Neuroendocrine Response in Pediatric Febrile Seizures
Turkey (Türkiye)120 participantsStarted 2026-03
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Months – 5 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Difference in acute neuroendocrine hormone levels between febrile seizure patients and febrile controls
Timeframe: Baseline (during the emergency department presentation)