Assessment of anthropometric indices in children with refractory epilepsy: a case control study<br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: Although epilepsy is a prevalent disorder during childhood, there is still little knowledge regarding its effects on growth and nutrition of affected patients. The aim of this study was to assess anthropometric indices of children with refractory epilepsy. METHODS: A case control study was carried out by comparing weight, stature and body mass index of 27 children with refractory epilepsy (with only oral nutrition, no swallowing difficulty and no motor limitations) paired (1:1) according to gender and age with children without chronic illnesses. Information regarding type, frequency and time of epileptic seizures, as well as antiepileptic drugs being used, was provided by parents and/or guardians during anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test with an established significance level of P less than 0.05. RESULTS: Children with epilepsy presented lower Z-scores for height-for-age compared to the control group of same age range (P=0.02), however Z-scores for weight-for-age and body mass index for age did not show any significant difference between both groups (P=0.07; P=0.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that refractory epilepsy may impair growth during childhood.