Bone Metabolism Disorder in Epileptic Children

OBJECTIVE: There are frequent anti-epileptic drugs used in management of epilepsy. Anti-epileptic drugs may have some complications on bone and vitamin D metabolism. This study aimed to comparison the bone metabolism disorder in epileptic children with healthy child in Zahedan, eastern Iran from Jul 2014 to Jun 2015. MATERIALS & METHODS: This case-control study was performed on bone metabolism disorder in epileptic children between 2014-2015. Forty epileptic children were enrolled based on accessibility scheme and 40 participants randomly selected for control group from those referred to the pediatric ward and clinic of Ali Ebn Abi Talib Hospital and Ali Asghar Clinic in Zahedan City, Sistan & Baluchestan Province, eastern Iran. Blood samples were collected from all participants to assess serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, magnesium, vitamin D, serum albumin, creatinine random urine. RESULTS: Of 40 epileptic children, 23 (57.5%) and 17 (42.5%) were male and female respectively, The prevalence of lower mean vitamin D levels was 37.5% for patients compared to 12.5% for controls (chi-square=6.667 and P=0.010). Of 80 participants, 15 individuals had abnormal PTH levels detected of 2 and 13 for patients and control groups, respectively (chi-square =9.928 and P=0.002). Serum calcium and magnesium levels were comparable in both groups. The status of the parameters in the classification of normal and abnormal assessed based on number of medications intake resulted that number of medications intake had no effect on the status of the parameter. CONCLUSION: The frequency of hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency is increased in epileptic children.