CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN FEBRILE SEIZURES

BACKGROUNDFebrile Seizure (FS) is the most common type of childhood seizure, which occurs in 2-5% of neurologically-healthy children between 6 months to 5 years.The exact cause for febrile convulsion is not known, but genetic and environmental factors have influence on its occurrence.Iron deficiency is postulated as a risk factor for febrile seizures in children and it is an easily correctable condition.We therefore studied the association between iron deficiencies in simple febrile seizures. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis case-control study was done in the Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital and medical college.Ethical clearance was obtained for the study from the institutional ethical committee. RESULTSHb, Red Cell Width (RDW) and serum ferritin are significantly among cases and controls.Analysis shows there were 9 cases of recurrent febrile seizures among all cases of seizures.Among these, 2 were having onset earlier than 12 months while remaining 7 had onset between 12-18 months. CONCLUSIONWe report iron deficiency as a modifiable risk factor for febrile seizures in Indian children of age group 6 months to 5 years.Early detection and timely correction of iron deficiency maybe helpful for prevention of simple febrile seizures in children of this age group.