Comparison of Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Children with Intractable and Controlled Eplipsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Epilepsy as the second most burdensome neurologic disorder worldwide in terms of disability-adjusted life years. Copper (Cu) is involved in a number of enzymes with catalase and oxidase-type reactions. This study aimed to identify the role of serum copper in the etiology of epilepsy and its response to treatment Methods: This prospective case controlled study that was conducted on patients attending Outpatient Neurology Clinic and those admitted to Pediatric Department at Benha University Hospital and Benha Children Hospital. Children who participate in this study were classified into two groups; Group I: 60 children with epilepsy. Group II: 60 controls. Serum copper was measured. Results: Copper showed significantly higher level in epileptic cases when compared to control groups (P=0.002). Copper showed significantly higher level in intractable epileptic cases when compared to controlled subgroups (p=0.035).Conclusion: Higher cupper levels were significantly associated with epilepsy. higher copper levels were suggested to be independent risk predictors of epilepsy susceptibility.