Frequency of Febrile Fits in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Objective: To identify the frequency of febrile seizures in children having iron deficiency anemia.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, over a period of six months from 20th January 2022 to 20th July 2022. A total of 147 children of both genders diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected from all participants and analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and plasma ferritin to confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Data regarding the occurrence of febrile fits were recorded as per the operational definition.

Results: The children from 6 months to 5 years with a mean age of 3.074±1.12 years were there, and mean duration of complaint was 5.544±1.90 months. Male patients were 46.9% and females were 53.1%. Febrile fits were observed in 40.1% patients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our data indicates that the presence of anemia and low blood iron levels might aggravate febrile fits in children.

 Keywords: Febrile seizures, Iron deficiency anemia, Risk Factors