Association between serum micronutrient levels and febrile seizures among febrile children in Southern India: A case control study

Abstract Background Febrile seizures are prevalent in children. Interactions between the neurotransmitters and micronutrients levels in the biological fluids have been implicated in its occurrence. Objective To assess the serum copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) levels in febrile children and to evaluate their association with febrile seizures. Methods The study included 35 children with febrile seizures as cases and 35 children with febrile illnesses without seizures as controls. Children between six months to five years were included in the study group. The serum Cu, Mg and Zn levels were analyzed by the semi-auto analyzer. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 25.0. Result The median age for the febrile seizure was 24 (IQR: 12–36) months with male preponderance of 65.7%. The median serum copper and magnesium levels were increased and decreased significantly (p  Conclusion Increased serum copper levels and decreased serum magnesium levels were significantly associated with febrile seizures. A threshold value of serum copper levels ≥19.55 μmol/L is associated with a febrile seizure.