Serum Copper Level among Children with Simple Febrile Seizures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt

2 Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common seizure in children. Excess serum copper (Cu) can cause convulsions. Aim: to study serum Cu levels in children with simple febrile seizures (SFS) and whether elevated serum Cu could be a risk factor for SFS. Subjects and Methods: Sixty children were divided into 2 groups. Group I: 30 patients with SFS. Group II: 30 patients with febrile illness without seizures. All were subjected to history taking, weight, temperature, complete blood picture, C-reactive protein, and electrolytes measurement. Results: A significant difference was found between the two studied groups regarding past history of FS, family history of FS, hemoglobin level, and WBCs count. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in group I than in group II. A significant positive correlation was found between serum Cu level in group I patients and: their age at the first attack of seizure and their weight. Comparison within group I between patients having normal and high serum Cu levels regarding gender, family history of FS and past history of FS showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Children with SFS had a significantly high serum Cu level than children with febrile illness without seizures. Increased serum Cu level is positively correlated with age at first attack of seizure and weight of patients with SFS. Increased serum Cu levels could be a risk factor for SFSs.
 

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