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. 2022 Jul-Aug;42(4):262-268.
doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2022.262. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and age in patients with epilepsy: a retrospective study from an epilepsy center in Saudi Arabia

Hussam Mohammed Alhaidari  1 , Fawzi Babtain  2 , Khalid Alqadi  2 , Abdulrahman Bouges  2 , Saleh Baeesa  2 , Youssef A Al-Said  2
Affiliations

Association between serum vitamin D levels and age in patients with epilepsy: a retrospective study from an epilepsy center in Saudi Arabia

Hussam Mohammed Alhaidari et al. Ann Saudi Med. 2022 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various medical conditions such as bone loss, decreased mineralization, endocrine disorders, and central nervous system disorders, including epilepsy. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, the specific association between vitamin D levels and age in PWE is unclear.

Objectives: Identify the relation between vitamin D level and age in PWE and evaluate factors that may play a role in seizure control.

Design: Retrospective analytical medical record review SETTING: Outpatient epilepsy research clinic in Saudi Arabia PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2016 and April 2020, we selected eligible PWE aged older than 14 years whose vita-min D levels were recorded at least once after reviewing 1550 patient electronic files. We analyzed data on serum vitamin D level by age and other factors, vitamin D supplement use, seizure classification, and conducted a multivariate logistic regression to assess associations with seizure control.

Main outcome measures: Relationships between vitamin D levels and age and factors that might affect seizure control.

Sample size: 524 patients RESULTS: The prevalence of low serum vitamin D levels was high (86.8%). The median vitamin D level in all patients was low (38 nmol/L), and was lower in young PWE than in adult PWE (P<.01). Only 146 patients received vitamin D supplements. High vitamin D levels were associated with a 40% seizure reduction.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is underestimated in PWE in Saudi Arabia, and is more prevalent among young adults and patients on polytherapy than in other PWE. Patients with high vitamin D levels had good seizure control compared with those with low levels. The effect of vitamin D supplements on seizure control should be further investigated in randomized control trials.

Limitations: Retrospective study and no categorization by presence of supplementation.

Conflict of interest: None.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Age distribution of the population (vertical line is median value) (n=485 due to some missing data).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Serum vitamin D distribution (vertical line is median value).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Age categories (years) by serum vitamin D levels.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Serum vitamin D by sex.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
MRI brain findings by serum vitamin D levels.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Electroencephalography findings by serum vitamin D levels.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Epilepsy risk factors by serum vitamin D levels.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Epilepsy etiology by serum vitamin D levels.
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