Objective: Seizures are the most common pediatric neurologic problem. Research of the association between iron deficiency and seizures has shown conflicting results. This study evaluates iron status of children with a first seizure attack (febrile seizure (FS) or first unprovoked afebrile seizure (FUS) and healthy control group.
Materials & Methods: In a cross sectional case control study, iron status of 6-60 month year old admitted children with first seizure to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital from August 2011-December 2012 were evaluated and compared with healthy control children that were referred to primary health care center of Azadshar, Yazd, Iran.
Results: 150 children were compared in three equal (FS, afebrile seizure, and control) groups. Hemoglobin levels in FUS (11.39±1.07 g/dl) and FS (11.46±1.18 g/dl) were lower than the control group (11.9±0.89 g/dl) group. Serum iron levels in FS (38.52±11.38 mg/dL) and FUS (42.68±14.76 mg/dL) were lower than the control group (54.32±13.46 mg/dL). Serum ferritin level in FUS (46.21±27.63 ng/mL) and FS (48.91 ± 22.96 ng/ mL) was lower than the control group (75.13±35.57 ng/mL). Iron deficiency (48% in FS, 44% in FUS and 28% in control group) and iron deficiency anemia (26% in FUS, 22% in FS, and 10% in healthy children) was more frequent in children with seizures.
Conclusion: Iron status should be evaluated in children with a first attack of febrile or afebrile seizures.