Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Febrile convulsion is the most common disorder in childhood with good prognosis. There are different hypotheses about neurotransmitters and trace element changes (such as Zn) in CSF and serum which can have a role in pathogenesis of febrile convulsion. The aim of the present prospective analytical cross-sectional study was to determine whether there was any change in serum zinc level in children with febrile convulsion during seizure. A total number of 92 children were divided into three groups: group A: 34 children with febrile convulsion (aged 6 months to 5 years), group B: 40 children having fever without convulsion (aged 6 months to 5 years) and group C: 18 children with febrile convulsion (aged 6 months to 5 years). Serum zinc levels for three groups were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and later compared. Serum Zn levels of groups A, B, C had a mean of 76.82 ± 24.36mg/l, 90.12 ±14.63mg/l and 94.53±17.39, respectively. Serum zinc level of group A was lower than those of the other two groups (P=0.006). It was also lower in group B than that of group C (P<0.006). These findings suggest that serum zinc level decreased during infection and that decrease was more significant in patients with FC.