Vitamin D deficiency in children with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, though most studies focus on its impact in patients receiving antiseizure medications (ASMs). Fewer studies have examined vitamin D levels in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve pediatric epilepsy patients. Objectives This study aimed to assess the vitamin D status in recently diagnosed children with generalized idiopathic epilepsy (IGE), comparing them to healthy controls, and follow up after three months in cases with deficient or insufficient vitamin D levels. Subjects and methods Forty children, aged 2–16 years, newly diagnosed with epilepsy were included, along with forty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured for both groups. Children with deficient or insufficient vitamin D levels were followed up after three months. Results Significant differences were found between the patient and control groups regarding family history ( p = 0.04), ionized calcium ( p < 0.001), and vitamin D status ( p = 0.043). After 3 months of Vitamin D supplementation, 82.4% (28 patients) experienced fewer than 4 seizures per month, while 17.6% (6 patients) had more than 4 seizures. Patients with deficient vitamin D had a significantly earlier age of epilepsy onset compared to those with insufficient or normal levels ( p = 0.046). ROC curve analysis indicated that serum vitamin D levels and EEG results after three months could predict seizure frequency ( p = 0.009–0.011). Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is common in treatment-naïve children with IGE, and may be associated with earlier onset of epilepsy. However, the relationship with seizure frequency was not consistent and warrants further investigation. Routine screening and correction of vitamin D deficiency, along with monitoring EEG, are recommended to improve seizure control in these patients alongside ASM therapy.