Executive function impairment is associated with low serum vitamin D levels in children with epilepsy

Executive function (EF) impairment and vitamin D deficiency are common clinical features among children with epilepsy (CWE). Recently, vitamin D has become a potential modification factor that affects cognitive status in individuals with neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the association between EF status and vitamin D levels in patients with CWE.

In total, 79 CWE patients and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. Each participant's EF was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Parent form (Brief-P), and the serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Compared with those in the HC group, the CWE group had higher T scores of Brief-P scale, including global executive composite (GEC) (51.01(45.12, 60.69) vs. 44.08(39.24, 49.96), p＜0.001), behavioral regulation index (BRI) (51.29(45.67, 59.13) vs. 45.67(40.06, 51.29), p＜0.001), metacognition index (MI) (51.83(46.77, 59.43) vs. 46.13(40.44, 51.83), p＜0.001), and lower serum vitamin D (14.85(10.24,23.2) vs. 22.5(16.91,30), p＜0.001) levels. After adjustment for covariates, multivariate linear regression models suggested that for every 1 ng/ml increase in vitamin D, the GEC, BRI, and MI would decrease by 0.52 (Coeff = -0.48; 95 % CI = -0.69, -0.26; p = 0.000), 0.45 (Coeff = -0.45; 95 % CI = -0.69, -0.20; p = 0.000), and 0.47 (Coeff = -0.45; 95 % CI = -0.67, -0.22; p = 0.000), respectively.

There may be an association between decreased vitamin D levels and EF impairment in CWE. Future research should consider longitudinal variations in EF related to improving vitamin D deficiency.