The evaluation of vitamin K status in children with febrile seizure

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizure is the most common neurological disorderin childhood. The exact pathophysiology of febrile seizures is unknown.Recent studies showed the role of vitamin K in nonhematological and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to investigate the serum vitaminK levels in children with febrile seizures.Aims: To evaluate vitamin K levels in children with febrile seizures.Study Design: Prospective case-control study.Methods: This multicenter study examined representative populationsin 8 different cities in Turkey between April 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019.Blood samples were taken from all children at presentation. Vitamin K1,vitamin K2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: A total of 155 children were included in the study—84 childrenwith febrile seizures and 71 children in febrile control group. Serum vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels were also higher in children with febrileseizures than in the controls. The results of statistical analysis showedthat vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels were correlated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels. The median vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 levels of children experiencing their firstfebrile seizure were higher than those in children with recurrent febrileseizures. Type of febrile seizure has no effect on serum vitamin K1 andvitamin K2 levels.Conclusion: In children with febrile seizures, vitamin K levels are higherthan those in the control group. These new findings may contribute to elucidating the etiopathogenesis of febrile seizures.