Investigating the effects of vitamin D on drug-resistant epilepsy

The Role Of Vitamin D For Therapy Responses On Drug Resistant Epilepsy Through Glial-Cell-Line Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) And Interleukin 1ß (IL-1 ß) Modulation Pathway

Early Phase 1 Interventional Universitas Sumatera Utara · NCT06053281

This study is testing if giving vitamin D to children and teens with drug-resistant epilepsy can help reduce their seizures and improve their overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitas Sumatera Utara Academic / other
Locations1 site (Medan, North Sumatra)
Trial IDNCT06053281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy. It will assess the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and changes in seizure frequency, as well as the impact on other biomarkers such as GDNF and Interleukin-1ß. The study will also evaluate the responder and remission rates, the effects on different types of epilepsy, and overall quality of life improvements. Participants will receive either cholecalciferol or a placebo over the course of the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1 to 18 years with drug-resistant epilepsy who have experienced at least 6 unprovoked seizures in the last 3 months.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatments that affect vitamin D metabolism or those with known hypersensitivity to vitamin D may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic option for managing drug-resistant epilepsy in children.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of vitamin D in epilepsy has been explored, this specific approach focusing on drug-resistant epilepsy in a pediatric population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 1 - 18 years
2. Drug-resistant epilepsy
3. Having at least 6 unprovoked seizures in the previous 3 months
4. No vitamin D treatment in the previous 6 months
5. Medication compliance
6. Agreeing to participate in the study
7. Having a social insurance
8. Parental agreement

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Treatments influencing the metabolism of vitamin D other than anticoagulants (rifamycin, isoniazid, ketoconazole, 5-FU fluorouracil, leucovorin)
2. Known hypersensitivity to vitamin D
3. Lost to follow up

Where this trial is running

Medan, North Sumatra

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Drug Resistant Epilepsyvitamin DGDNFinterleukin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.