Vitamin d levels in pediatric epilepsy patients on the anti-epileptic drugs at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder of childhood repeatedly necessitating prolonged use of anticonvulsants. This study was done to evaluate the status of vitamin D in epileptic children. We targeted to describe the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among children with epilepsy.

Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study design with prospective data collection was used among children with epilepsy on anti-epileptic drugs attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic and their primary caretakers. For this study, a sample of 226 children and adolescents were included in the study and a blood sample for the determination of serum vitamin D was taken. The participants were interviewed, and medical records were thoroughly reviewed. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess determinants of vitamin D deficiency. .

Results: In this study, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found to be 42%. Children on polytherapy (AOR = 4.3 (1.2 - 16)), 3 or more AEDs (AOR = 0.1 (0.0 - 0.8)), female sex (AOR = 1.8 (1.7 - 2.6)), age >15 years (AOR = 2.12 (1.0 - 1.5)), 4 months of exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 5.6 (4.9 - 36)), family diet (AOR = 0.3 (0.1 - 0.8)) and non-ambulation (AOR = 1.7 (1.8 - 3.6)) were factors associated with being in the vitamin D deficiency group.

Conclusion: According to this study patients who take Anti-Epilepsy drugs are at a higher risk of a poor vitamin D status. Based on this finding, the need for timely and appropriate vitamin D supplementation and periodic follow-up seems to be very evident.