Serum Magnesium and Phosphorus Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures: A Hospital-based Case–Control Study

A bstract Background: Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in early childhood. Alterations in serum electrolytes have been proposed as contributory factors, but evidence remains inconsistent. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted in children aged 6–60 months. A total of 38 children with febrile seizures were compared with 38 age-matched febrile controls without seizures. Serum magnesium and phosphorus levels were measured at admission and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in children with febrile seizures than in febrile controls ( P < 0.05). Serum phosphorus levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: Lower serum magnesium levels were associated with febrile seizures, whereas serum phosphorus levels showed no significant association.