A Comparative Analysis of Serum Interleukin-6 Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures and Febrile Controls

Background Febrile seizures (FSs) are the common presentations of seizures in childhood. Activation of cytokine network plays a significant role in the genesis of FSs. Interleukin (IL)-6 is often considered as key cytokine in the generation of FSs. Objectives To compare the serum IL-6 levels in children between simple febrile seizures (SFSs) and febrile controls (FCs). Materials and Methods This hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, during a period of 21 months. A total of 83 children were included in the study. Out of which, 38 were cases of SFSs and 45 were FCs without seizures. Serum IL-6 levels were estimated in both SFS and FC groups. Results Serum IL-6 levels were increased among children with SFSs (mean = 608.15 pg/mL) when compared with FCs (mean = 342 pg/mL), but the results are not statistically significant ( p = 0.165). In SFS and FC groups, percentage of subjects with IL-6 levels >50 pg/mL is 31.6 and 44.4%, respectively ( p = 0.16). Conclusion Serum IL-6 levels are higher in children with SFSs compared with FCs. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance.