Relationship between Febrile Convulsion (FC) and Serum Level of Magnesium (Mg) In Children

Abstract

Background: Febrile convulsion is one of the most common types of seizure in childhood (9 month to 5 years of age). Its pathogenesis is unknown, so studying its causes is valuable. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum level of magnesium in children with FC (9 months to 5 years of age). Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, serum level of magnesium in 102 children with febrile convulsion in Shahid Madani hospital of Khorram Abad was determined. The control group was composed of 102 febrile children with no seizure. All of the children in both groups were 9 months to 5 years of age. The children in the case group had a history of episodes of documented febrile convulsion in the past years and had no underlying disease or infection in other parts of their body. In contrast, control group included febrile children with no history of episodes of documented seizure. Serum level of magnesium was determined by biochemical methods in all of the children in both groups. Finally, the data were analyzed by Chi-square and T tests. Findings: In both groups (case and control), 57% were male and 43% were female. The mean serum level of magnesium in case group, was lower than the mean serum level of magnesium in control group (P<0.0001). There was a relationship between serum level of magnesium and presence of febrile convulsion in children (P<0.0001). There was no relationship between sex and serum level of magnesium in children in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between serum level of magnesium and the presence of febrile convulsion in children. It can be said that the deficiency of magnesium may be one of causes of FC in children. So, it is suggested to use supplements of magnesium in diet of affected children.