ABSTRACT
Epileptic patients exhibited variably altered status of trace elements and electrolytes. The present study was an attempt to find out the relation between level of some trace elements [zinc and copper], electrolytes [calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium], liver function tests and kidney function tests in epileptic children as well as the effect of the antiepileptic therapy on their levels. Cross sectional case control study was carried out on 60 epileptic children randomly chosen from the paediatric clinic in El Sahel Teaching Hospital, aged 4-14 years [35 males, 25 females], 15 cases prior to therapy, 45 cases under AET in the form of Carbamezepine [CBZ], Sodium valproate [VPA] and polytherapy [PT] The control group consisted of 20 healthy children without seizure. Zn2+ and Cu 2+ in serum were analyzed by direct calorimetric spectrophotometer, while Ca[2]+, Mg[2]+, Na+ and K+ in serum were analyzed by automated autoanalyser. Serum Zn2 and Na+ levels were significantly increased in both untreated and treated groups than control, while serum Cu[2]+ level was significantly decreased in untreated group and treated groups than in control, while serum K+ level was significantly decreased in untreated group. No difference was observed in the levels of Ca[2]+ and Mg[2]+ in all studied groups. Trace elements [Zn[2]+ and Cu[2]+ and minerals [Ca[2]+, Mg[2]+, Na+ and K>] are significantly altered with epilepsy, with further alteration after therapy, being a cause or a result. We are waiting for further elucidation