ASSOCIATION BETWEEN IRON DEFICIENCY AND FEBRILE SEIZURES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Febrile seizures represent the most common type of seizure in early childhood and are one of the leading causes of seizure-related visits to emergency departments. They occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years in association with fever, in the absence of central nervous system infection or metabolic disturbances. The prevalence is approximately 2–5% among children. Most cases occur between 12 and 18 months of age, corresponding to a period when the brain is still functionally immature and more susceptible to increases in body temperature. Despite their generally benign prognosis, febrile seizures remain a significant clinical and social concern. The episode is one of the most stressful experiences for parents and is often perceived as life-threatening for the child. The risk of recurrence is estimated to be approximately 30–35%. The exact pathophysiology of febrile seizures is multifactorial, involving the interaction of several factors, including age-related brain immaturity, fever-induced neurochemical changes, and individual genetic predisposition.

Iron is an essential micronutrient for normal central nervous system development. It plays a critical role in neuronal energy metabolism, myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and synaptic transmission. Iron deficiency is associated with impaired inhibitory mechanisms and increased neuronal excitability.

A substantial body of recent research suggests that iron deficiency is more frequently observed in children with febrile seizures; however, the findings are inconsistent, and a causal relationship has not been definitively established. In conclusion, current evidence indicates a possible association between iron deficiency and febrile seizures, although its role as an independent risk factor remains to be clarified.