Levels of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in Moroccan children admitted to the pediatric emergency department for febrile seizures.

BACKGROUND

Febrile seizures (FS) are events in infancy or childhood, usually between 6 months and 5 years of age, associated with fever but without signs of intracranial infection or a defined seizure cause. Studies suggest that both the inflammatory response and genetic predisposition play crucial roles in FS development. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and their natural antagonist IL-1Ra are key mediators in this complex interaction.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate IL-1β, IL-1Ra levels, and the IL-1Ra/IL-1β ratio in Moroccan children with FS and to explore their associations with demographic and clinical parameters. PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (September 2022–February 2023) in children aged 6 months to 6 years admitted for FS to the pediatric emergency departments of the University Hospital (CHU) in Casablanca. Serum IL-1β and IL-1Ra levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparative analyses assessed cytokine levels according to age, sex, family history, consanguinity, and temperature at admission.

RESULTS

IL-1β levels were generally low, whereas IL-1Ra levels were markedly elevated, resulting in a high IL-1Ra/IL-1β ratio. IL-1Ra was significantly lower in children from consanguineous families. No significant differences were observed according to other parameter age, sexe, temperature or history of FS or epilepsy.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in FS, reflected by elevated IL-1Ra relative to IL-1β, potentially as a compensatory mechanism limiting IL-1β’s pro-convulsant effects. Genetic and demographic factors may influence this equilibrium, highlighting the need for further studies with larger cohorts to explore underlying mechanisms.