Febrile seizures are the most common seizure type in early childhood and usually occur during febrile illnesses. Although most febrile seizures are benign, the biological stress response during seizures is not fully understood. In particular, changes in thyroid hormones and stress-related hormones released by the sympathetic nervous system may play a role in seizure characteristics and clinical outcomes.
This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the neuroendocrine response in children presenting with febrile seizures by measuring serum thyroxine (T4), epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels. These measurements will be obtained during the acute phase after seizure cessation and compared with levels measured at recovery and with febrile children without seizures.
The study will examine the relationship between neuroendocrine marker levels and seizure characteristics such as seizure duration and recurrence, as well as clinical outcomes including length of hospital stay and need for pediatric intensive care unit admission.
By improving understanding of the hormonal stress response associated with febrile seizures, this study aims to contribute to the knowledge of seizure pathophysiology in childhood and may help identify biological factors associated with more severe clinical courses.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
6 Months
Max age
5 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Children aged 6 months to 5 years presenting to the pediatric emergency department with fever (documented at presentation or reported by caregiver within the preceding 24 hours).
* Case group: febrile seizure occurring in the context of a febrile illness.
* Control group: febrile illness without seizure, selected to be age-matched to cases (e.g., within ±6 months).
* Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Suspected or confirmed central nervous system infection (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis).
* Prior diagnosis of epilepsy or history of afebrile seizures.
* Seizures attributable to acute metabolic derangements at presentation (e.g., significant hypoglycemia, clinically relevant electrolyte disturbances).
* Known thyroid disease or use of thyroid hormone/antithyroid medications.
* Known adrenal disorders or use of systemic catecholamine infusions at enrollment.
* Major chronic neurologic disorders or acute head trauma.
* Inability to obtain blood samples within protocol-defined time windows.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Difference in acute neuroendocrine hormone levels between febrile seizure patients and febrile controls — Baseline (during the emergency department presentation) The difference in serum thyroxine (T4), epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels measured during the acute phase between children presenting with febrile seizures and age-matched febrile children without seizures.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Aydin Adnan Menderes University Hospital
Aydin
Aydın
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This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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