Correlation of iron deficiency anemia and events of febrile seizures among children aged 6 months to 5 years

Introduction: Simple febrile convulsion is the most common central nervous system disease seen in children. There are hypotheses that thresh hold of neuron excitation may be affected by iron deficiency anemia. Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in a child who is between six months and five years of age and has a temperature greater than 100.4ºF (38ºC). The majority of febrile seizures occur in children between 6 months to 3 years of age. The aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in a large cohort of children who are admitted to the paediatric ward. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 100 children those concerned parents who are willing to participate in the study at Sree Balaji medical college and hospital, Chennai. Children were categorized into 2 groups. Group, I control group (n=50) admitted with febrile illness (fever duration < 3 days) including respiratory infections or acute gastroenteritis but without seizures and without iron supplements. Group II case group (n=50) admitted with febrile illness (fever duration < 3 days) including respiratory infections or acute gastroenteritis but with seizures and with iron supplements. Both the genders are in taken for the study. Parameters such as height, weight, BMI, body temperature, Hb, MCV, serum ferritin were analyzed using standard techniques and results were analyzed accordingly. Results: The age group, height, and weight didn't show any specific variations which were found to less statically significant of p value<0.005. The mean hemoglobin level, MCV, MCH, serum ferritin level was found to be more in of Group I control group when compared to Group II case group of p-value <0.001**which was found to be more statically significant. Conclusion: Children with febrile seizures are almost twice as likely to have iron deficiency anemia as compared to children with febrile illness without seizures. Iron deficiency anemia can be regarded as a modifiable risk factor that predisposes to febrile seizures in children between 6 months to 5 years. Early detection and timely correction of iron deficiency may help in preventing simple febrile seizures in children of this age group.