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Serum zinc and vitamin E concentrations in handicapped children treated with anticonvulsants
Insights
Anticonvulsant medications like phenytoin and phenobarbital can lead to deficiencies in vitamin E and zinc in children. This study found lower vitamin E levels and increased risk of low zinc in treated children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Anticonvulsant medications are frequently prescribed for children with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
- Long-term use of certain anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, may affect nutrient levels.
- Zinc and vitamin E are essential micronutrients crucial for growth and development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum zinc and vitamin E concentrations in children treated with anticonvulsants.
- To compare nutrient levels between treated and untreated handicapped children.
- To identify potential deficiencies associated with long-term anticonvulsant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Serum zinc and vitamin E levels were measured in two groups of handicapped children: those treated with phenytoin and phenobarbital (n=32) and an untreated control group (n=13).
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare mean levels and identify significant differences and correlations.
Main Results:
- Mean serum zinc levels did not significantly differ between treated and untreated groups, but 7 of 32 treated children exhibited hypozincnemia (low zinc levels).
- Serum vitamin E levels were significantly lower (p < 0.005) in the treated group compared to the untreated group.
- A significant positive correlation (r=0.45, p < 0.005) was observed between serum zinc and vitamin E concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Long-term anticonvulsant therapy with phenytoin and phenobarbital is associated with vitamin E deficiency and an increased risk of zinc deficiency in children.
- These micronutrient deficiencies may contribute to adverse health outcomes in pediatric patients.
- Monitoring of vitamin E and zinc status is recommended for children on long-term anticonvulsant treatment.
Abstract:
Serum zinc and vitamin E concentrations were measured in handicapped children aged 4-17 years, treated (n = 32) and untreated (n = 13) with phenytoin and phenobarbital. The mean serum zinc levels were 81 +/- 16 and 82 +/- 7 micrograms/dl in the treated and untreated children, respectively. The difference was not significant between these two groups. Hypozincnemia (below 70 micrograms/dl), however, was found in 7 of the 32 treated patients and in none of the 13 untreated children. The serum vitamin E level was 0.58 +/- 0.18 mg/dl in the treated and 0.67 +/- 0.17 mg/dl in the untreated children, indicating significantly lower levels in the treated patients (p less than 0.005). A significant positive correlation was found between the serum zinc and vitamin E levels (r = 0.45, p less than 0.005). Thus, long-term use of anticonvulsants results in a vitamin E and zinc deficiency, which may produce several unfavorable problems in children.