Polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with idiopathic intractable epilepsy: Serum levels and therapeutic response

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.