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

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.