An overview of vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies as a risk factors in children with febrile seizure etiology

Aim: To determine serum iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency and associated hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) values in children undergoing febrile seizure, and thus to reveal their potential etiological role. Method: The serum iron, folate, vitamin B12, and ferritin, and Hb, Hct, MCV, and RDW values of 98 patients undergoing FS and presenting to the pediatric neurology department and of 64 control patients were retrieved retrospectively and compared. Patient group data were also compared within the group. Results: Serum iron, ferritin, and vitamin B12 values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. Intragroup comparison revealed higher RDW values in patients with more than three FS and in those with complicated seizures. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the relationship between vitamin B12, folate, and iron deficiency and FS. It should be remembered that deficiencies in these micronutrients, which are not routinely investigated in patients presenting with FS, may play a role in the etiology, and that the frequency can decrease with treatment. It should also not be forgotten that FS patients with high RDW values may be at risk of frequent seizure recurrence. Key words: Febrile seizure, nutrition, risk factors, vitamin B12, iron deficiencies, children, outcome.