IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN WITH FEBRILE FITS

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Background:

            Febrile seizures are common seizures often observed in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Some studies have have explored the potential link between IDA and FS in young children.

Objective:

            To determine the association of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with febrile fits in children.

Methodology:

            This case-control study was conducted in Dr. Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital, Sargodha, from May 2025 to December 2025. In this study, the cases were the children who were admitted with febrile seizures, while the controls were those who presented with any other complaint in the hospital. The blood samples were drawn using a 5 cc BD syringe for evaluation of serum HB, MCV, Hct, and ferritin levels. Frequency of IDA was determined. Odds ratio was calculated to found out the association between IDA and febrile fits. OR>1 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

            The mean age was 24.9 (SD: 12.5) years. Among the participants, 127 (63.5%) were male and 73 (36.5%) were female. Cases exhibited a lower mean hemoglobin (HB) level (9.3 ± 1.1 g/dL) compared to controls (10.4 ± 1.2 g/dL; P < 0.001). Serum ferritin levels were substantially reduced in the case group (46.8 ± 25.2) versus the control group (82.4 ± 18.7; P < 0.001). The frequency of IDA was 33% among cases and 19% among controls, with odds ratio of 2.09 (1.09 to 4.02), demonstrating that cases had more than twice the odds of IDA compared to controls (p-value 0.02).

Conclusion:

            IDA is significantly associated with febrile seizures. Screening all children experiencing a first febrile seizure for iron deficiency is recommended. Early detection and iron supplementation may help prevent recurrence.