Iron deficiency and febrile seizures: a retrospective analysis

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) are the commonest cause of seizures in children, with 2-5% of neurologically healthy children experiencing at least 1 episode. Iron deficiency is reported to be one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in the world today, especially in developing countries, with an estimated 46%-66% people affected. Our study is an attempt to clarify the relation between iron deficiency and first febrile seizure.Methods: The present study was a case control study carried from December 2016 till June 2018 in a tertiary care hospital at Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The study was done after obtaining approval from Institutional ethical Committee.Results: 77 cases and equal number of controls were included. Males were most commonly affected (>50%) as compared to females in both groups. Highest number of cases and controls were in the age group 0.5 to 1 year group, followed by 1-2 and 2-3 years group. Upper respiratory tract infection was most common etiological factor. Anemia (Hb<11 gm/dl) was seen in in 84% of the cases and 65% of the controls. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was reduced in cases as compared to controls and this difference was highly statistically significant.Conclusions: Iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for first episode of febrile seizures in Indian children of age group 6 months to 5 years its early detection and timely correction may be an important determinant for prevention of febrile seizure in children.

Rare Presentation of Large Cell Lymphoma.

Lymphoma is a common cancer of childhood. Its pathologic subtype of anaplastic large cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) is rare and spread to the central nervous system (CNS) is even rarer. We present here such a case who presented to us with an acute history of fever and diplopia and co-existent polyarthritis since 8 years diagnosed as NHL with CNS involvement. CNS involvement is a rare presenting manifestation of NHL and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Chronic arthritis could be a risk factor or manifestation of immunodeficiency or immune dysregulation when associated with lymphoma. It is important to suspect NHL in children presenting with these symptoms for prompt evaluation and better clinical outcome.