seizures. The result suggests that IDA may be a risk factor for febrile seizures. Early detection and timely correction of iron deficiency may be of help for prevention of recurrence of febrile seizures in children of this age group.

The first febrile seizure; predisposing factors and recurrence rate.

ObjectiveFebrile seizure is the most common worrisome neurologic disorder in children in terms of parental point of view. The purpose of this study was to answer distressing parents’ questions about the prevalence and possibility of febrile seizure recurrence.Materials & Methods140 patients who were admitted due to the first febrile seizure in the six months (March up to September) of the year 2015 were enrolled to this study. Exclusion criteria include central nervous system infection, non-confirmed febrile seizure and lack of parental acceptance forlong-term inclusion in this study. All children were followed in terms of second febrile seizure during one year follow-up from the time of first febrile seizure. (3 sentences were deleted).ResultsRecurrence of febrile seizure was 25.7 % during one-year follow-up. Significant risk factors for recurrence include: age less than one year old, male gender, seizure with low level of fever, family history of epilepsy, family history of febrile seizure, complex febrile seizure (focal and repeated in 24 hours), seizure duration more than 15 minutes and parental indifference to the onset of fever in their children before seizure occurrence. Although duration of fever before seizure, failureto thrive, positive history of admission in neonatal period, dystocia at birth delivery and children with day care staying were associated with greater febrile seizure recurrence; but, they did not have significant relationship with recurrence rate. Prophylaxis with benzodiazepine reduced the recurrence rateConclusionChance of febrile seizure recurrence in one-year follow-up increased in presence of risk factors expressed in finding part. Parental indifference to the onset of fever in their children that is starting before seizure was a considerable risk factor in terms of recurrence prevalence. We recommended to emphasis on parental education about this new finding as a risk factor for febrile seizure in order to prevent its future recurrence.

The Association Between Iron Deficiency and Febrile Seizures in Children Below 5 Years

Background: Febrile seizures are prevalent in children aged between 6 months and 5 years with an incidence of 2-5%. Iron deficiency is the most common hematologic disease of infancy and childhood with a period of incidence that coincides with the time of febrile seizures. Although the most common manifestation of iron deficiency is anemia, it is frequently the source of a neurologic disorders in pediatrics, including developmental delay, seizure, stroke, breath-holding episodes, pseudo tumor cerebri, and cranial nerve palsies. Objective: To investigate the association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures. Methods: Two groups (80 for each) of 6 months to 5 years old febrile children were subjected to the study between 1st of Oct. 2017 to 1st of Oct. 2018. The first group, cases, included children with febrile seizures admitted to the Pediatric Ward in Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City, whereas the control group, included febrile children, visited the hospital during the same period for febrile illness. History was taken, physical examination was done. Blood count indices, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and serum ferritin were estimated. Lumber puncture was done in some of the patients. Statistical Analysis was done using t-test and Chi-square test (x2), P-value was considered significant if less than 0.05. Percentages and Odds ratio were estimated. A prevalence of 20-25% among cases is considered clinically relevant. Results: Both groups were comparable for age and gender (17.5±8.81) and (17.6±8.54) months, male: female ratio was (1.75:1 and 1.2:1). Family history of febrile seizure were seen in 25% and 13.75% respectively. Simple febrile seizure was found in (72.5%). The blood indices were lower in patients than the control group and statistically have significant difference in hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, serum iron and serum ferritin level with a P-value less than 0.05. A total of 36 (45%) of the cases had iron deficiency, compared to 12 (15 %) of control respectively with P-value less than 0.05. Conclusion: Iron deficiency was more frequent among children with febrile seizure than those with febrile illness alone. The results suggest that iron deficiency may be a risk factor for febrile seizure. Keywords: Febrile seizure, infants, children, iron deficiency anemia Citation: Shaheed AH, Abbas SA. The association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in children below 5 years. Iraqi JMS. 2020; 18(2): 110-116. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.18.2.4

Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Risk Factor for First Febrile Seizures a Case Control Study

Background: Febrile seizures in children are a common problem. Iron deficiency anaemia is known, among other contributing factors, to be an aggravating factor in febrile seizures. Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition that can be avoided and managed. The study goal was to identify iron deficiency anaemia as a trigger factor for febrile seizures (FS). To determine the association between Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and the first episode of febrile seizures (FFS). Subjects and Methods: Investigation like hemoglobin, blood indices (MCV, MCH), and serum iron and serum ferritin are done for detection of iron deficiency anaemia and their relationship with the first episode of febrile seizure was observed. Results: In our study comprising 50 cases and 50 controls, 58% (29) of cases were diagnosed as IDA with FS, 18% (9) of controls were diagnosed as IDA with Febrile Illness (FI). This suggests IDA as a risk factor for febrile seizures with a significant P value of &lt;0.001. Among 50 cases 42% (21) cases have FS without IDA and among 50 controls 82% (41) controls have FI without IDA were present in the current study. Conclusion: IDA was more common in children with FS than in those with febrile illness (FI) disease alone. The result suggests that the IDA can be a contributing factor to the FFS. Screening of IDA of children with FFS should be regarded. Fever can worsen the negative effects of anaemia or iron deficiency on the brain, which can lead to seizures.

Association between iron deficiency anaemia and simple febrile seizure in South Indian rural population

Background: Simple febrile seizure is a common problem worldwide, many studies have investigated the etiology and natural history of febrile seizures and evaluated various management strategies, but very little information is available about iron deficiency as a risk factor. Hence, we aimed to determine the association between iron deficiency anaemia and simple febrile seizures in south Indian rural population. Methods: It is an observational study done in paediatrics department at Sri Venkateshwaraa medical college hospital and research centre. A total 120 (60 cases and 60 control) were included in the study. Children with febrile seizures and controls were included fever without seizures. Informed consent was taken from parents of each child. Children were divided into two groups, cases and controls. Serum ferritin level, Hb, HCT and MCV levels were assessed.Results: Mean Hb level in cases and controls were 9.1±1.2 and 12.7±1.7 mg/dl respectively. Mean MCV value in cases and controls was 78.1±6.2 and 81.4±6.9 respectively. Mean serum iron level in cases was 29.9±4.9 and in controls mean serum iron level was 42.8±7.4. Conclusions: Iron deficiency anaemia is considered as a risk factor for febrile seizures in children.