Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that causes disruptions in the brain's electrical activity for a number of reasons. Resistant epilepsy is an uncontrollable seizures in spite of two well-toierated, suitably chosen antiepileptic medications (AEDs) given either in combination or as monotherapies. This is the first investigation at Zagazig University Hospitals to find out if refractory epilepsy and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 are related. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in children receiving treatment at Zagazig University Hospitals for refractory epilepsy.

Methods: Forty three children with refractory epilepsy and Forty three healthy children were examined for Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: The mean MMP-2 concentration exhibited a substantial decrease in the patient group compared to the control group, with a highly significant p-value of <0.001.

Conclusion: This study supports that MMP-2 could play a crucial role in timely and precise clinical interventions for children with refractory epilepsy.