Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Probable Risk Factor for First Episode of Simple Febrile Seizure

Abstract

Objective: To study the role of iron deficiency as a risk factor for Simple febrile seizure. Methods: This case-control study evaluated 50 children aged 6-60 months with first episode of simple febrile seizure (cases) and 50 age and sex matched children with febrile illness but without convulsion (controls) from the Pediatric ward of a peripheral state medical college& hospital. Iron deficiency anemia was assessed in all participants by measuring Hemoglobin concentration (Hb %), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and serum ferritin level. Results: The mean serum ferritin level (µg/L) was significantly lower in cases (24.81±9.04) as compared to controls(47.29±8.33) with P<0.001; patients with febrile seizure were 6.303 times more likely to have iron deficiency anemia compared to controls. Conclusions: Findings suggest that a considerable percentage of children having first episode of simple febrile seizure suffer from iron-deficiency anemia and it can serve as a reinforcing factor for the febrile seizure in children.