Serum zinc levels in children with simple febrile seizures

ABSTRACT

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common seizures in childhood and are often associated with nutritional deficiencies. The present study was done to find any correlation of serum zinc levels in children with simple febrile seizures.Methods: This study was a hospital based prospective case control study, involving 60 children (30 cases and 30 controls) aged between 6 months to 60 months. Serum zinc level was measured in all subjects by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by using frequency, percentage and Pearson's chi square test..Results: Most cases (80%) had serum zinc levels <90 mcg/dl, in comparison with children in the control group where only 30% had serum zinc levels <90 mcg/dl. The mean serum zinc level was 78.9'14.26 mcg/dl in cases with simple febrile seizures and 96.7'12.12 mcg/dl in the control group.Conclusions: The mean serum zinc level was significantly lower in children with simple febrile seizures in comparison with controls.