ArticleBMC pediatrics2024
Evaluating the serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with idiopathic drug-resistant epilepsy; a cross-sectional study.
Article in BMC pediatrics, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- The Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis and as Biomarkers for Pediatric Epilepsy: A Systematic Review.Molecular diagnosis & therapy · 2025Pooled it
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Strategies in Epilepsy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Threshold Management.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026Review
- The Ketogenic Diet and Potential Micronutrient Risks in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Management: A Literature Review.Nutrients · 2026Review
- Cuproptosis and Immune Microenvironment Interplay in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Identification of Key Molecular Signatures and Therapeutic Targets.Journal of inflammation research · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundDrug-resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of seizure control in spite of using 2 or 3 proper antiepileptic drugs in appropriate time. Mineral elements play important roles in neuronal function; it is believed that mineral deficiency may lead to complications through seizure management. In the present study, serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) in drug-resistant-epilepsy (DRE) patients were evaluated and compared with the controlled patients.
methodsIn this cross-sectional study, epileptic patients were included and categorized into two groups of DRE and well-controlled patients. Patients' serum samples were analysed to evaluate Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Vit D levels. The primary objective was comparison of serum levels of different trace elements between the groups.
resultsSixty-four epileptic children including 33 DRE and 31 well-controlled children entered the study. The DRE children showed a significantly earlier onset of disease compared to the other group (p = 0.014). Comparing the frequency of developmental delay between the groups, the results showed this complication was significantly more frequent in the DRE group (p < 0.001). Concerning serum elements, the results showed a significantly higher concentration of Zn in the well-controlled group than the DRE group (p = 0.007). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the means of Vit D, Ca, Cu, and Mg levels (p > 0.05).
conclusionThe results of the present study delineated that drug-resistant epilepsy patients had earlier onset of disease and were at higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay compared with well-controlled-epilepsy patients. A significant lower serum levels of Zn were also observed in drug-resistant-epilepsy patients. This finding may suggest the role of zinc supplementation in help to better control of drug-resistant seizures, as well as, the importance of serum zinc monitoring in epileptic patients.
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