Background: Nitric Oxide, Xanthine Oxidase and Malonylaldehyde are likely implicated in the initiation and progression of epilepsy. The high lipid content in the brain makes it prone to oxidative stress. This research is carried out to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers in children experiencing febrile convulsion and idiopathic epilepsy.
Methods: This is a case- control study that enrolled 99 children of ages ranging from 0.5 to 6 years, done at Zagazig University Pediatric Hospital during April 2016 to March 2019. These children were divided into 3 groups: Group I include 33 children with history of febrile convulsion, group II include 33 children diagnosed as a new idiopathic epilepsy & a control group III include 33 healthy children of similar age & gender. Nitric oxide [NO], Xanthine oxidase [XOD] and Malonylaldehyde [MAD]) were measured in fasting blood serum samples of the patients and controls.
Results: No significant statistical difference between the studied groups as regard the demographic data. Neurological deficit and abnormal EEG pattern were observed only among group II. The level of Nitric Oxide and Xanthine Oxidase were significantly increased in febrile & idiopathic groups compared to control group. No significant statistical difference between the studied groups as regard Malonylaldehyde level.
Conclusion: The neurological deficit and the abnormal EEG pattern were observed only among Children with idiopathic epilepsy although NO & XOD are increased in both children experiencing febrile convulsion and idiopathic epilepsy, with no change in MAD level.
Key words: febrile convulsion, idiopathic epilepsy, NO, XOD, MAD.