The serum zinc, copper, iron, and chromium concentrations in epileptic children

To assess whether epileptic children have abnormal values of some trace elements, the aim of this preliminary study was to assess the serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr) concentrations in 23 children with initial recognition of epilepsy before beginning of pharmacological therapy in comparison with a healthy control group of 25 children, according to the gender. The study demonstrated that epilepsy decreases levels of Zn and Cr concentrations in all patients, and Fe level in girls, and increases level of Cu in all patients. The frequency distribution of these metals was significantly different in epileptic patients than in healthy subjects. There is a conclusion that status of trace elements in epileptic children needs to be monitored. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.