Effectiveness of prophylactic iron supplementation in the reduction of recurrence of febrile seizures in children: A prospective study with comparison with historical controls

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the study was to compare the number of patients with febrile seizure recurrence within 1 year of presenting to our institute, among patients who received and didn’t receive oral iron supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective intervention study with historical controls was conducted to compare the number of patients with febrile seizure recurrence within 1 year, among patients who received and did not receive oral iron supplementation. The intervention group additionally received prophylactic iron supplementation of 20 mg biweekly for 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients each were enrolled in both the groups, with comparable baseline characteristics. Although there was a trend toward a lower rate of recurrence of febrile seizures in the interventional group, as compared to the control group, it did not reach the point of statistical significance (P = 0.35). Both in the worst-case scenario and best-case scenario, there was a trend toward less risk of recurrence of febrile seizure in the intervention group, but it did not reach the point of statistical significance (P = 0.43 and 0.52). For the original scenario, worst-case scenario, and best-case scenario, the absolute risk reduction was 6.5%, 7%, and 6%, respectively, with corresponding number needed to treat (NNT) being 15, 14, and 16, respectively. The trend for absolute risk reduction was more pronounced in those with complex febrile seizures with an NNT of 6.5, but it still did not reach the point of statistical significance (P = 0.16). Moderate/severe IDA was also found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence of febrile seizure in the intervention group (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Oral serum iron supplementation does not significantly reduce the recurrence rate of febrile seizures in children aged 6–60 months. However, there is a trend toward reduction in the frequency of recurrence of febrile seizures, which is more pronounced in the subset with complex febrile seizures.