The association between serum ferritin and febrile seizure in children

Background: Between the ages of 6 and 60 months, febrile seizures can happen when a child’s temperature is 38°C or higher, there is no infection in the central nervous system, and there is no metabolic imbalance. These seizures can happen in 2–5% of neurologically healthy infants and children. Iron deficiency has been postulated to reduce neurotransmitter function, thereby decreasing seizure threshold in children. Most studies conclude that iron deficiency anemia is common in febrile seizure patients, although some have found no significant association. Aims and Objectives: Investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and the occurrence of febrile seizures in children aged 6–60 months. Materials and Methods: The study population included 180 patients, 90 of whom had febrile seizures, and 90 controls without seizures. Hematological parameters, including complete blood count, mean corpuscular volume, mean hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, serum iron, plasma ferritin, and total iron binding capacity, were performed, along with a peripheral smear. Statistical analysis of laboratory results was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. Significance levels were denoted as P≤0.05. Results: Simple febrile seizures were the most common type in children. The serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in cases compared to controls (41.13±22.12 vs. 70.06±36.47 ng), P=0.0003. Children with febrile seizures had a higher proportion of microcytic hypochromic anemia (39/90), in contrast to controls (25/90); P=0.029. Conclusion: Plasma ferritin levels were significantly lower in cases compared to controls, suggesting that iron-deficient children are more prone to febrile seizures. Hence, children with febrile seizures should be investigated and treated for iron deficiency anemia.