Serum Trace Elements in Children with Well-Controlled and Drug Refractory Epilepsy Compared to Controls: An Observational Study.

Background: Trace elements have been implicated in pathogenesis of epilepsy. Studies till date have shown altered levels of serum trace elements in children with epilepsy.

Objective: The objective of the current was to estimate serum levels of trace elements in children with well-controlled and drug refractory epilepsy and compare it with controls.

Methodology: In a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India, serum selenium, copper, zinc, and iron were estimated in well-controlled and drug refractory epileptic children aged 2-12 years and compared with age and gender matched controls.

Results: A total of 106 children with epilepsy (55 drug refractory and 51 well controlled) and 52 age and gender matched controls were included in the study. Serum selenium and copper were significantly decreased in cases compared to controls. After classifying epilepsy into well-controlled and drug refractory cases, only in the latter the significant difference for serum selenium and copper levels remained compared to controls. Additionally, in the drug refractory cases, serum iron levels were significantly reduced compared to controls.

Conclusions: Serum trace elements are altered in children with epilepsy (more so in the drug refractory group) compared to controls. Monitoring of serum trace elements in children with epilepsy should be considered. Up to one-third of epilepsy is drug refractory of which only another third are amenable to surgery. It is worth investigating the therapeutic potential of altered micronutrient status in these patients.