Serum Zinc Level in Children Presenting with Febrile Seizures

Objective: To determine the frequency of low serum zinc level in children presenting with febrile seizures at The Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health (CH/ICH) Multan. Methods: This is an observational cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan from September 2010 to March 2011. Children (6 months to 6 years of age) presenting with febrile seizures who satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Cause of fever was determined after detailed history, physical examination and relevant investigations. Four milliliters centrifuged blood sample was preserved in acid washed test tube. Separated serum was used to measure serum zinc level by employing Randox kit on auto-analyzer in all cases. The outcome variable (serum zinc level) was recorded on a predesigned proforma. Results: Out of 100 enrolled children, there were 66 (66%) male with male to female ratio of 1:0.52. Mean age of the children was 23.97±14.45 months. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most frequent cause of fever apparent in 24 children (24%) followed by tonsillitis 17 (17%), pneumonia 16 (16%), urinary tract infection 16 (16%), otitis media 15 (15%), and bronchiolitis 12 (12%). Frequency of low serum zinc level was 26% in children with febrile seizures. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency could be a potential risk factor for febrile seizure in children.