Objectives: Previous studies in adults with epilepsy revealed a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, resulting in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. However, there is insufficient data about body composition and metabolic syndrome in children, especially in the Middle Eastern region. We aimed to investigate metabolic syndrome criteria and body composition in ambulatory children with Epilepsy in Southern Iran.
Material & methods: Seventy seven epileptic children with an average age of 11.4 ± 3.2 years and their age-gender-matched controls were included in this study. Anthropometric data, lipid profile, blood glucose, and blood pressure were checked. Body composition was also evaluated by Hologic system dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as well as the fat mass index in patients were higher than the controls, and p values are 0.032 and 0.012, respectively. Moreover, the lean mass with Bone Mineral Content (BMC) index was detected lower than the controls (P= 0.017).Regarding drugs consumption, serum triglyceride and the blood pressure in patients who receiving carbamazepine was higher than the control individuals with P = 0.019, Beta = 0.379 and P = 0.016, Beta = -0.26, respectively. Fat mass index was also higher in patients using sodium valproate (P = 0.031, Beta = 0.238).
Conclusion: Our study revealed that children with epilepsy are more prone to metabolic syndrome and higher body fat mass. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention of metabolic syndrome criteria in patients with epilepsy, With performing regular exercise and having a healthy diet should be encouraged in these children.
Keywords: Body Composition; Children; Epilepsy; Metabolic Syndrome.