Association between serum vitamin D levels and age in patients with epilepsy: a retrospective study from an epilepsy center in Saudi Arabia.

backgroundVitamin D deficiency has been linked to various medical conditions such as bone loss, decreased mineralization, endocrine disorders, and central nervous system disorders, including epilepsy. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, the specific association between vitamin D levels and age in PWE is unclear.

objectivesIdentify the relation between vitamin D level and age in PWE and evaluate factors that may play a role in seizure control.

designRetrospective analytical medical record review

settingOutpatient epilepsy research clinic in Saudi Arabia PATIENTS AND

methodsBetween November 2016 and April 2020, we selected eligible PWE aged older than 14 years whose vita-min D levels were recorded at least once after reviewing 1550 patient electronic files. We analyzed data on serum vitamin D level by age and other factors, vitamin D supplement use, seizure classification, and conducted a multivariate logistic regression to assess associations with seizure control.

main outcome measuresRelationships between vitamin D levels and age and factors that might affect seizure control. SAMPLE SIZE: 524 patients

resultsThe prevalence of low serum vitamin D levels was high (86.8%). The median vitamin D level in all patients was low (38 nmol/L), and was lower in young PWE than in adult PWE (

conclusionVitamin D deficiency is underestimated in PWE in Saudi Arabia, and is more prevalent among young adults and patients on polytherapy than in other PWE. Patients with high vitamin D levels had good seizure control compared with those with low levels. The effect of vitamin D supplements on seizure control should be further investigated in randomized control trials. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study and no categorization by presence of supplementation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.