The present study compared the levels of Pro and anti-Inflammatory cytokines in children presenting with febrile seizures v/s only febrile illness in the age group of 6 to 60 months.

It enrolled 50 children of age 6 to 60 months and subjected them to relevant investigation to assess abnormality in complete blood count, liver function tests, and renal function tests. It assessed Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-1β, IL-6 IL-10 & TNF-α by ELISA.

The study observed-

• In febrile seizure cases, 72% of children had a simple febrile seizure, while 28% had a complex febrile seizure.
• Significantly higher median values of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) in febrile seizure cases as compared to the control group.
• No significant difference in the median value of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in cases v/s control group.

This study shows that during an episode of febrile seizure level of pro-inflammatory cytokines increases in cases compared to the control; however, anti-inflammatory cytokine levels aren′t significantly different between cases and control groups. Significant anemia may also be seen in febrile seizure cases than in the control group. 

A comparative analysis of different cytokines in febrile seizures can be a potential diagnostic marker. A follow-up study with analysis of different cytokines should be performed at different time periods, once at the enrolment, when the child arrives in active seizure, and after 48 to 72 hrs, to look for a balance shift between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. 

Saini AK, Gupta D, Saini SK, Kumari S, Hans P. A comparative study of Pro & anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in children with febrile seizure. Journal of Pediatrics. Perinatology and Child Health. 2022;6: 377-384.