Serum and CSF electrolytes, zinc and glucose concentration in febrile convulsions; are they useful biochemical markers in such cases?

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to assess serum and CSF concentrations of sodium, potassium, zinc and blood glucose in infants and children presented with febrile convulsions in comparison with age matched healthy controls. On the other hand, it aimed to investigate the correlation between serum and CSF concentrations of those variables in enrolled cases in a trial to delineate their usefulness as biochemical markers in such cases. Twenty-one cases with febrile convulsions [FC] were included in the current study as group I [cases] and ten age matched clinically healthy children were also enrolled as group II [controls]. Full history taking, thorough clinical examination, CBC and ESR estimation, assessment of serum Na, K, Zn and blood glucose concentrations were done for all subjects included in the current study. Lumbar puncture with complete CSF examination was carried out for all cases, excluding bacterial or viral meningitis or encephalitis and determining the CSF concentrations of the previously mentioned biochemical variables. In conclusion, it was recommended to assess Na and Zn levels in cases with febrile convulsions to detect any possible deficiency and to conduct future studies to investigate the effect of their supplementation, whenever deficient, on the course and recurrence of convulsions