FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH SIMPLE FEBRILE SEIZURES

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures are the most frequently encountered type of convulsions in pediatric populations, particularly affecting children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the occurrence of febrile seizures due to iron’s role in neurotransmitter metabolism and brain oxygenation. Given the high burden of both conditions in early childhood, evaluating their association is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Objective: To assess the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children diagnosed with simple febrile seizures and identify associated demographic factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Mardan Medical Complex, from March to September 2024. A total of 146 children aged between 6 months and 5 years presenting with simple febrile seizures were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. After obtaining informed consent, a 5cc venous blood sample was collected from each participant to evaluate hemoglobin levels. IDA was defined as hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL, in accordance with WHO criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and associations between IDA and demographic variables were examined using the Chi-square test with a significance threshold of p<0.05.

Results: IDA was identified in 64 out of 146 patients (43.8%). A higher frequency of IDA was observed in male children (64.1%) compared to females (35.9%) (p=0.02). IDA was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status (39.1% vs. 7.3%, p=0.0001) and a positive history of worm infestation (29.7% vs. 2.4%, p=0.00001).

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia was prevalent in children with simple febrile seizures. Male gender, low socioeconomic background, and history of worm infestation were significantly associated with higher risk, warranting early screening and targeted interventions.