8-OHdG and Oxidative Stress in Febrile Seizures

This prospective case-control study investigates whether serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an established biomarker of reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA oxidation, is elevated in children with febrile seizures compared with healthy children, and whether it differs between simple and complex febrile seizure subtypes. Children presenting with a febrile seizure and age-matched healthy controls have serum 8-OHdG measured within 24 hours of seizure onset, alongside routine inflammatory markers (white-cell count, C-reactive protein) and haemoglobin. The primary aim is to determine whether acute oxidative DNA damage is detectable after febrile seizures and whether 8-OHdG levels distinguish simple from complex subtypes. The study is exploratory and hypothesis-generating; it is not designed to establish 8-OHdG as a clinically applicable diagnostic biomarker.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 6 and 72 months 2. Presentation with a febrile seizure (simple or complex) to the paediatric emergency department, OR healthy age- and sex-matched child (control group) 3) For seizure groups: a seizure occurring in the context of fever, meeting clinical criteria for simple or complex febrile seizure 4\) Serum sample obtainable within 24 hours of seizure onset (seizure groups) Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: 1. Central nervous system (CNS) infection (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis) 2. Known epilepsy or prior afebrile seizures 3. Neurodevelopmental delay 4. Chronic systemic illness 5. Use of antioxidant supplements within the preceding 3 months 6. Incomplete clinical or laboratory data