Cerebrospinal fluid and serum zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium levels in children with idiopathic seizure

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to observe the alteration and their relations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) levels in patients with different types of idiopathic seizure and to determine the ratios of serum and CSF Ca/Mg and Cu/Zn. Methods: The children aged 1 to 14 years, having two or more unprovoked seizures, which were detected by normal MRI scan and abnormal EEG were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 40 healthy children without seizure. Zn, Mg and Cu levels in CSF and serum were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The study subjects included 34 generalized seizures (GS), 5 cases of simple partial seizure (SPS) and 5 Complex partial seizures (CPS). Serum copper (Cu) was significantly elevated (P-0.01) in children with seizures. Within the seizure group, serum Mg was significantly increased in GS and serum copper (Cu) levels were significantly increased in CPS and GS as compared to controls (p-0.001). However, calcium and zinc levels did not show any significant change in all groups. CSF Calcium was significantly increased in CPS patients. The ratio obtained for the levels of these parameters revealed a significant increase in serum Cu/Zn ratio (P-0.002) and CSF Ca/Mg (P-0.04) in patients with idiopathic seizure as compared to controls. This ratio was also significant between SPS versus CPS and CPS versus GS. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that high serum Cu and the increased ratio of serum Cu/Zn and CSF Ca/ Mg may be responsible for enhanced neuronal excitability in children with idiopathic seizures.