Evaluation of Serum Selenium Levels in Children with Recurrent Febril Convulsions

Introduction: The febrile convulsion (FC) occurs in neurologically normal children aged between six months and five years and it is defined as convulsions occurred during fever and in the absence of central nervous system (CNS) infection, electrolyte imbalance, diseases affecting directly CNS, and history of afebrile convulsion. The aims of this study were to determine the serum levels of selenium in patients with recurrent FC and to compare them with those of healthy children. Materials and Methods: The study included 61 pediatric patients diagnosed with recurrent FC. At the same session, 54 healthy children who admitted to our pediatric clinic for routine controls without history of fever and convulsion, are assigned as control group. The serum level of selenium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometric method (hydride technique).Results: Mean level of selenium was determined as 67.10±8.87 μg/L in patients and 81.99±13.13 μg/L in control group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Discussion: The lower serum levels of selenium in patients with recurrent FC may be the cause of triggering of convulsion or may contribute to its recurrence. Further studies are necessary to clarify this relationship. (Jo-ur-nal of Cur-rent Pe-di-at-rics 2011; 9: 110-5)