Title:Does the Vitamin D Deficiency Have Any Role in Severity or Prolongation of Seizure? A Pilot Study in Iran
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Author(s): Mohammad Vafaee-Shahi , Reza S. Badv , Alinaghi Kazemi , Samileh Noorbakhsh *, Koorosh Kamali, Shahin Teimourtash and Leila Tahernia
Affiliation:
- Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rasul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Iran
Keywords:
Children, epilepsy, prolongation, seizure, severity, vitamin D.
Abstract:
Background: Based on previous studies, vitamin D deficiency could lead to nerve stimulation.
The purpose of the present study was to determine frequency and duration of seizures in children
with idiopathic epilepsy in two groups; normal level of vitamin D versus decreased level of
vitamin D.
Methods: This pilot, comparative study was carried out in Zanjan University of Medical Sciences on
total 40 children aging between 2 to 12 years old (23 male and 17 female) with the diagnosis of idiopathic
epilepsy. All patients were receiving anti-epileptic drugs. The initial questionnaire was completed
by each parent. Total 40 epileptic cases were examined in close follow-ups every three
months, during total 9 months. Meanwhile, the frequency and duration of each seizure were recorded
in questionnaire at every three-month period. Vitamin D blood samples were analyzed at the beginning
of the study and after 9 months following the study. Serum levels of Vitamin D were analyzed
by ELISA method (Elecsys2010, RocheCo, Germany; STAR FAX; 2100), simultaneously, Vitamin D
level <30 ng/ml (nanogram per milliliter) was defined as Vitamin D deficiency. Cases were divided
into two groups based on Vitamin D level. The frequency and duration of convulsions were compared
in patients with normal level of vitamin D versus children with decreased level of vitamin D.
Data were analyzed by Chi-square and t-test methods.
Results: In all 40 patients, vitamin D level less than 30 ng/ml was detected in 32% (13 patients) at
the beginning of study and 35% (14 patients) in 9 months later (13 patients were common between
the two groups). There was no significant relationship between the frequency of seizures, the duration
of seizures and vitamin D levels in patients. The relationship between positive family history of
epilepsy and the number of seizures was reported significant. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency
was higher in female cases in final evaluation.
Conclusion: In the present study, a considerable correlation was detected between the frequency of
seizures and positive history of seizure in the family. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was
higher in female cases in final analysis. No significant relationship was detected between the number
of seizures, the mean duration of seizures and serum level of Vitamin D in children who received anticonvulsant
drugs. However, vitamin D deficiency in patients was not overlooked in order to prevent
known complications. We recommend a randomized clinical trial in the future with an adequate sample
size. Moreover, a non-epileptic control group in study would be useful.
