A Biochemical and Health Perspective on the Recurrence of Febrile Seizures in Children: Identifying Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes

Subject Areas : Journal of Chemical Health Risks

Khalid Khloofi Raddam ¹ , Ali Mohammed Brakat ² , Raed Fanoukh Al-Aouadi ^{3 *}

1 - College of Medicine, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, AUIQ, An Nasiriyah, Iraq
2 - College of Medicine, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, AUIQ, An Nasiriyah, Iraq
3 - College of Medicine, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, AUIQ, An Nasiriyah, Iraq

Received: 2025-01-18 Accepted : 2025-03-16 Published : 2025-04-19

Keywords: Febrile Seizures (FS), Pediatric Population, Recurrent Seizures, Risk Factors, Family History, Iron Deficiency, Body Temperature,

Abstract :

Febrile seizure (FS) is a common health issue among pediatric populations. Although it is generally benign and self-limited, recurrence is frequent and can cause significant stress for the child’s family. Identifying the risk factors for recurrent FS can help facilitate preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of recurrent FS and its associated risk factors in a sample of Iraqi children. This prospective, longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at AL-Nassiriyah Child and Maternity Hospital, Thi-Qar Governorate. A total of 264 children (105 males and 159 females), aged between 6 months and 5 years, who presented with their first episode of FS, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were collected through direct interviews with the parents. The children were followed up every three months for one year to monitor for recurrent FS. Out of the 264 children, 84 (31.82%) experienced recurrent FS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age at the time of the first seizure (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24–0.71, p = 0.012), longer duration of fever (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18–0.63, p = 0.009), and higher body temperature (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.51, p = 0.002) were protective factors against recurrent FS. On the other hand, family history of FS (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.16–3.86, p = 0.014), complex seizures (OR = 10.46, 95% CI = 4.82–22.71, p < 0.001), and iron deficiency (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.6–4.87, p = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for recurrent FS. Recurrent FS occurs in approximately one-third of children with FS following a three-month follow-up period. Risk factors for recurrent FS include a younger age at the first episode, lower temperature during the seizure, a brief period between the initial seizure and the onset of fever, iron deficiency, and a family history of FS. These findings could help inform strategies for preventing recurrent FS in pediatric patients.

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