A Correlation Between the Levels of Calcium and Serum Magnesium and Febrile Convulsions in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Several investigations have shown a correlation between the prevalence of febrile convulsions and the concentrations of copper, zinc, and magnesium in serum and CSF. Hypomagnesaemia is characterized by convulsions brought on by the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system. Feverish convulsions are among the most common types of seizures that affect youngsters. Some evidence suggests that there may occasionally be a connection between low serum magnesium (Mg) and epilepsy. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the degree of epilepsy and hypomagnesemia was found. Seizures that occur between the ages of six and sixty months, have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, are not caused by a central nervous system infection or another metabolic disorder, and do not have a history of prior afebrile seizures are categorized as febrile seizures. A brief episode of symptoms and/or signs caused by excessive or abnormally high levels of synchronous brain neuronal activity is known as a seizure.

Aim: To investigate the serum levels of calcium and magnesium in children with febrile convulsions aged six months to five years, and to determine whether there is a relationship between these parameters and febrile convulsions.

Material and Method: The Department of Pediatrics applied a duration-based prospective analytical case-control approach to conduct this study. Children between the ages of six months and five years who required hospitalization due to febrile seizures were classified as cases. Children in the same age range who were hospitalized for a febrile illness but did not have seizures served as controls. The parents/guardians of the selected study subjects were informed of the study's aims in their mother tongue. An educational letter about the participant was given to them. Forty children in the research age group, aged between six months and five years, were hospitalized to the pediatric unit. Patients who wished to participate in the trial or their guardians gave written, informed consent.

Results: The levels of serum Mg were normal in 33 patients (82.5%) with febrile convulsion, low levels were seen in 5 cases (12.5%) and high levels were seen in 2 case (5%). Serum magnesium levels were normal in all 40 controls. The levels of serum Calcium were normal in 32 patients (80%) with febrile convulsion, low levels were seen in 6 cases (15%) and high levels were seen in 2 case (5%). Serum Calcium levels were normal in all 40 controls.

Conclusion: There is no connection between the study participants' serum magnesium levels and febrile convulsions. Consequently, regular magnesium supplementation is not required in healthy people in order to prevent febrile convulsions. The determination of serum magnesium and calcium levels is essential to a rational understanding of the cause and management of febrile seizures. Changes in these traits might be connected to the type of seizure.

Keywords: Calcium, Magnesium, Febrile Seizures and Convulsion