Study on Association between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Febrile Seizures in Childhood

INTRODUCTION Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures, occurring in 2 to 5 % of children. The peak incidence is at the age of approximately 18 months, with recurrent episodes occurring in one third of patients. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder affecting at least one third of worlds especially between 6 and 24 months, this study was taken up to determine the association between febrile seizures and Iron deficiency as defined by the hematological parameters, which is a very important investigation in a resource limited country like India. AIMS Prospective study to determine the association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures in the age group 6 to 60 months. METHODS AND MATERIALS study design Case control study. Study period 7 months period from March 2014 to September 2014 Children of age group 6 months to 60 months presenting with febrile seizures to the pediatric emergency department and wards of the hospital were included RESULTS 80 % of the study population within seizure group was between 6 months and 36 months. There was no significant gender predisposition for febrile seizures, and both genders were affected more or less in equal proportion. Family history of febrile seizures was a significant non modifiable risk factor in the seizure group.21.4 % of seizure group had a family history of febrile seizures in first degree relatives. There was a significant difference in the value of Hb, MCH, serum iron, TIBC and RDW among the seizure group as compared to control group. There was a mean difference of 5 % of MCV between the seizure group and controls, which was not statistically significant in the study. CONCLUSION Hematological parameters have been demonstrated to be sensitive and specific in children, and stable in the presence of febrile illness. Complete Blood count, being a simple and feasible investigation, can be used to screen individuals with iron deficiency in simple febrile seizures, for making a decision to start iron supplementation.