Role of serum zinc levels in simple febrile convulsions in children

Journal Title: Medpulse International Journal of Pediatrics - Year 2019, Vol 9, Issue 1

Abstract

Background: Febrile convulsions in children can be induced by several factors. In febrile convulsions there is an enhanced neuronal excitability during the normal brain maturation. Gamma amino butyric acid is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter. Zinc has a regulatory effect on glutamic acid decarboxylase and the synthesis of GABA. Aim: To determine whether children with simple febrile convulsion had low serum zinc levels compared to children with fever alone. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational study a total of 100 children were divided in case and control groups, i.e., children with simple febrile convulsions (case group=50 children) and febrile children without convulsions (control group=50 children). Serum zinc was done by calorimetric method. Results: The mean serum zinc levels in the present study in simple febrile convulsions and in fever alone without convulsions were 50.44 g/dl and 59.5 g/dl respectively. Mean Zinc levels were significantly less in children with simple febrile convulsions. Conclusion: The serum zinc levels were decreased in children with simple febrile convulsions when compared to children with fever alone without convulsions, thus indicating that zinc deprivation plays significant role in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.

Authors and Affiliations

S W Srikanth, Sharanagouda Patil, Rachapudi Venkata Anusha

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP469564
  • DOI 10.26611/10149111
  • Views 178
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

S W Srikanth, Sharanagouda Patil, Rachapudi Venkata Anusha (2019). Role of serum zinc levels in simple febrile convulsions in children. Medpulse International Journal of Pediatrics, 9(1), 36-38. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-469564