Publication:

Association between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile seizures in children aged 1–5 years: a case-control study

Background Febrile seizures (FS) constitute the most prevalent seizure disorder in early childhood. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has been hypothesised as a modifiable neurobiological risk factor for FS, potentially mediated through altered dopaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. This study assesses the association between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile seizures in children aged 1–5 years.

Methods A prospective case-control study enrolled 50 children (25 cases with febrile seizures; 25 controls with febrile illness without seizures) aged 1–5 years at Al Ameen Medical College Hospital, Vijayapura. Haematological parameters including haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were assessed. IDA was defined as Hb <11 g/dl with supportive red cell indices.

Results Mean Hb was significantly lower in cases (9.2±1.4 g/dl) than in controls (10.6±1.2 g/dl) (p <0.01). IDA (Hb <11 g/dl) was present in 68% of cases versus 40% of controls. Moderate anaemia was more frequent among cases (56%) than controls (20%). MCV <70 fl was detected in 44% of cases and 32% of controls. MCH <27 pg was present in 20% of cases compared to 8% of controls. The overall association between IDA and febrile seizures was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion Iron deficiency anaemia is significantly more prevalent among children with febrile seizures compared to febrile controls. Routine haematological screening for IDA in febrile young children may facilitate early identification and intervention to potentially reduce seizure recurrence risk.