Comparison of Hemogram Parameters in Febrile Seizures Types

Aim: Febrile seizures (FS) are among the most common neurological emergencies during childhood and clinically classified into two types, being simple febrile seizures (SFS) and complicated febrile seizures (CFS). The differentiation between FS types is important, in that they are associated with different morbidity and mortality risks and it is based on the clinical characteristics of each seizure, however there is currently no laboratory test that can guide this differentiation. In this study, the relationship between FS types and hemogram parameters was evaluated and potential use of these parameters in differential diagnosis was investigated.Material and Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 133 patients whose first FS met the criteria of an FS, and whose hemogram results were available. The American Academy of Pediatrics criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis. The patients were divided into two groups as SFS and CFS.Results: Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) differed significantly between two groups (p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.033, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively), while no significant difference was identified in total blood count parameters. Moreover, MPV was significantly higher in CFS group than in SFS group.Conclusion: This is one of the few studies investigating the potential relationship between hemogram parameters and FS types in children. We believe that, although they do not ensure a clear differentiation, Hb, MPV, NLR and PLR may be useful to clinicians in differentiating between FS types, particularly in patients with an unclear seizure history