Level of Micronutrient [Zinc] and its Association with Seizures in Children: A Case Control Study

Objective: To determine the levels of serum zinc in children with febrile seizures when compared to children with fever without seizures and compare the levels of serum zinc in children with seizure due to CNS with febrile seizures and febrile children without seizures.

Methods: This was an observational case control study. Total 150 children of age Group6-60 months were included in study. 2 ml of blood from venipuncture within 24 hours of contact of patient in both the groups. Estimation of serum zinc was done within 6 hours of collection.

Results: Mean age of presentation in febrile seizures (GROUPA) was 22.14±15 months, 24.26±17.2 months in CNS infections (GROUPB) and 21.16±16.77 months control (GROUPC). Thus, most of the patients fall in age Group< 2 years. Males predominated in present study with male female ratio of 2.9:1. Mean serum zinc level in febrile seizure (case) was 37.31±17.68μgm/dl with lowest 14.3μgm/dl and highest 98μgm/dl and in CNS infections was 55.54±22.82μgm/dl was observed. Thus, febrile seizures cases n= 45(90%), CNS infections n=33(66%) has biochemical hypozincemia i.e. serum zinc less than 65μgm/dl.

Conclusion: In febrile seizures and seizures due to CNS infection zinc deficiency could be a potential risk factor.

Keywords: Febrile seizure; Convulsion; Serum zinc level; Epilepsy