A Comparative Study of Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels in Children with Seizures Receiving Monotherapy and Polytherapy

The association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and bone health in individuals with epilepsy has been recognized for more than 30 years. Several studies indicate an increased risk for bone loss in patients on antiepileptic medication as well as low levels of serum 25(OH)D. Patients on polytherapy AED are at a higher risk of adverse drug effects compared with those on monotherapy. The present study assessed serum 25(OH)D levels in children receiving AED and compares those children receiving monotherapy versus polytherapy. This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital setting on children with seizures receiving AEDs for period of more than 6 months. Participants were enrolled in three groups: 25 children on monotherapy, 25 children on polytherapy, and 25 healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D level was performed for all children and analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D levels were normal in 52%, insufficient levels in 43.3%, and deficient in 6.7% of children. Vitamin D level was insufficient in 40% of children receiving monotherapy and 52% receiving polytherapy AED. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 4% in monotherapy group and 16% in polytherapy group which was statistically significant (p-value 0.047). Vitamin D deficiency was higher in children receiving AED compared with normal controls. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were higher in children on polytherapy. Our study emphasized the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in children receiving AED to detect abnormalities in vitamin D levels.