Association of Hypocapnia With Febrile Seizures: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

TL;DR

This study explores how low carbon dioxide levels in the blood may be linked to febrile seizures in children.

Contribution

The study identifies a novel association between hypocapnia and febrile seizures, suggesting potential new treatment approaches.

Findings

A positive correlation was found between temperature and pH values (r = 0.39, P = 0.005).

Children presenting earlier after seizures were more likely to have respiratory alkalosis (P = 0.000).

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures are a benign condition with unexplained pathophysiology. Respiratory alkalosis due to increased temperature can cause cerebral alkalosis and seizures.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the association of hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis with the time of presentation after febrile seizures.

Study design: This is a cross-sectional observational study.

Participants: A total of 51 children admitted to SRM Medical College Hospital over a period of one year (September 2020-September 2021) were included in the study.

Intervention: Venous blood gas was measured at admission. The presence of hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis were analyzed along with the time of admission from the onset of seizures.

Results: When comparing temperature values with pH values as a linear regression, there was a positive correlation (r = 0.39, P = 0.005). Children who presented earlier were more likely to have respiratory alkalosis compared to those who presented late (P = 0.000).

Conclusions: Febrile seizures could be associated with blood pH changes, making way for newer therapeutic approaches and the need for subsequent clinical trials.

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