FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN WITH FEBRILE FITS PRESENTING AT QAZI HUSSAIN AHMAD MEDICAL COMPLEX NOWSHERA

Abstract

Background: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children aged 6 to 60 months presenting with febrile fits at Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics from February 6, 2025, to May 22, 2025. A total of 124 children of either gender, aged 6–60 months, presenting with febrile fits were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 11 g/dL and serum ferritin < 30 ng/mL, accompanied by clinical symptoms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.1 ± 15.2 months; 59.7% were aged 6–24 months. Male children constituted 54.8%. Overall frequency of IDA in children with febrile fits was 16.9% (21/124). IDA was significantly higher in children aged 6–24 months compared to those aged 25–60 months (23.0% vs. 8.0%; p=0.023), among lower socioeconomic status (20.7% vs. 6.3%; p=0.031), and in children of illiterate mothers (21.0% vs. 9.3%; p=0.048). No significant associations were found with gender, family history of fits, or area of residence. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia was found in approximately one in six children presenting with febrile fits. Younger age (6–24 months), lower socioeconomic status, and maternal illiteracy were significant associated factors. Routine screening for IDA in children with febrile seizures is recommended.