Association between iron status and febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 6 years

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in young children, typically occurring in response to fever. Iron deficiency, a common nutritional deficiency, is known to impact neurodevelopment and may increase susceptibility to seizures. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 6 years. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Children Hospital Faisalabad from 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025  . The study included 150 children, with 75 cases (children with febrile seizures) and 75 controls (children with febrile illness but no seizures). Data were collected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and serum ferritin levels. Results: The study found a significantly higher prevalence of iron deficiency in the case group (45%) compared to the control group (22.7%) (p < 0.01). The odds of having iron deficiency were 2.7 times higher in children with febrile seizures (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.8). Conclusions: It is concluded that iron deficiency is significantly associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures in children. These findings suggest that iron deficiency may lower the seizure threshold, making children more susceptible to febrile seizures. Further research is needed to confirm this relationship and explore the potential benefits of iron supplementation as a preventive measure for febrile seizures.

Keywords: Febrile, Fever, Patients, Iron, Neuro-development, Threshold