Prospective case control study of iron deficiency and the risk of febrile seizures in children in South Korea

Abstract

Background Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in the first 5 years of life, and many factors that increase seizure risk have been identified. This study was performed to examine the association between iron status and febrile seizures in children in South Korea. Methods A prospective unmatched case control study was performed in 63 cases of febrile seizures and 65 controls with febrile illness but no seizures. Results Serum iron, plasma ferritin, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower in children with febrile seizures compared to the controls. Iron deficiency, defined as ferritin < 30 ng/mL, was more prevalent in the febrile seizure group (49.2%) than in the control group (16.9%). Serum iron < 22 ng/dL (odds ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–8.9, P = 0.012) and ferritin < 30 ng/mL (odds ratio 6.18, 95% CI 2.32–16.42, P < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of developing febrile seizures in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion These observations suggest that iron deficiency prior to development of anemia may increase risk of febrile seizures.

The association of iron deficiency anaemia with simple febrile seizures in children less than 5 years age: A single centre, prospective, case-control study

“…Additionally, Sharawat et al observed that RBC indices showed statistically significant lower mean Hb, MCV, and MCH and higher RDW values in cases compared to controls 35 . However, contrary to the findings of this study, Jang et al, observed no significant difference between the groups in terms of CBC parameters (all p-values >0.05) 22 . This could be due to low prevalence of IDA and improved nutritional status amongst South Korean children.…”

“…This could be due to low prevalence of IDA and improved nutritional status amongst South Korean children. The findings of this study are in accordance with Jang et al who observed a significantly increased TIBC and significantly lower SI levels in cases, as compared to controls 22 . Sharif et al observed a significant difference between cases and controls in the mean SI (p-value = 0.028) and TIBC (p = 0.0001).…”

“…Similarly, Nasehi et al had reported an increased incidence of FS in children with IDA (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03-1.56) 20 . Similar to this study, Aziz et al 21 and Jang et al 22 performed case control studies in which cases and control were matched for age and gender. However, the latter study reported that the majority of the patients were female.…”

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children Residing in High and Low-Income Countries: Risk Factors, Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy

“… 12 , 13 Febrile seizures, breath-holding spells, and restless leg syndrome have also been shown to be much more prevalent in people with iron deficiency. 14 – 16 In adolescent and young adult females, isolated iron deficiency is associated with fatigue and cold intolerance that is relieved with appropriate oral iron therapy. 17 …”

Iron Deficiency Association as A Possible Cause of First Febrile Seizure

“…Iron deficiency anemia is common in children in third world countries 1 . Almost one in three children suffers from iron deficiency (ID) due to poverty, lack of iron-rich foods, malabsorption or worm infestation.…”