SERUM B12 AMONG EPILEPTIC CHILDREN

Abstract

Epilepsy is . a common neurological disorder in pediatric age group. The possible involvement of Vitamin B12 and homocysteine in convulsive disorder has been given more attention in recent • •• years. The aim of the study is to evaluate the state of B12 and homocysteine in primary epileptic children and the effect of AET on them. This study comprised 45 epileptic children suffering from primary idiopathic epilepsy, randomly chosen from the Ped. Neurology Clinic at Ped. Hospital of Ain shams university. These children were of both sexes, 29 males and 16 females. Their ages ranged between 2 and 12 years. Fourteen healthy children were included in the study as control group. Their age ranged from 4 and 12 years. The epileptic children were categorized into 3 main groups: 1-Denevo epileptics(primary epileptics prior to therapy). 2-Short term AET epileptics. 3-long term AET epileptiCs. Serum B12 and homocyteine levels showed no significant difference in primary epileptics before therapy (denevo) and controls. Regarding . the serum B12 level, it was significantly lowered in primary epileptics who received AET (VPA or CBZ) as a short term therapy compared to before therapy (denevo). Also, its levels were significantly lowered in primary epileptics who received AET(VPA ,CBZ or both) as a long term therapy compared to controls. Regarding the serum homocyteine level, it was significantly higher in primary epileptics who received AET (VPA or CBZ) as a short term therapy compared to before therapy( denevo). Also, serum homocyteine levels were significantly higher in primary epileptics who received AET (VPA ,CBZ or both) as a long term therapy compared to controls.