Comparative study of serum ferritin level in simple and complex febrile seizures in Government Tirunelveli Medical College

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Date
2019
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Educational Society for Excellence
Abstract
Background: Febrile seizures are one of the common reasons for emergency room visits in pediatric population affecting up to one in twenty children in various parts of the world. Though febrile seizures are commonly benign it is a source of major family distress and anxiety. Aim of the study: To compare serum ferritin level in simple and complex febrile seizures among children. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, Tirunelveli, from 2017-2018. All cases of febrile seizures which include both simple febrile and complex febrile seizures between the age group of 6 and 60 months were studied. Serum ferritin was estimated by the Ferritin-Turbilatex, by LAB KIT, CHEMEX, S.A. semi auto analyzer. Results: The mean average serum ferritin level in simple febrile seizures was 22.76. The mean average serum ferritin level in complex febrile seizures was 24.72. Hence, it was statistically significant that low serum ferritin is present in those with simple febrile seizures. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia was more frequent among children with febrile seizures than those with febrile illness alone. The result suggests that Iron deficiency anemia may be a risk factor for febrile seizures. Thus screening for IDA should be considered in children with febrile seizures. Fever can worsen the negative effect of iron deficiency anemia on the brain and a seizure can occur as a consequence. This suggests that iron-deficient children are more prone to febrile seizures.
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Keywords
Simple Seizures, Complex Febrile Seizures, Serum Ferritin Level, Iron Deficiency Anemia
Citation
Krishnamurthy C., Rukmani J., Fathima Syed Ali . Comparative study of serum ferritin level in simple and complex febrile seizures in Government Tirunelveli Medical College. International Archives of Integrated Medicine. 2019 Mar; 6(3): 13-17