Iron deficiency anemia as a risk factor for simple febrile seizures: myth or reality?

Abstract

Simple febrile seizure is a common childhood occurrence. It has been reported that there can be an association between underlying iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and simple febrile seizure. Iron deficiency anemia is a treatable micronutrient deficiency that can be easily overcome by simple management. This study, therefore, aims to investigate iron deficiency anemia as a risk factor for a simple febrile seizure. Methods: This case-control study is based on a sample size of 120 in total (60 cases and 60 controls). Quantitate and qualitative variables were the same for both groups; except for the fact that the control group showed no febrile seizure. Fever was recorded and biochemical tests including hemoglobin and ferritin level, red blood cells distribution width (RDW), and red blood cell count (RBC) were performed. The lab results were then analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. Results: It was observed that iron deficiency anemia was more prevalent in cases as compared to control, having mean hemoglobin values as 8.16+0.80, and 11.53+0.67 respectively.