Abstract: We aimed to assess serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFAs) and therapeutic response to omega 3 PUFAs supplementation in children
with idiopathic intractable epilepsy. The study was done between November 2007
and December 2008 in the pediatric neurology clinic of Ain Shams University
hospitals, Cairo. It comprised 20 children with idiopathic intractable epilepsy
on antiepileptic drug polytherapy and twenty healthy age and sex matched
controls. Serum levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (omega-3),
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (omega-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (omega-3),
decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (omega-3), linoleic acid (LA) (omega-6) and
arachidonic acid (omega-6) were assessed by gas liquid chromatography. Prior to
oral PUFAs supplementations, patients with intractable epilepsy had lower
levels of DHA, DPA and higher levels of ALA, EPA and LA compared to controls.
After 6 months of oral PUFAs supplementation, compared with healthy controls,
levels of DHA was increased while, ALA, LA, EPA, DPA and arachidonic acid were
decreased; while comparing to levels before supplement; furthermore, there were
an increase in levels of DHA, DPA as well as DHA: EPA and LA: ALA ratios and a
decrease in ALA, LA and EPA levels in patients following supplementation
compared to their levels prior to oral supplementation. Both the changes in
serum levels of PUFAs and their ratios were accompanied by decrease in seizure
frequency, duration and severity. There was a significant negative correlation
between serum DHA level and seizure duration as well as seizure severity.
Altered serum levels of omega three and six PUFAs were associated with
uncontrolled seizures, and oral supplementation with DHA and EPA lead to better
seizure control.
Keywords: Intractable epilepsy, oral supplement, PUFAs, severity of epilepsy
