The Relationship Between Febrile Convulsion and Acid-base Disturbances in Children
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2024),
10 April 2025
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v12i1.48400
Abstract
Background and Aim: Febrile seizures (FS) represent the most prevalent type of convulsive
events in children. This study sought to explore the association between febrile convulsions
and acid-base disturbances in children.
Methods: This case-control study included 150 children aged 6 to 60 months with simple
FS and 150 febrile children without seizures. Blood gas analysis was performed to measure
pH, PCO2, and base excess (BE) among the children admitted to Amir Kabir Hospital in
Arak, Iran. Statistical analyses, including t-test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test, were
conducted using SPSS software, version 18.
Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in mean fever (case: 38.46±0.51 vs
control: 38.45±0.59; P=0.48), pH (case: 7.49±0.06 vs control: 7.48±0.06; P=0.77), and BE
(case: -2.58±3.03 vs control: -2.41±3.42; P=0.48). Although the mean arterial PCO2 in the
case group was 25.1±3.51 mm Hg, which was lower than the control group’s 26±5.53 mm
Hg, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: The mean venous and arterial pH values did not differ significantly in febrile
children with and without seizures. Although PCO2 in pediatric patients with FS was lower
than in the control group, this difference was not significant. However, due to the lack of
evidence, we recommend further studies in the future.
- Seizures
- Febrile
- Acid-base Imbalance
- Alkalosis
- Respiratory
- Children
How to Cite
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