The Impact of Vitamin D3 Supplementation to Topiramate Therapy on Pediatric Migraine Prophylaxis.

Background:There is still a need for more studies to evaluate the role of vitamin D3 in pediatric migraine prophylaxis. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of vitamin D3 supplementation to topiramate on pediatric migraine. Methods: A double-blinded prospective clinical trial was conducted on 5- to 14-year-old children with migraine. They were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into 2 groups, one with vitamin D3 supplementation (the supplementation group) and the other without vitamin D supplementation (the placebo group). The supplementation group received topiramate plus one 5000-IU dose of vitamin D3 daily for 4 months. The placebo group received topiramate with a placebo capsule without any effective substances. The primary outcomes were a monthly frequency of headache attacks, a good response to intervention, and reduction in migraine severity, duration, and disability before and after treatment. Fifty-six children completed the trial. Vitamin D3 supplementation to topiramate was more effective than the placebo group in the reduction of monthly frequency (6231.31 vs 9792.24 times, P = .01) and disability score for migraines (17 566.43 vs 25 187.65, P = .04). A good response was observed in 76.13% of patients in the vitamin D3 supplementation group and 53.5% of patients in the placebo group, and vitamin D3 supplementation was significantly more effective than placebo (P = .01). Side effects were observed in 13.3% and 20% of the intervention group and placebo groups, respectively, P = .5. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation in pediatric migraine prophylaxis could be a well-tolerated, safe, and effective strategy.

Omega-3 supplementation in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 may have a role in the treatment of drug- resistant epilepsy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate omega-3 supplementation in seizure control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intractable epilepsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy were enrolled. They were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion in a 1:1 ratio into the omega-3 supplementation group or the placebo group in addition to risperidone and antiepileptic drugs. All patients were assessed for the frequency and severity of the epileptic attacks at baseline, monthly, and at 6 months from the beginning of the study; 30 children received omega-3 and the other 30 children received placebo. RESULTS: At baseline, the median number of seizures per month was 5 in both groups. After one month, this median decreased to 3 and became 2 after two months of supplementation with omega-3 in the supplementation group while it remained 5 in the control group. After 3 months and till the end of the study, this median decreased to 0 while it remained 5 in the control group throughout the study period. Children who were supplemented with omega-3 showed a significant decrease in the monthly frequency of seizure attacks after six months of supplementation compared to the baseline before supplementation (P < 0.05) There was no significant decrease in the severity of the seizures attacks among our patients with omega-3 supplementation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Omega 3 may help in achieving good seizure control in children with ADHD and intractable epilepsy.

Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children.

BACKGROUND: The role of nutrients and dietary factors in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to evaluate the serum vitamin D level in children with a diagnosis of ADHD. The secondary objective was to detect the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in those with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A total of 50 children with ADHD and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. We measured the serum level of vitamin D. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were subdivided into 2 groups: one with vitamin D supplementation and the other without vitamin D supplementation. Further assessment and follow-up of children with ADHD was done. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Conners' Parent Rating Scale, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were performed at baseline and follow-up in all cohorts with an ADHD diagnosis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency was significantly greater in children with ADHD compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Children with ADHD had significantly ( P = 0.0009) lower values of serum vitamin D (17.23 ± 8.98) than the control group(31.47 ± 14.42). The group receiving vitamin D supplementation demonstrated improvement in cognitive function in the conceptual level, inattention, opposition, hyperactivity, and impulsivity domains. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation in children with ADHD may improve cognitive function.