Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy, a chronic disorder with recurrent seizures, is challenging to manage, especially in cases resistant to standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Aim of the study: We aimed to determine which is better in management of refractory epilepsy in pediatrics  (mixed steroid and ketogenic diet   or multivitamins )

Methods: It is a randomized, single-blinded study at Assiut University Children Hospital, Egypt (October 2020–October 2021), 70 patients aged 1-17 with refractory epilepsy were assigned to two treatment groups: Group 1 received multivitamins (zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamins A, C, D, selenium, calcium), and Group 2 received corticosteroids followed by a ketogenic diet. Both groups continued their standard AED regimen. Changes in seizure frequency, metabolic parameters, radiological findings, and overall improvement were assessed.

Results: No significant differences in demographic and neurological assessments, laboratory and radiological findings were noted. Generalized seizures were more common. The vitamin group had the highest overall improvement, though convulsion frequency changes but had insignificant difference from another group.

Conclusion: Both treatments showed limited impact on convulsion frequency