Evaluation of Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in Children with Simple Febrile Seizures: A Case-Control Study

Background: Febrile Seizures (FS) are common in children and may be influenced by nutritional factors, including vitamin B12 levels. Objective: To evaluate serum vitamin B12 levels in children presenting with simple febrile seizures compared to children with no previous history of FS as a control group. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Pediatrics Department of Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. Forty-six children aged 6 months to 6 years were included—23 with simple FS and 23 age- and sex matched children with no previous history of FS as a control group. All participants underwent detailed clinical evaluation, nutritional assessment, and laboratory investigations, including CBC and serum vitamin B12 estimation using ELISA. Results: Children with FS had significantly lower serum vitamin B12 levels compared to controls (mean 294.9 ± 112 pg/mL vs. 491.2 ± 131.7 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pg/mL) was present in 21.7% of FS cases and none of the controls. Lower vitamin B12 levels were significantly associated with seizure recurrence (r = -0.61, p = 0.001) and longer duration (r = -0.56, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is significantly associated with simple febrile seizures in children. Monitoring vitamin B12 levels may be valuable in children at risk of FS.