A CROSS SECTIONAL CASE CONTROL STUDY ON ROLE OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN FEBRILE SEIZURES -

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common convulsive disorder in children aged 6–60 months. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has been proposed as a potential risk factor, yet the precise relationship remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the role of IDA in FS by comparing haematological parameters between children with and without febrile seizures.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 100 children (6–60 months). Group I (n=50) comprised children with febrile seizures and Group II (n=50) comprised febrile children without seizures. Haematological parameters — Haemoglobin (Hb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), and Serum Ferritin — were compared between the two groups. Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Anaemia (Hb <11 g/dL) was present in 76% of Group I vs. 44% of Group II (p=0.001, OR=3.97). Low MCV (<70 fL) was found in 64% vs. 38% (p=0.009, OR=2.86). Low MCH (<27 pg) was present in 84% vs. 64% (p=0.02, OR=2.92). Serum ferritin <30 ng/mL was found in 68% vs. 24% (p=0.00001, OR=6.58). No statistically significant association was found between IDA parameters and seizure recurrence.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia is a significant and potentially modifiable risk factor for febrile seizures in children. Early detection and timely correction of IDA may help prevent febrile seizures in this age group. Routine screening for IDA is recommended in all children presenting with febrile seizures.