The Relation Between Serum Zinc Level and Febrile Seizures in Children Admitted to Zanjan Valie-Asr Hospital

Background and Objective: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common seizures seen in childhood with a prevalence of ۲-۱۴% in different societies. This study was carried out regarding the possibility of the relationship between serum zinc levels and occurrence of FS. Materials and Methods: ۱۱۷ children ranging from ۶ months to ۵ years were divided into four groups: FS (n=۳۹), febrile patients with no seizures (FNS) (n=۴۰), control group of afebrile patients with no seizures (AFNS) (n=۳۲), and patients with seizures without fever (n=۶). After completion of a questionnaire and obtaining blood, serum zinc levels were measured. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The mean serum zinc levels in ۳۹ FS patients was ۷۵.۶۷ mcg/dl, ۴۰ febrile patients with no seizure had a mean serum zinc level of ۸۷.۵۸ mcg/dl. ۳۲ afebrile patients with no seizure had a mean serum zinc level of ۸۹.۰۶  mcg/dl and in ۶ afebrile patients with seizure; the mean serum zinc level was ۹۶/۶۷ mcg/dl. The serum zinc level in FS patients was significantly lower than the other groups (p=۰.۰۰۲ and p=۰.۰۰۱), whereas the ۳ other groups had no significant difference (P= ۰.۹۷۱). Conclusion: Regarding the high incidence of hypozincaemia in FS, low serum zinc levels may be associated with the occurrence of FS.