Comparing prevalence and characteristic of anemia in children with simple versus complex febrile seizures

Background
Febrile Convulsion (FC) disease is a seizure disorder associated with a febrile disease. In this study the relationship between incidence of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, and FC has been evaluated.

Objectives
The aim of this study is to compare prevalence and characteristic of anemia in Simple and Complex Febrile Seizures in children referred to the Ahvaz Golestan Hospital, Iran.

Material and methods
This study was prepared by reviewing the medical records of patients with FC diseases, referred to the pediatrics department of Golestan Hospital between the years 2013 & 2014. The information was entered into a check list, which included demographic, clinical and lab result data of patients. All data sets were statistically analyzed with the spss v22 program.

Results
Of the 207 patients, 151 patients (72.9%) had simple seizures, and 56 patients (27.1%) had complex febrile seizures. Average MCH in patients with simple and complexes FC was respectively 24.89 Pg., and 23.98 Pg.; and their difference were statistically significant (p = 0.03). The mean platelet count, in patients with simple FC was 329.01/μL, and 273.38/μL in complex FC patients. The statistical difference was significant (p = 0.001). Regarding hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, RDW and RBC there was no significant difference between simple and complex FC.

Conclusions
Given the significant difference of the average cell hemoglobin and platelet count in patients with simple and complex FC, a distinction must be made based on seizure type, in treatment of these patients.