Omega-3 supplementation in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy
Akram Elshafey Elsadek1, Yehia Hamed Abdel Maksoud1, Hany Abdelaziz Suliman1
1Pediatric Department, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
Insights
Omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced seizure frequency in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy. This dietary intervention shows promise for improving seizure control in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Omega-3 fatty acids are being investigated for their potential therapeutic role in managing drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intractable epilepsy often co-occur in children, presenting complex treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in controlling seizures in pediatric patients diagnosed with both ADHD and intractable epilepsy.
- To evaluate the impact of omega-3 on seizure frequency and severity when used as an adjunct therapy.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 60 children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy.
- Participants were assigned to receive either omega-3 supplementation or a placebo, in addition to their existing risperidone and antiepileptic drug regimens.
- Seizure frequency and severity were monitored monthly for six months.
Main Results:
- The omega-3 group experienced a significant reduction in monthly seizure frequency, decreasing from a median of 5 at baseline to 0 by three months and maintained thereafter.
- The control group consistently had a median of 5 seizures per month throughout the study.
- No significant improvement was observed in the severity of seizure attacks with omega-3 supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be an effective strategy for improving seizure control in children suffering from ADHD and intractable epilepsy.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and optimal use of omega-3 in this patient group.
Background:
Omega-3 may have a role in the treatment of drug- resistant epilepsy.
Objectives:
To evaluate omega-3 supplementation in seizure control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intractable epilepsy.
Patients And Methods:
Sixty children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy were enrolled. They were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion in a 1:1 ratio into the omega-3 supplementation group or the placebo group in addition to risperidone and antiepileptic drugs. All patients were assessed for the frequency and severity of the epileptic attacks at baseline, monthly, and at 6 months from the beginning of the study; 30 children received omega-3 and the other 30 children received placebo.
Results:
At baseline, the median number of seizures per month was 5 in both groups. After one month, this median decreased to 3 and became 2 after two months of supplementation with omega-3 in the supplementation group while it remained 5 in the control group. After 3 months and till the end of the study, this median decreased to 0 while it remained 5 in the control group throughout the study period. Children who were supplemented with omega-3 showed a significant decrease in the monthly frequency of seizure attacks after six months of supplementation compared to the baseline before supplementation (P < 0.05) There was no significant decrease in the severity of the seizures attacks among our patients with omega-3 supplementation (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Omega 3 may help in achieving good seizure control in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy.
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