Relation of Iron Profile Parameters, Zinc and Magnesium with Febrile Seizures in Children from Gaza City

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between iron profile parameters, Zn, and Mg levels with febrile seizure (FS) among children in Gaza City. Materials and Methods: A case-control study, performed on 80 children (6–60 months), 40 with FS and 40 without seizures. Serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), soluble transferrin receptor, Zn and Mg were measured, transferrin saturation was calculated, CBC indices and anthropometric measurements were performed. An approval was obtained from Helsinki committee. SPSS program version 22 was used for all data analysis. Results: The mean levels of serum iron, and transferrin saturation among cases were higher significantly compared to controls (P<0.001). The mean level of TIBC among cases was lower significantly compared to controls (P<0.001). In addition, the percentage of cases with anemia was 85% compared to 80% for controls (P = 0.556). In contrast, 12.5% of cases had iron deficiency (ID) compared to 30% in controls respectively (P>0.05). The mean levels of Mg and hs-CRP were lower among cases compared to controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: There was no association between ID or decreased serum level of Zn and the presence of FS. While results showed that Mg may play a role in FS pathogenesis.