The Iron Deficiency Anemia: An Undermined Risk Factor in Children Presenting with Febrile Fits

finding a corelation between iron deficiency and increased risk of febrile fits in children

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Febrile fits in children younger than five years pose a significant healthcare concern. The association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and these seizures remains unclear in the existing literature. Developing countries including Pakistan, grapple with notable IDA prevalence in this age group. This study seeks potential connection between IDA and febrile fits in pediatric populations.

Objective: Objective was to uncover any hidden association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile fits.

Design: It was a randomized controlled trial.

Study Settings: This study was conducted at Pediatric Department, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore.

Material & Methods: A total of 60 children presenting with febrile seizures and meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled after taking informed consents from parents and demographics were noted. A 3ml blood sample was taken as per standard procedure for investigation and findings were recorded. The data was entered in SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Confounding variables were controlled through exclusion.

Results: The mean age of children presenting with febrile fits was 2.26±1.26 years. Gender-based analysis revealed higher prevalence of male participants (n=37) (61.7%), with male-to-female ratio of 1.61:1. The study found mean Hb of 10.1 ± 1.5 g/dl and mean serum iron level of 46.68±25.01 µg/L. Stratifying mean iron levels by age and gender further showed insignificant differences, with p-value > 0.05.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our study substantiates that iron deficiency anemia is a significant and potentially undermined risk factor in children with febrile fits, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and further exploration.