Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children Presenting with Febrile Seizures at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children Presenting with Febrile Seizures

Abstract

Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in early childhood. Iron deficiency anemia has been proposed as a potential risk factor due to iron’s role in neuronal metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis; however, evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in populations with a high burden of infection. Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among children presenting with febrile seizures. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, over six months. A total of 103 children aged 6–60 months presenting with simple febrile seizures were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Laboratory evaluation included complete blood count, serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and CRP. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11 g/dL, and iron deficiency anemia as anemia with serum ferritin <15 ng/mL. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age was 35.47 ± 15.78 months. Anemia was present in 39 (37.9%) children, while iron deficiency anemia was identified in 6 (5.8%). Children with IDA had significantly lower hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels compared to non-IDA children (p=0.001). No significant associations were observed between IDA and demographic or clinical variables. Conclusions: Anemia was common among children with febrile seizures, whereas iron deficiency anemia was infrequent when defined strictly by low ferritin. Given the influence of inflammation on ferritin levels, reliance on ferritin alone may underestimate iron deficiency. Incorporating transferrin saturation and inflammatory markers may improve diagnostic accuracy.