Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To evaluate the association between iron deficiency anaemia and the occurrence of the first episode of febrile seizure. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics. Cases (n=50) were patients with typical febrile convulsions between 1 year to 5 years. A control group (n=50) was selected from age and sex matched children admitted with febrile illness but without a seizure. Hematological investigations include Haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, RDW, Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, TIBC and Peripheral blood smear. Results: 86% children had Hb <11 gm/dl from the case group as compared to 26% in control group with significant p-value (p <0.01). The proportion of cases with anemia was significantly higher as compared to that of controls (p=0.02). mean hemoglobin level and MCV in cases were significantly lower as compared to that in controls (P=0.03). RDW value is significantly higher in cases as compared to control (P=0.03). No significant difference between the two groups was observed with respect to mean MCH levels (P=0.07). Serum ferritin and serum iron levels in cases were significantly lower as compared to that in controls (P =0.01). TIBC value is significantly higher in cases as compared to control (P =0.01). Conclusion: The results indicate that a significant proportion of children who have febrile seizures exhibit iron-deficiency anaemia and low levels of blood iron. The coexistence of low blood iron levels and anaemia might potentially contribute to the exacerbation of febrile seizures in paediatric patients.