Association between iron-deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion in children

Abstract

Background and aim Previous studies reported that iron-deficiency could be a risk factor for febrile seizure (FS), as the latter is more common in children younger than 2 years, and iron-deficiency anemia is also common in children of the same age. Yet, the relationship between iron deficiency and FS is not yet determined, and that is why this study was suggested. The aim of this study was to assess the association between iron-deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion (FC). Patients and methods This study included 60 children aged 6 months to 5 years. These children were divided into three groups: a group of 20 patients with FC, a group of 20 patients with fever but without FC, and a group of 20 healthy children. Results The main findings of this study were that there was a higher incidence of FSs found among children who received formula feeding. Furthermore, children with FSs had the lowest level of hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and transferrin saturation values. However, iron-deficiency anemia was not associated with increased incidence of FCs. Conclusion It can be concluded that formula feeding, low hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and transferrin saturation are reinforcing factors for FSs.

Keywords

• febrile convulsion
• formula feeding
• iron-deficiency anemia