The Association between Iron Deficiency and the First Episode of Febrile Seizure

Febrile seizure is the most common convulsive disorder in children. Different studies reported controversial results about the association between this disorder and iron deficiency. Based on these results and the relatively high prevalence of febrile seizure this study was organized to assess the relationship between febrile seizure and iron deficiency anemia.

This case control study was performed on 100 of admitted children because of febrile seizure (case group) and 100 of admitted children because of other reasons (control group) in Boo Ali Sina hospital, Sari, Iran in the year 2007-2008. The groups were matched in age and gender. Lab tests consisted of CBC, serum iron, TIBC, ferritin were done in each patient. Iron deficiency anemia was determined as a decrease in hemoglobin hematocrit more than 2 standard deviations than the normal average for their ages. The results were compared in two groups.

Mean age of patients in case group was 21.914.1 years and in control group was 20.111.8 years. The amount of serum iron in case group was 73.431.8 mg/dl and in control group was 49.815.7 mg/dl (p=0.000). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 42% in cases while it was 60% in controls. This difference was not statistically significant.

The incidence of febrile seizure was lower in the cases of iron deficiency anemia but the difference was not significant. So further study is suggested.