Tehran University Medical Journal

To evaluate breath-holding spell (BHS) and its triggering factors, 47 children with BHS admitted to the out patients clinic of Children's hospital medical center, between Sept 1998-June 1999, were included in this prospective study. Diagnosis of BHS was made for cases by medical history, pediatric physical examination, EEG, ECG and lab findings. 4 cases were excluded from study because of paroxysmal epileptic discharges at their EEGs. Of 43 cases having BHS (M:F: 1.15:1), 74.4% were less there 24 months of age (Mean age 18.4 mo). 77% of patients had onset of BHS within 12 months of age. Family history of BHS in first degree relatives were found in 51% of patients. Parent consanguinity were found in 30% of cases. The commonest type of BHS were cyanotic (79.1%). Pallid (11.6%) and mixed (9.3%) were other types. Pain and anger were the commonest triggering factors. 78% of cases were iron deficient and 53% of cases had iron deficiency anemia.