Relation between IL-1 β and IL1-ra in Pathogenesis of Febrile Convulsions

Background: febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures. Fever is induced by proinflammatory cytokines during infection. The cytokine network may contribute to the generation of febrile seizures in children. Interleukin beta (IL-1 β) and Interleukin receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures. Aim of the work: was to estimate the role of IL-1 β and IL-1ra in febrile convulsions and their relation to pathogenesis of febrile convulsions. Methods: serum interleukin I beta (IL-1 β) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured by ELISA technique in twenty five children with febrile seizure and twenty five age matched controls children with febrile illness without convulsion within 24 hours from onset of fever . Results: serum IL-1 β and IL- 1ra levels were significantly higher in febrile seizure patients than in fever in controls. Serum IL-1 β and IL- 1ra levels were highly significant higher in complex febrile seizures than in simple febrile seizures. Serum levels of IL-1 β and IL- 1ra were significantly positive correlated with duration of seizure in patients group. Conclusions: serum levels of IL-1 β and IL 1ra were significantly higher in febrile seizure children. Our study suggest that the inflammatory cytokine may play role in the generation of febrile seizures in children. These information may allow the development of anti- inflammatory therapy targeting these cytokines to prevent febrile seizures or subsequent epileptogenesis