Adverse cognitive effects of antiepileptic pharmacotherapy: Each additional drug matters

Lateralized differences for verbal learning across trials in temporal lobe epilepsy are not affected by surgical intervention

This research aimed to broaden understanding of learning verbal material in participants with left- and right-sided mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). We modeled word list-learning to determine how anterior temporal lobe resection affects verbal learning. Verbal learning (across trials) was assessed using the first five trials of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) in 128 participants with MTLE. Mixedeffects modeling was used to determine whether learning curves differed between participants with left- and right-sided MTLE pre- and post- anterior temporal lobe resection. Laterality of MTLE had a significant effect on both the model intercept and the linear slope, whereby participants with left-sided MTLE retained fewer words on both the first trial and on each subsequent trial than participants with right-sided MTLE; and this held regardless of anterior temporal lobe resection status (t(117) = -3.516, p < .001; t(120.50) = -2.049, p = .042, for intercept and linear slope, respectively). There were no significant differences in the learning curves after anterior temporal lobe resection surgery in either left- or right-sided MTLE. Our findings suggest that acquisition of verbal information may be especially impaired in patients with left-sided MTLE. Further, we show that verbal learning across trials was not affected by surgical intervention. This finding contributes to the broader understanding of the impacts of anterior temporal lobe resection on verbal memory function, and has important implications for the clinical management and surgical planning for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Effect of Anti-seizure Medications on Functional Anatomy of Language: A Perspective From Language Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background

In epilepsy, cognitive difficulties are common, partly a consequence of anti-seizure medications (ASM), and cognitive side-effects are often considered to be more disabling than seizures and significantly affect quality of life. Functional MRI during verbal fluency tasks demonstrated impaired frontal activation patterns and failed default mode network deactivation in people taking ASM with unfavourable cognitive profiles. The cognitive effect of ASMs given at different dosages in monotherapy, or in different combinations, remains to be determined.

Methods

Here, we compared the effects of different drug loads on verbal fluency functional MRI (fMRI) in people (i) taking dual therapy of ASMs either considered to be associated with moderate (levetiracetam, lamotrigine, lacosamide, carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine, valproic acid; n = 119, 56 females) or severe (topiramate, zonisamide) side-effects; n = 119, 56 females), (ii) taking moderate ASMs in either mono-, dual- or triple-therapy (60 subjects in each group), or (iii) taking different dosages of ASMs with moderate side-effect profiles (n = 180). “Drug load” was defined as a composite value of numbers and dosages of medications, normalised to account for the highest and lowest dose of each specific prescribed medication.

Results

In people taking “moderate” ASMs (n = 119), we observed higher verbal-fluency related to left inferior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal fMRI activations than in people taking “severe” ASMs (n = 119). Irrespective of the specific ASM, people on monotherapy (n = 60), showed greater frontal activations than people taking two (n = 60), or three ASMs (n = 60). People on two ASMs showed less default mode (precuneus) deactivation than those on monotherapy. In people treated with “moderate” ASMs (n = 180), increased drug load correlated with reduced activation of language-related regions and the right piriform cortex.

Conclusion

Our study delineates the effects of polytherapy and high doses of ASMs when given in monotherapy on the functional anatomy of language. Irrespective of the cognitive profile of individual ASMs, each additional ASM results in additional alterations of cognitive activation patterns. Selection of ASMs with moderate cognitive side effects, and low doses of ASMs when given in polytherapy, could reduce the cognitive effect.

Cognitive reawakening and improved quality of life achieved after discontinuing 16 years of anti-seizure treatment with topiramate

A 42-year-old female patient with epilepsy and a co-morbid migraine suffered from the severe cognitive side effects of topiramate (TPM) for more than 16 years with detrimental consequences for her daily functioning, career, and social interaction. Even a prodromal stage of dementia was suggested, giving rise to fears of developing a neurodegenerative disease. Recently, cognitive monitoring of attention and executive function before and after withdrawal of TPM revealed a significant recovery from the severe negative cognitive side effects of the long-standing and inefficacious antiseizure medication (ASM). Whereas the side effects were reversible after cessation, their consequences for the patient`s biography were permanent. A considerable increase in quality of life, however, was observed without TPM and family members were impressed by the improvements. This case illustrates the potentially severe consequences of negative cognitive side effects which affect daily functioning, career and social life, thus underscoring the importance of being knowledgeable of the potential cognitive risks when prescribing an ASM. Because cognitive side effects may not depend solely on ASM choice and drug load, but also on individual idiosyncratic intolerances, and patients might stay on their treatment for many years, cognitive monitoring is highly recommended.

Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy

People with epilepsy frequently have cognitive impairment. The majority of cognitive problems is influenced by a variety of interlinked factors, including the early onset of epilepsy and the frequency, intensity and duration of seizures, along with the anti-epileptic drug treatment. With a systematic review, we investigate significant factors about the cognitive impairment in epilepsy. Most cognitive problems in adult people with epilepsy include memory, attention and executive function deficits. However, which cognitive area is mainly affected highly depends on the location of epileptic activity. Moreover, modifications in signalling pathways and neuronal networks have an essential role in both the pathophysiology of epilepsy and in the mechanism responsible for cognitive impairment. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of polytherapy in the treatment of epilepsy with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) heightens the risk for cognitive impairment. It can be challenging to distinguish the contribution of each factor, because they are often closely intertwined.

Evaluation of a Rapid Topiramate Titration Scheme for the Early Detection of Cognitive Side Effects

BACKGROUND

Topiramate (TPM) is effective for treating epilepsy, but executive dysfunction is a common side effect that could significantly affect everyday life. Additionally, previous studies have suggested that patients might be unaware of these changes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a rapid TPM titration scheme for the early detection of adverse cognitive side effects.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we assessed changes in objective cognitive performance (EpiTrack^®) after rapidly titrating TPM (50 mg per day during an inpatient stay) in 49 epilepsy patients and compared those results with an outpatient control group that underwent the recommended standard titration (n = 23 with 25-50 mg per week).

RESULTS

Using Bayesian statistics, analyses revealed decisive evidence of a negative effect on cognitive performance when TPM was introduced (BF 31480000000) independent of the titration speed (BF 0.739). When using a fast titration rate, deficits in executive function increased from a baseline of 53.1 to 73.5% at follow-up, and 55.1% experienced a statistically significant intraindividual decline. When using the standard titration scheme, impairments increased from 52.2 to 65.2%, with an intraindividual deterioration found in 52.2% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Physicians might be able to detect adverse cognitive side effects sooner in epilepsy patients if TPM is administered using a faster titration rate while applying repeated cognitive assessments within days. This approach might help prevent any unnoticed intolerance and eventual negative consequences for the patient. Therefore, we recommend monitoring early on for adverse changes instead of withholding a potentially effective treatment option because of anticipated side effects.

Neuropsychological features of mind wandering in left-, right- and extra temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

Mind wandering, i.e. mental time-travelling and imagery unrelated to the current situation has recently been related to mesial temporal lobe (memory) function. In this regard we evaluated as to whether parameters of mind wandering are related to material specific memory in patients with a left-, right-, or extra- temporal lobe epilepsy.

METHODS

In this prospective controlled study we analyzed mind wandering, material specific memory, and executive functions in 29 right-handed patients with right-, left-, or extra-temporal lobe epilepsies. Mind wandering was assessed with a sustained attention to response task containing embedded inquiries on mind wandering. In addition, verbal list learning and memory (VLMT), design list learning (DCS-R), and executive function (EpiTrack) were assessed.

RESULTS

In patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy, the propensity to mind wander was positively related to verbal memory performance, while in left temporal lobe epilepsy, the propensity and future related mind wandering were positively correlated to the performance in visual/figural memory. Generally, the propensity of MW was related to executive function as well.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that mind wandering in lateralized temporal lobe epilepsy appears to be non-specifically driven by executive function and specifically by the mode and functionality of the memory system of the non-epileptic hemisphere. Repeated assessments would be required to discern as to how much such patterns depend on lesions versus epileptic dysfunction and whether they change with successful medical or surgical treatment.

Working Memory and Language Contribution to Verbal Learning and Memory in Drug-Resistant Unilateral Focal Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

We aimed to investigate the working memory (WM) and language separate contributions to verbal learning and memory in patients with unilateral drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (drTLE); additionally, we explored the mediating role of WM on the relationship between the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and short-term verbal memory. We retrospectively enrolled 70 patients with left (LTLE; n = 44) and right (RTLE; n = 26) drTLE. About 40 similar (age and education) healthy controls were used to determine impairments of groups at WM, language (naming and verbal fluency), and verbal learning and memory (five trials list-learning, story memory-immediate recall). To disentangle the effect of learning from the short-term memory, we separately analyzed performances at the first trial, last trial, and delayed-recall list-learning measures, in addition to the total learning capacity (the sum of the five trials). Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of potential predictors while controlling for main clinical and demographic variables, and ascertain the mediating role of WM. All patients were impaired at WM and story memory, whereas only LTLE showed language and verbal learning deficits. In RTLE, language was the unique predictor for the most verbal learning performances, whereas WM predicted the results at story memory. In LTLE, WM was the sole predictor for short-term verbal learning (list-learning capacity; trial 1) and mediated the interaction between AED number and the performance at these measures, whereas language predicted the delayed-recall. Finally, WM confounded the performance at short-term memory in both groups, although at different measures. WM is impaired in drTLE and contributes to verbal memory and learning deficits in addition to language, mediating the relationship between AED number and short-term verbal memory in LTLE. Clinicians should consider this overlap when interpreting poor performance at verbal learning and memory in drTLE.

The impact of perampanel on cognition: A systematic review of studies employing standardized tests in patients with epilepsy

This systematic review was conducted to reveal the cognitive effects of perampanel (PER) as assessed by objective standardized neuropsychological measures in patients with epilepsy. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed. In addition we cross-checked a list of relevant studies (based on a ProQuest search) provided by Eisai GmbH. Eligibility criteria were (1) group studies reporting the cognitive outcome of treatment with PER in patients with epilepsy (2) which employed objective cognitive tests and (3) were published in English. Of the 56 initially retrieved records, 9 eligible studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two studies were based on the very same sample. Altogether the included studies analyzed a total of 241 patients (46% pediatric) with adjunctive PER. All studies were longitudinal with assessments before and after introduction of PER (up to 5 follow-ups and observation intervals of up to 1 year). Two studies were retrospective, 6 lacked a control condition. Neuropsychological assessments varied in extent and test selection. Overall no systematic cognitive deteriorations or improvements after introduction of PER have been reported across the analyzed studies. The only randomized placebo-controlled trial found a transient worsening in attention and speed of memory at the 19-week follow-up, and in addition a late decline in another parameter of attention at the final 52-week follow-up. This systematic review on the objective cognitive effects of PER suggests an overall neutral cognitive profile of PER with no systematic cognitive deteriorations or improvements. More controlled studies on the cognitive effects of PER would be appreciated.

TELEmedicine for EPIlepsy Care (TELE-EPIC): protocol of a randomised, open controlled non-inferiority clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy is a chronic condition requiring consistent follow-up aimed at seizure control, and monitoring of anti-seizure medication (ASM) levels and side effects. Telemedicine (TM) offers invaluable support to patient follow-up, guaranteeing the prompt availability of a team of experts for persons with epilepsy (PWE) widely distributed across the country. Although many health institutions have endorsed the use of TM, robust data on effectiveness, safety and costs of TM applied to epilepsy are lacking. TELEmedicine for EPIlepsy Care (TELE-EPIC) will evaluate the effectiveness of video consultation (VC) via TM compared with usual care (UC) for the monitoring of PWE (TELE-EPIC_RCT). Moreover, TELE-EPIC will apply an innovative Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) device for quantitation of ASM through finger prick blood sampling as an alternative to venipuncture sampling (TELE-EPIC_VAMS).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

TELE-EPIC_RCT is a multicentre, open, pragmatic two-arm randomised controlled trial prospectively including adult and paediatric outpatients with established diagnosis of epilepsy consecutively attending the Epilepsy Centres of Bologna and Rome, respectively. The primary outcome is the non-inferiority of VC on seizure control compared with UC after an 18-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are adherence to treatment, ASM-related adverse events, quality of life, mood disorders, patient and caregiver satisfaction, safety and costs. TELE-EPIC_VAMS is a cross-validation study for blood ASM quantitation through a novel, VAMS-based device, comparing (1) VAMS versus plasma samples (reference standard method); and (2) nurse-collected versus self-collected blood by VAMS device.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the local ethics committee (349-2019-SPER-AUSLBO). Complete information about the state of project, relevant events and results will be regularly updated on the project's webpage on ClinicalTrials.gov. The project's results and data on the potential impact of TM in epilepsy will be disseminated on social media. A closeout meeting will be convened for the communication and dissemination of the project, highlighting its main achievements and impacts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04496310.

Neurobehavioural comorbidities of epilepsy: towards a network-based precision taxonomy

Cognitive and behavioural comorbidities are prevalent in childhood and adult epilepsies and impose a substantial human and economic burden. Over the past century, the classic approach to understanding the aetiology and course of these comorbidities has been through the prism of the medical taxonomy of epilepsy, including its causes, course, characteristics and syndromes. Although this 'lesion model' has long served as the organizing paradigm for the field, substantial challenges to this model have accumulated from diverse sources, including neuroimaging, neuropathology, neuropsychology and network science. Advances in patient stratification and phenotyping point towards a new taxonomy for the cognitive and behavioural comorbidities of epilepsy, which reflects the heterogeneity of their clinical presentation and raises the possibility of a precision medicine approach. As we discuss in this Review, these advances are informing the development of a revised aetiological paradigm that incorporates sophisticated neurobiological measures, genomics, comorbid disease, diversity and adversity, and resilience factors. We describe modifiable risk factors that could guide early identification, treatment and, ultimately, prevention of cognitive and broader neurobehavioural comorbidities in epilepsy and propose a road map to guide future research.

Utility and Safety of Perampanel in Pediatric FIRES and Other Drug-Resistant Epilepsies

Perampanel is a novel antiepileptic drug, which antagonises AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) glutamate receptor. We describe perampanel as an adjunctive treatment for FIRES (febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome) and other drug-resistant epilepsies. A single-centre, observational, retrospective study involving 20 pediatric patients was conducted. Perampanel was started for three patients with FIRES, achieving seizure cessation in two patients within a day and on days 19 and 32 of illness. Doses used ranged from 4 to 12 mg/day, without any adverse effects reported or discontinuation of therapy. Responder-rate for other drug-resistant epilepsies is 25%. Median time to achieve ≥50% seizure reduction was 80 days (range: 26-326 days). Adverse effect reported in 47% of the patients includes central nervous system-related, and thrombocytopenia. Eight patients discontinued perampanel, because of ineffectiveness or adverse effects. The median time on perampanel before discontinuation was 179 days (range: 94-345 days). Perampanel may be of benefit in pediatrics FIRES and is of utility in other drug-resistant epilepsies.

Drug load and memory during intracarotid amobarbital procedure in epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have been related to poor cognitive function, but their relationship with intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) results remains unclear.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To elucidate whether the number and drug load of ASMs are associated with memory scores of the IAP and the neuropsychological assessment.

METHODS

Fifty-nine adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (mean age = 36.1, SD = 11.6) underwent bilateral IAP (with drawings and words as memory items) and a neuropsychological assessment to assess the risk of post-surgical memory decline. Total ASM drug load was calculated by summing the daily dose/defined daily dose ratio of every ASM of each patient. Pearson's correlations and hierarchical regressions were computed.

RESULTS

Total IAP memory score was associated with total ASM drug load (r = -0.30, p = 0.02) and seizure frequency (r = -0.25, p = 0.05). After controlling clinical variables, total ASM drug load explained 16% of the variance of total IAP memory score. This relationship was especially prominent in patients with left hemisphere focus (r = -0.33, p = 0.04). The number of current ASMs was not related to IAP memory score (r = -0.16, p = 0.24). The number or drug load of ASMs were not related to neuropsychological assessment results (for all, p > 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that total drug load can be a confounding variable in the IAP memory performance that could explain, at least in part, the reverse asymmetries reported in different studies.

Multiple-brain systems dynamically interact during tonic and phasic states to support language integrity in temporal lobe epilepsy

•

Unique brain dynamics occur during language task in left temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

•

Multiple brain systems interact to implement compensated language status in TLE.

•

Tonic/rest dynamics exert influence and may prime the level of phasic/task dynamics.

•

Multi-network integrations are compensatory in patients with lower language skills.

An epileptogenic focus in the dominant temporal lobe can result in the reorganization of language systems in order to compensate for compromised functions. We studied the compensatory reorganization of language in the setting of left temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), taking into account the interaction of language (L) with key non-language (NL) networks such as dorsal attention (DAN), fronto-parietal (FPN) and cingulo-opercular (COpN), with these systems providing cognitive resources helpful for successful language performance.

We applied tools from dynamic network neuroscience to functional MRI data collected from 23 TLE patients and 23 matched healthy controls during the resting state (RS) and a sentence completion (SC) task to capture how the functional architecture of a language network dynamically changes and interacts with NL systems in these two contexts.

We provided evidence that the brain areas in which core language functions reside dynamically interact with non-language functional networks to carry out linguistic functions. We demonstrated that abnormal integrations between the language and DAN existed in TLE, and were present both in tonic as well as phasic states. This integration was considered to reflect the entrainment of visual attention systems to the systems dedicated to lexical semantic processing. Our data made clear that the level of baseline integrations between the language subsystems and certain NL systems (e.g., DAN, FPN) had a crucial influence on the general level of task integrations between L/NL systems, with this a normative finding not unique to epilepsy. We also revealed that a broad set of task L/NL integrations in TLE are predictive of language competency, indicating that these integrations are compensatory for patients with lower overall language skills.

We concluded that RS establishes the broad set of L/NL integrations available and primed for use during task, but that the actual use of those interactions in the setting of TLE depended on the level of language skill. We believe our analyses are the first to capture the potential compensatory role played by dynamic network reconfigurations between multiple brain systems during performance of a complex language task, in addition to testing for characteristics in both the phasic/task and tonic/resting state that are necessary to achieve language competency in the setting of temporal lobe pathology. Our analyses highlighted the intra- versus inter-system communications that form the basis of unique language processing in TLE, pointing to the dynamic reconfigurations that provided the broad multi-system support needed to maintain language skill and competency.

International consensus on the use of [18F]-FDG PET/CT in pediatric patients affected by epilepsy

PURPOSE

Positron emission tomography (PET) with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]-FDG) has been increasingly applied in precise localization of epileptogenic focus in epilepsy patients, including pediatric patients. The aim of this international consensus is to provide the guideline and specific considerations for [¹⁸F]-FDG PET in pediatric patients affected by epilepsy.

METHODS

An international, multidisciplinary task group is formed, and the guideline for brain [¹⁸F]-FDG PET/CT in pediatric epilepsy patients has been discussed and approved, which include but not limited to the clinical indications, patient preparation, radiopharmaceuticals and administered activities, image acquisition, image processing, image interpretation, documentation and reporting, etc. CONCLUSION: This is the first international consensus and practice guideline for brain [¹⁸F]-FDG PET/CT in pediatric epilepsy patients. It will be an international standard for this purpose in clinical practice.

Visual surround suppression in people with epilepsy correlates with attentional-executive functioning, but not with epilepsy or seizure types

PURPOSE

Following reports that an index of visual surround suppression (SI) may serve as a biomarker for an imbalance of cortical excitation and inhibition in different psychiatric and neurological disorders including epilepsy, we evaluated whether SI is associated with seizure susceptibility, seizure spread, and inhibitory effects of antiseizure medication (ASM).

METHODS

In this prospective controlled study, we examined SI with a motion discrimination task in people with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and focal epilepsy with and without focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Cofactors such as GABAergic ASM, attentional-executive functioning, and depression were taken into account.

RESULTS

Data of 45 patients were included in the final analysis. Suppression index was not related to epilepsy or seizure type, GABAergic ASM treatment or mood. However, SI correlated with attentional-executive functioning (r = 0.32), which in turn was associated with ASM load (r = -0.38). Repeated task administration (N = 7) proved a high stability over a one-week interval (r_tt = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not support the hypothesis that SI is a reliable biomarker for mechanisms related to inhibition of seizure spread or seizure frequency, i.e., it does not seem to reflect inhibitory capacities in epilepsy. Likewise, SI did not differentiate GGE from focal epilepsy, nor was it influenced by ASM load or mode of action. Thus, in epilepsy, no added value of including SI to routine diagnostics can be concluded.

Neurocognitive Effects of Antiseizure Medications in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy

Impairments in cognition are common in epilepsy and may be caused or exacerbated by antiseizure medications (ASMs). Positive effects on cognition may also be seen with some ASMs. Cognitive outcomes are of particular concern in children who may be at an increased risk of cognitive adverse effects of treatment. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed in order to evaluate the evidence for cognitive changes associated with treatment with ASMs in paediatric epilepsy patients. The ASMs considered were those in the current edition of the British National Formulary (BNF). For most ASMs, remarkably few studies providing robust data on cognitive effects in paediatric patients were identified. The available evidence suggests cognitive impairments may be associated with treatment with phenobarbital. Topiramate and phenytoin are also associated with negative effects on cognition, in particular word-finding difficulties and other language deficits with topiramate, but there are few data available specifically on children. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam and fenfluramine are associated with improvements in some cognitive domains, although it is unclear whether these effects are directly attributable to the medications or are a result of improvements in seizures. Neutral effects on cognition (no substantial evidence of worsening) were suggested for carbamazepine, everolimus, lacosamide, oxcarbazepine, perampanel and valproate. There is limited data for cannabidiol, clobazam, eslicarbazepine acetate, ethosuximide, rufinamide, vigabatrin and zonisamide, although the available evidence suggests these drugs are not associated with severe cognitive impairment. There was too little information to reach conclusions about the effects of brivaracetam, felbamate, gabapentin, pregabalin, retigabine, stiripentol or tiagabine.

Effects of antiseizure monotherapy on visuospatial memory in pediatric age

INTRODUCTION

Visuospatial abilities are fundamental for good school achievements and good daily functioning. Previous studies showed an impairment of visuospatial skills in pediatric patients with epilepsy; pharmacological treatment, although indispensable for the seizure control, could further affect cognitive functions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the visuospatial skills in children and adolescents with different forms of epilepsy well-controlled by antiseizure monotherapy, both at baseline and after one year follow-up, through a standardized neuropsychological assessment.

METHODS

We recruited 207 children and adolescents (mean age = 10.35 ± 2.39 years) with epilepsy, well controlled by monotherapy with levetiracetam, valproic acid, ethosuximide, oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine and 45 age/sex-matched controls. All the participants performed the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, a standardized test for visuospatial perception and visuospatial memory assessment, at baseline and after 12 month of drug therapy. Age, sex, executive functions, non-verbal intelligence, age at onset of epilepsy, epilepsy duration, epilepsy type, lobe and side of seizure onset were considered in our analysis. EEG, seizure frequency, and drug dose were also recorded.

RESULTS

At baseline, the epilepsy group performed significantly worse than controls in the Immediate Recall test but not the Direct Copy test, without differences between epilepsy subgroups. Immediate Recall scores were related to age of seizure onset and epilepsy duration and executive functions. The re-assessment after 1 year showed that the Immediate Recall mean scores were not significantly changed in the levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine group, while they significantly worsened in the valproic acid, ethosuximide and carbamazepine groups. The Immediate Recall scores were correlated to age, age at onset of epilepsy, epilepsy duration, and executive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with epilepsy may exhibit visuospatial memory impairment compared to their peer, that may be correlated to some features of the epilepsy itself and to the impairment of executive functions. Different antiseizure medications can affect visuospatial memory differently, so it is important monitoring this aspect in pediatric patients.

Quantitative Meta-Analyses: Lateralization of Memory Functions Before and After Surgery in Children with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

RATIONALE

Memory deficits in children with epilepsy have been reported in some but not all studies assessing the effects of side of seizures and resection from the temporal lobe on cognitive performance. This meta-analysis provides a quantitative systematic review of previous studies on this issue.

METHOD

A critical review and meta-analysis of the literature on memory performance in children with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) was conducted. Search identified 25 studies, 13 of which compared children with TLE to healthy age-matched controls and 12 of which compared children with TLE before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of the comparisons of children with TLE to healthy controls impeded drawing definitive conclusions. However, in 55% of the studies, verbal memory in children with left TLE (LTLE) was impaired as compared to healthy controls. Verbal memory performance slightly declines after pediatric LTLE surgery, but nonverbal memory tasks are not affected. By contrast, verbal memory performance is not affected by pediatric right TLE (RTLE) surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that side of the epileptogenic zone and resection from the temporal lobe affect verbal memory in children with LTLE. Right resection seems to be safe with respect to verbal memory performance.

EpiTrack is a feasible tool for assessing attention and executive functions in patients with refractory epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to utilize EpiTrack to assess cognitive performance within the domain of attention and executive functions in patients with refractory epilepsy in consideration for treatment interventions either with antiepileptic drug (AED) changes and/or neuromodulation therapies. We also aimed to identify the relevant clinical and treatment factors possibly affecting EpiTrack performance.

METHODS

The patient group consisted of 95 consecutive refractory epilepsy patients who were evaluated with EpiTrack. Based on their EpiTrack performance, the patients could be categorized as cognitively unimpaired, mildly, or severely impaired. The patients were also divided into three groups based on the planned treatment modification: AED group (n = 38) with only AED treatment, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) group (n = 40) and deep-brain stimulation (DBS) group (n = 17). However, the effect of planned interventions was not the subject of this study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for detailed clinical characterization.

RESULTS

EpiTrack performance was severely impaired in 48 (50.5%), mildly impaired in 22 (23.2%) and unimpaired in 25 (26.3%) of the patients. The DBS group had significantly lower EpiTrack scores (mean (SD) and median, 25.5 (4.81) and 27.0, respectively) compared to the AED group (28.6 (6.2) and 30.0, respectively, p = 0.049). Sixty-three (66.3%) of the whole study population had more than 2 AEDs. When comparing EpiTrack scores between patient groups based on the number of AEDs administered, there was a trend toward better performance in EpiTrack with 2 AEDs as compared to 3-4 AEDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficits in attention and executive functions were frequent among patients with refractory epilepsy. Deficits were evident in all three treatment groups being most severe in the DBS group reflecting the patient selection. Furthermore, the effect of AED burden on executive functions was remarkable since two thirds of the patients had more than two AEDs and the deficits were more prominent among those with a higher AED burden. These results highlight the benefits of a feasible screening tool such as EpiTrack for assessing attention and executive functions when optimizing the treatment effects of neurostimulation therapies on cognition, and when evaluating the impacts of the AED burden.

Cognitive profiles in patients with epileptic and nonepileptic seizures evaluated using a brief cognitive assessment tool

BACKGROUND

There is a need for the development of brief tools to screen for cognitive impairments in epilepsy patients in order to prioritize and direct formal comprehensive cognitive testing. Yet, shorter cognitive screening tools are limited in their breadth of cognitive domains or have not been intensively studied on an epilepsy population. This study used a brief cognitive screening tool in order to compare cognitive profiles between patients with epilepsy and those with nonepileptic seizures.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital video-EEG monitoring unit between 2005 and 2017 were included. Patients were categorized according to seizure etiology (epileptic, psychogenic or other nonepileptic seizures), epilepsy syndrome (focal or generalized; temporal lobe (TLE) or extra-temporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE)), seizure frequency, and anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Attention, visuoconstructional, memory, executive, and language functioning were assessed with the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG). General linear mixed models were computed to investigate cognitive profiles according to diagnostic group and other clinicodemographic variables.

RESULTS

800 patients were included in the analysis (61% female and 39 % male, median age 36 years). Patients with both epileptic seizures and psychogenic seizures (n = 25) had the lowest total scores on NUCOG, followed by patients with epileptic seizures (n = 411), psychogenic seizures (n = 185), and nonepileptic seizures (n = 179, p = 0.002). Specifically, patients with epileptic seizures performed worse than those with nonepileptic seizures in the executive, language, and memory domain, and had lower language domain scores than those with psychogenic seizures. Patients with bilateral TLE had poorer performance than those with unilateral TLE, particularly for memory function. Specific ASMs and polypharmacy but not seizure frequency had a negative effect on cognition (p < 0.001). NUCOG scores did not differ between focal and generalized epilepsies, or between TLE and ETLE.

CONCLUSION

The NUCOG differentiated cognitive profiles in patients with uncontrolled seizures due to different etiologies. Bilateral TLE and medication adversely affected cognitive performance, and overall patients with epilepsy performed worse than those with nonepileptic seizures. These results provide further evidence for sensitivity of the NUCOG for detecting cognitive impairment in patients with seizure disorders.

The number of anti-seizure medications mediates the relationship between cognitive performance and quality of life in temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether cognitive performance predicts quality of life (QOL) in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), using the Epitrack cognitive screening tool, while considering the mediating role of the number of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and controlling for seizure-related, social, and emotional factors.

METHODS

Seventy-five adult patients with drug-resistant TLE (mean age = 39.76 years, SD = 11.66) underwent a presurgical neuropsychological assessment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cognitive performance (Epitrack), depression (BDI-II), trait anxiety (STAI); and QOL (QOLIE-31) were assessed.

RESULTS

Adjusting for seizure-related, social, and emotional factors, the Epitrack total score significantly contributed to QOL composite score, and energy and cognitive self-rating subscales. We found a significant indirect effect of the Epitrack total score on QOL composite score and seizure worry and social functioning subscales via the number of ASMs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underline the relevance of cognitive functioning on QOL and the clinical utility of Epitrack to track cognitive side effects of ASMs and, consequently, to predict and manage QOL in this population.

Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Restores Hippocampus Function and Rescues Cognitive Impairments in Chronic Epileptic Rats via Wnt/β-catenin Signaling

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder with frequent psychiatric, cognitive, and social comorbidities in addition to recurrent seizures. Cognitive impairment, one of the most common comorbidities, has severe adverse effects on quality of life. Chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) has demonstrated neuroprotective efficacy in several neurological disease models. In the present study, we examined the effects of CIHH on cognition and hippocampal function in chronic epileptic rats. CIHH treatment rescued deficits in spatial and object memory, hippocampal neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity in pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been implicated in neural stem cell proliferation and synapse development, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibition effectively blocked the neurogenic effects of CIHH. Our findings indicate that CIHH rescues cognitive deficits in epileptic rats via Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. This study establishes CIHH and Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulators as potential treatments for epilepsy- induced cognitive impairments.

Patient Preference for Antiepileptic Drugs Treatment in China: Evidence From the Discrete Choice Experiment

Objective: Explore Chinese patients' risk-benefit preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) treatment through the discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Method: Six attributes including the efficacy of AEDs, adverse reactions (digestive system, neuropsychic systems, and the effects on the fetus), dosing frequency and drug costs (to estimate patient WTP) were included in the DCE questionnaire based on results collected from literature reviews, expert consultation, and patient survey. The alternative-specific conditional logit model was used to analyze patient preference and WTP for each attribute and its level and to assess the sociodemographic impact and clinical characteristics.

Results: A total of 151 valid questionnaires were collected. The result shows that five out of the six attributes are significant, except the dosing frequency. Among the six attributes, the efficacy of AEDs (10.0; 95% CI 8.9–11.1) is mostly concerned by patients, followed by the effects of AEDs on the fetus (8.9; 95% CI 7.7–10.1), duration of side effects in the neuropsychic system (4.9; 95% CI 3.7–6.0) and adverse reactions of the digestive system (3.2; 95% CI 1.5–4.2). The patients surveyed are willing to spend ¥ 1,246 (95% CI, ¥ 632- ¥ 1,861) per month to ensure 100% seizure control, and ¥ 1,112 (95% CI, ¥ 586–¥ 1,658) to reduce the risk of the drug affecting the fetus to 3%. Besides, it was found that personal characteristics including the intention for conception and AEDs treatment regimens have statistical significance.

Conclusion: Improving the drug's efficacy and reducing its side effects are predominant considerations for patients with epilepsy in China, especially for those who are concerned about the seizure control and the drug effect on the fetus. This finding is useful to physicians and can encourage shared decision-making between the patients and their doctors in the clinic.

Lost in Transition: The Long and Winding Road Toward Epilepsy Surgery—An Analysis of Obstacles Prior to Surgery and Call for Orchestrated Health Care Efforts in Epilepsy

Difficult-to-treat epilepsy is defined as ongoing seizures despite adequate pharmacological treatment. This condition is affecting a significant percentage of epilepsy patients and is estimated to be as high as one-third of all patients. Epilepsy surgery, targeting the removal of the key parts of cerebral convolutions responsible for seizure generation and often including a structural lesion, can be a very successful approach. However, this necessitates careful patient selection by comprehensive investigations, proving the localization of the epileptogenic zone as well as measures to make such surgeries safe. With careful selection as a prerequisite, the percentage of patients achieving seizure freedom by neurosurgical intervention is high, approximating two-thirds of all epilepsy surgeries performed. In contrast, the average duration of a patient's pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy prior to surgery anywhere around the globe is around 20 years. Given that typical patients are ∼30 to 40 years of age at the time of surgery, many patients have been living with chronic seizures since childhood or adolescence. This means that most of these patients have been going through several stages of medical care for years or even decades, both as children and adults, without ever being fully investigated and/or selected for surgery which is concerning. Yet, there is no set standard for a timeline leading toward successful surgery in epilepsy. It is obvious that the average transit period from the moment of first seizure manifestation until the day of successful surgery takes much too long. This is the reason why we see these patients lost in transition.

Cognitive disorders in epilepsy II: Clinical targets, indications and selection of test instruments

This is the second of two narrative reviews on cognitive disorders in epilepsy (companion manuscript: Cognitive disorders in epilepsy I: Clinical experience, real-world evidence and recommendations). Its focus is on the clinical targets, indications, and the selection of neuropsychological test instruments. Cognitive assessment has become an essential tool for the diagnosis and outcome control in the clinical management of epilepsy. The diagnostics of basic and higher brain functions can provide valuable information on lateralized and localized brain dysfunctions associated with epilepsy, its underlying pathologies and treatment. In addition to the detection or verification of deficits, neuropsychology reveals the patient's cognitive strengths and, thus, information about the patient reserve capacities for functional restitution and compensation. Neuropsychology is an integral part of diagnostic evaluations mainly in the context of epilepsy surgery to avoid new or additional damage to preexisting neurocognitive impairments. In addition and increasingly, neuropsychology is being used as a tool for monitoring of the disease and its underlying pathologies, and it is suited for the quality and outcome control of pharmacological or other non-invasive medical intervention. This narrative review summarizes the present state of neuropsychological assessments in epilepsy, reveals diagnostic gaps, and shows the great need for education, homogenization, translation and standardization of instruments.

In the eye of the beholder: Using a multiple-informant approach to examine the mediating effect of cognitive functioning on emotional and behavioral problems in children with an active epilepsy

PURPOSE

Childhood epilepsy is often associated with cognitive impairments and psychosocial problems. However, it is not clear which factors mediate symptom severity and child's resilience. Emotional and behavioral problems have been associated with various home and school environments, suggesting that information collected may vary depending on both context and informant. In this study we examined the mediating effect of child's cognitive functions on the association between child and epilepsy-related factors and psychosocial problems. Additionally, the differences in psychosocial problems reported by various informants (parents, teachers) in different school settings were explored.

METHODS

Participants were 155 children with epilepsy (50 % girls), age range 5-18 years who completed a brief neuropsychological battery. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and teachers completed the corresponding Teacher's Rating Form (TRF), to assess a child's emotional and behavior problems.

RESULTS

The cognitive profile of the sample was within average to low-average range. Parents and teachers both reported high levels of emotional and behavioral problems, and teachers reported relatively higher levels of symptoms. A mediation effect of cognition on the association between child and epilepsy-related factors (i.e., number of antiseizure medications and illness duration) and child's emotional and behavioral problems was evident only for teachers' reports.

CONCLUSIONS

The results emphasize that the complex interactions between epilepsy, cognition and psychosocial outcomes are perceived differently in diverse contexts by different informants. The incongruities in informants' perceptions regarding the role of cognition in child's psychological state should be acknowledged and incorporated when planning effective educational and rehabilitation interventions for children with epilepsy.

Does the accumulated antiepileptic drug load in chronic epilepsy reflect disease severity?

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain factors that are related to the antiepileptic drug load in epilepsy.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed a large cohort of conservatively treated patients with epilepsy (n = 1135) and a smaller homogeneous group of presurgical patients with neuropathologically confirmed unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (n = 91). Considered clinical variables comprised (1) presence of an underlying cerebral lesion, (2) onset and (3) duration of epilepsy, (4) seizure frequency, (5) generalized or focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, (6) ictal impairment of awareness, and (7) a history of convulsive status epilepticus. In the presurgical sample, we additionally considered (8) the degree of pathology (hippocampal neuronal cell densities) instead of (1) presence of a cerebral lesion and (9) an overall rating of epilepsy severity (GASE scale). Drug load was quantified as (a) the number of concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and (b) the total defined daily dose (DDD).

RESULTS

Analyses disclosed only small correlations between clinical variables and drug load indices. In the conservatively treated cohort, the multiple regression analyses revealed that epilepsy onset, cerebral lesion, history of convulsive status epilepticus, and seizure frequency combined explained only 6%-10% of variance in drug load. Nearly the same variance (5%-8%) could be explained by duration of epilepsy alone. Degree of hippocampal pathology and the epilepsy severity ratings were not related to drug load indices.

SIGNIFICANCE

Clinical markers of epilepsy severity were only marginally associated with drug load. Findings rather indicate that patients seem to accumulate drugs due to the chronicity of epilepsy. Overall, the drug load remained largely unexplained. The findings nevertheless call for scrutinizing multidrug therapies in patients with long-lasting epilepsies.

Cognition and epilepsy: Cognitive screening test

Cognitive deficits often occur in people with epilepsy (PWE). However, in Brazil, PWE might not undergo neurocognitive evaluation due to the low number of validated tests available and lack of multidisciplinary teams in general epilepsy outpatient clinics.

AEDs and Cognition: One Small Fish in a Very Large Pond?

[Box: see text]

Low doses of Perampanel protect striatal and hippocampal neurons against in vitro ischemia by reversing the ischemia-induced alteration of AMPA receptor subunit composition

Energy depletion caused by ischemic brain insults may result in persistent neuronal depolarization accompanied by hyper-stimulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and excitotoxic phenomena, possibly leading to cell death. The use of glutamate receptor antagonists, such as the AMPARs antagonist Perampanel (PER), might be a pharmacological approach to counteract the excessive over-activation of glutamate receptors providing neuroprotective effects. Using electrophysiological and molecular analyses, we investigated the effect of PER against in vitro ischemia obtained by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in rat slices of two brain structures particularly sensitive to ischemic insults, the nucleus striatum and the hippocampus. We found that in these regions PER was able to avoid the OGD-induced neuronal suffering, at low doses not reducing basal excitatory synaptic transmission and not altering long-term potentiation (LTP) induction. Furthermore, in both the analysed regions, PER blocked a pathological form of LTP, namely ischemic LTP (iLTP). Finally, we hypothesized that the protective effect of PER against OGD was due to its capability to normalize the altered synaptic localization and function of AMPAR subunits, occuring after an ischemic insult. Taken together these findings support the idea that PER is a drug potentially effective to counteract ischemic damage.

Cognitive Function in Genetic Generalized Epilepsies: Insights From Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging

Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE), previously called idiopathic generalized epilepsies, constitute about 20% of all epilepsies, and include childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (CAE, JAE, JME, and GGE-GTCS, respectively). GGE are characterized by high heritability, likely underlain by polygenetic mechanisms, which may relate to atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories. Age of onset ranges from pre-school years, for CAE, to early adulthood for GGE-GTCS. Traditionally, GGE have been considered benign, a belief contrary to evidence from neuropsychology studies conducted over the last two decades. In JME, deficits in executive and social functioning are common findings and relate to impaired frontal lobe function. Studies using neuropsychological measures and cognitive imaging paradigms provide evidence for hyperconnectivity between prefrontal and motor cortices, aberrant fronto-thalamo-cortical connectivity, and reduced fronto-cortical and subcortical gray matter volumes, which are associated with altered cognitive performance. Recent research has also identified associations between abnormal hippocampal morphometry and fronto-temporal activation during episodic memory. Longitudinal studies on individuals with newly diagnosed JME have observed cortical dysmaturation, which is paralleled by delayed cognitive development compared to the patients' peers. Comorbidities and cognitive deficits observed in other GGE subtypes, such as visuo-spatial and language deficits in both CAE and JAE, have also been correlated with atypical neurodevelopment. Although it remains unclear whether cognitive impairment profiles differ amongst GGE subtypes, effects may become more pronounced with disease duration, particularly in absence epilepsies. Finally, there is substantial evidence that patients with JME and their unaffected siblings share patterns of cognitive deficits, which is indicative of an underlying genetic etiology (endophenotype), independent of seizures and anti-epileptic medication.

Antiepileptic drug effects on subjective and objective cognition

RATIONALE

Cognitive impairment is one of the most common complaints for persons with epilepsy (PWE). These impairments are not only associated with seizures, but are also regularly reported as adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Previous studies have examined cognitive effects of both AED monotherapy and polytherapy, yet there is limited research on these differences with respect to both subjective and objective cognition. The current study uses data from previous research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network collaborative. We used three distinct archival datasets from the following: (1) the HOBSCOTCH efficacy trial at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (HOB-1), (2) the multisite replication trial (HOB-2), and (3) epilepsy self-management research conducted at the NYU School of Medicine.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis combined baseline data from three datasets to determine how the number of AEDs and the type of AEDs were associated with subjective (patient-reported) and objective (examiner-assessed) cognition. Subjective cognition was captured using the cognitive subscale of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) in all three datasets (n = 224), while objective cognition was measured using the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) in the HOB-1 dataset (n = 65) and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) in the HOB-2 dataset (n = 91). Multivariable linear regression was utilized for our initial assessments, followed by propensity score matching to provide stronger control of covariates. Matching was based on significantly different covariates, such as education, depression, and history of prior epilepsy surgery. Nonparametric statistical tests were utilized to compare these matched subjects.

RESULTS

Subjective cognitive impairment was significantly worse among individuals on polytherapy (2 + AEDs) compared with those on monotherapy (1 AED) (adjusted p  =  0.041). These findings were consistent with our propensity score matched comparison of monotherapy and polytherapy, which indicated that polytherapy was associated with worse overall subjective cognition (adjusted p = 0.01), in addition to impairments on the RBANS (Total score p = 0.05) and specific subdomains of the BTACT (Episodic Verbal Memory p < 0.01, Working Memory p < 0.01, Processing Speed p < 0.01). Interestingly, older generation AEDs were associated with better language performance than newer generation and combined generation AED therapy (RBANS Language p = 0.03). These language-specific findings remained significant after controlling for the effects of topiramate and zonisamide (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

A greater number of AEDs is significantly and negatively associated with subjective and objective cognition in PWE, and is in line with previous research. Antiepileptic drug type did not, in itself, appear to be associated with subjective cognition. Our findings suggest that ineffective AEDs should be replaced, rather than introducing additional AEDs to a treatment regimen. Further, while subjective and objective cognition assessments were both sensitive at detecting differences based on AED status, the neuropsychological objective subdomains offer additional and specific insights into how cognition is impaired with AEDs.

Perampanel tolerability in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy: Effects on behavior and executive functions

OBJECTIVES

Perampanel (PER) is a noncompetitive α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor antagonist recently approved for focal and generalized epilepsies as an add-on therapy. It is well tolerated and effective as treatment of various pediatric epilepsy syndromes; PER does not seem to negatively affect the cognitive profile of children and adolescents, but its influence on executive functions is still to be assessed.

METHODS

Our sample included 37 children aged 12-18 years, with focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy already in therapy with 2 or 3 antiepileptic drug (AED); PER was added with 1 mg/week increments up to a dose of 2-4 mg/day. Changes in executive functions were assessed by the EpiTrack Junior test. Emotional and behavioral aspects were evaluated through the interview for parents Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Both tests were performed before taking PER and after 6 and 12 months of treatment.

RESULTS

After 12 months of PER in 22/30 patients, global score of the EpiTrack Junior test remained almost unchanged; in 7/30 patients, this score improved. The CBCL did not show significant changes in emotional or behavioral problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive treatment with PER did not negatively affect executive functions that could also be improved. No emotional/behavioral negative effects have been reported, and this suggests a good tolerability in the middle/long term.

PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale in youth with epilepsy: Reliability and validity

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to report on the internal consistency reliability and discriminant, concurrent and construct validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Cognitive Functioning Scale as a brief generic cognitive functioning measure in youth with epilepsy.

METHODS

The 6-item PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale and 23-item PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales were completed by 221 pediatric patients ages 5-18 years with epilepsy and 336 parents of patients ages 2-18 years in a national field test study for the PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module. Parents also completed the 86-item Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), a widely validated measure of executive functioning.

RESULTS

The PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale evidenced excellent reliability (patient self-report α = 0.88; parent proxy-report α = 0.96), distinguished between youth with epilepsy and an age, gender, and race/ethnicity-matched healthy sample supporting discriminant validity with large effect sizes (~20-30 point score differences, P < 0.001), and demonstrated concurrent and construct validity, respectively, through large effect size intercorrelations with the BRIEF (Behavioral Regulation Index, Metacognition Index, Global Executive Composite Summary Scores rs = 0.43-0.67, P < 0.001) and the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales (Total Scale Scores rs = 0.67-0.74, P < 0.001). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores ranged from 5.92 to 8.80.

CONCLUSIONS

The PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability, discriminant, concurrent, and construct validity in youth with epilepsy and may be suitable as a brief generic patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure for clinical research, clinical trials, and routine clinical practice in pediatric epilepsy.

Effectiveness and safety of perampanel as early add-on treatment in patients with epilepsy and focal seizures in the routine clinical practice: Spain prospective study (PERADON)

OBJECTIVE

Perampanel (PER) has been shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy for controlling refractory focal-onset seizures (FOS). However, the information as early add-on for the treatment of FOS in the clinical practice is still scarce and must be further assessed.

METHODS

An observational prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of early add-on PER, assessed as 50% responders (seizure frequency reduced by at least 50% during the last 3 months as compared with baseline) rate at 6 and 12 months, in patients with FOS in the routine clinical practice of Spain.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen patients (mean age: 40.3 years, 51.3% male) with FOS received PER as early add-on (1st add-on: 37.2% and 2nd: 62.8%) for a mean exposure of 11 months (mean PER dose: 6.3 mg/day at month 12). At 6 months, 50.4% and 20.4% of the patients were responders and seizure-free (respectively) relative to baseline (3 months prior to PER initiation), and at 12 months, 68.1% and 26.5% of the patients were responders and seizure-free (respectively), relative to baseline (3 months prior to PER initiation). The retention rate at 6 and 12 months was 83.2% and 80.5%, respectively. The percentage of seizure-free patients at 12 months was significantly (p = 0.033) higher when PER was added as first vs. second add-on. The number of concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was significantly reduced from baseline to 6 and 12 months (p = 0.001). Treatment was simplified in 23.9% of patients at the end of the observation period. Drug-related adverse events (AEs), most mild or moderate, were reported in 30.1% of patients, with irritability (8%) and dizziness (7.1%) as the most frequent ones.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first observational, prospective study to evaluate efficacy and safety of early adjunctive treatment with PER in patients with focal epilepsy at 12 months. Perampanel demonstrated a good efficacy and safety profile when used at a median dose of 6 mg/day, regardless of the combination with other AEDs. Adverse events were mild or moderate, with dizziness being the most frequent one.

Effects on executive functions of antiepileptic monotherapy in pediatric age

OBJECTIVES

Cognitive abilities and executive functions in children and adolescents are important indicators of quality of life as well as academic and social achievements. Cognitive and executive functioning are often impaired in patients with epilepsy and can be exacerbated by seizures and antiseizure drugs. The aim of our observational retrospective study was to assess executive functioning in patients with pediatric epilepsy, currently taking a single antiseizure medication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of 172 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years (mean age = 12 ± 3.4 years) with newly diagnosed epilepsy who had not yet commenced an antiepileptic treatment were included in the study. Longitudinal changes in executive functioning were assessed using the EpiTrack Junior test at baseline, before the introduction of antiepileptic monotherapy, and at 3-month, 6-month, and 9-month follow-up visits. All patients commenced a single antiepileptic treatment (levetiracetam n = 54; valproic acid n = 52; ethosuximide n = 20; oxcarbazepine n = 22; carbamazepine n = 24). Age, sex, seizure types, and seizure baseline frequency were also recorded.

RESULTS

Relative to baseline, Epitrack Junior mean scores deteriorated at the 9-month follow-up visit for patients taking valproic acid, ethosuximide, and carbamazepine, but this was only statistically significant for patients taking carbamazepine. In contrast, mean scores improved for subjects taking levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine at the 9-month follow-up visit relative to baseline, but this was only statistically significant for patients taking levetiracetam.

CONCLUSIONS

Levetiracetam was the only antiseizure medication that led to slight improvements in executive functioning; whereas carbamazepine led to deteriorations in cognitive functioning. Further research using double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Factors for cognitive impairment in adult epileptic patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze factors for cognitive impairment in epileptic patients.

METHODS

A total of 257 epileptic patients completed clinical memory scale (CMS) and 70 of them were further surveyed with mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digital symbol test (DSy), verbal fluency test, digit span test (DSp), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD). Monadic linear related analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis were performed to evaluate the potential factors for cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Educational level was correlated with scores of cognitive tests (p < .01), with a difference between the junior high school group and senior high school group (p < .01 or p < .05). Seizure frequency was negatively correlated with CMS scores (p < .01), with a difference between the group with a seizure frequency of less than once a year and other groups (p < .01). The kind of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was negatively correlated with CMS scores (p < .01), with a difference between the single-drug group and the group taking more than two kinds of AEDs (p < .01). Depression scores were negatively correlated with MMSE, MoCA, DSy, DSp (p < .01 or p < .05), disease duration negatively with DSy (p < .01), and age negatively with MoCA (p < .05). Seizure type was correlated with DSy, and general seizure fared worse in the tests than other seizure types (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Educational level, seizure frequency, kinds of AEDs and depression can affect the cognitive function of epileptic patients. High educational level, good seizure control, single-drug treatment and healthy psychological state are protective factors for cognitive function of epileptic patients.

Effects of Antiepileptic Drug Tapering on Episodic Memory as Measured by Virtual Reality Tests

Antiepileptic drugs impair episodic memory in patients with epilepsy, but this effect has so far only been examined with tests that do not provide first-person experience-an aspect that is crucial for episodic memory. Virtual reality techniques facilitate the development of ecologically valid tests. In the present study, we measure the effect of antiepileptic drug changes in a within-subject design using a virtual reality test in order to provide direct evidence for effects of antiepileptic drugs on episodic memory. Among 106 recruited patients, 97 participated in a virtual reality test up to six times during a 4-day hospitalization, and 78 patients underwent changes in drug load during this period. There were six parallel versions of a virtual town test, with immediate recall and delayed recall after about 12 h. The test requires recall of elements, details, sequence of experience, and egocentric and allocentric spatial memory. We determined drug load by defined daily dose, and compared test performance at lowest antiepileptic drug load to highest antiepileptic drug load. Across the six towns, performance was lower in delayed compared to immediate recall. There was an overall effect of medication when comparing patients taking vs. not taking antiepileptic drugs and/or psychoactive drugs (p = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a within-subject effect of antiepileptic drug load (p = 0.01), indicating lower test performance at higher drug load. There was no effect of gender, daytime, circadian type, depression, seizures, lesions, and epilepsy. For patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, there was no effect of lateralization. The present study provides direct evidence for episodic memory impairment due to antiepileptic drugs, suggesting that a small change in drug load can matter. This study can serve as a proof of principle for the methodology, but a larger sample is needed to examine the differential effects of individual antiepileptic drugs.

Tetramethylpyrazine Reduces Epileptogenesis Progression in Electrical Kindling Models by Modulating Hippocampal Excitatory Neurotransmission

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary agents prescribed for clinical management of limbic epilepsy. However, high incidence of pharmacoresistance and a limited armory of drugs for inhibiting the pathological progression of epilepsy pose major obstacles to managing epilepsy. Here, we investigated the effect of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), the main bioactive alkaloid isolated from the oriental medicine Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., against the epileptogenesis progression of acute hippocampal and corneal (6 Hz) electrical kindling models of TLE. TMP dose-dependently limited the progression of seizures and reduced the after-discharge duration (ADDs) in a hippocampal mouse kindling model. Mice treated with TMP (20, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) remained in stage 1 of epileptic progression for a protracted period, requiring additional stimulation to induce stages 2-5 epileptic phenotypes. TMP (50 mg/kg) also inhibited 6 Hz corneal kindling progression. In contrast, TMP did not reverse the phenotypes induced in a generalized seizures (GS) model, or the maximal electroshock (MES) or pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced models of epilepsy. Furthermore, patch clamp recordings revealed no effect of TMP (10 μM) on CA1 hippocampal neurons' intrinsic properties but suppressed the (i) frequency of spontaneous excitatory post synaptic currents (sEPSCs), (ii) paired pulse ratio (PPR), and (iii) long-term potentiation (LTP) induction in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pathway. TMP suppressed the activity of calcium, but not sodium, channels. Taken together, these results suggest that TMP has an antiepileptogenic effect, likely through suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission by its effects on inhibition of calcium channels; these traits distinguish TMP from currently available AEDs. As mice administered TMP did not show any neurologic impairment in the object recognition and open field tests, the data support further development of TMP as a promising treatment for epilepsy.

Effectiveness of eslicarbazepine acetate in dependency of baseline anticonvulsant therapy: Results from a German prospective multicenter clinical practice study

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a third-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) approved as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and as adjunctive therapy in patients aged above 6 years in the European Union (EU). The prospective observational Zebinix Effects in DEpendency of BAseline Conditions (ZEDEBAC) study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of ESL in clinical practice, with ESL being administered as monotherapy (mono group), as only add-on to a current monotherapy (1+ group), or as add-on to ≥2 baseline AEDs (≥2+ group). In total, 237 patients were included, 35 in the mono group, 114 in the 1+, and 88 in the ≥2+ group. Six-month retention rates were 93.9%, 78.0%, and 75.3% in the mono, 1+, and ≥2+ group. There were 90.5%, 77.6%, and 48.3% of patients in the mono, 1+, and ≥2+ groups who were responders (patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency at follow-up vs. baseline). Seizure freedom rates were 81.5%, 47.9%, and 23.4%, respectively. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 11.4% of patients of the mono, 19.3% of the 1+, and 28.4% of patients of the ≥2+ group. Hyponatremia was reported as ADR in 3.4% of all patients. Although baseline variables differed considerably, with most elderly patients with tumor-related and vascular etiologies in the mono group and most patients with refractory epilepsies with pronounced use of concomitant sodium channel blockers (SCBs) in the ≥2+ group, retention as a measure of real-life effectiveness turned out not to be substantially different and favorable in all groups.

Differences in Incidence and Risks of Suicide Attempt and Suicidal Drug Overdose between Patients with Epilepsy with and without Comorbid Depression

Objective: To determine the differences in the incidences and risks of suicide attempt (SA) and suicidal drug overdose (SDO) between patients with epilepsy with and without comorbid depression by using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Methods: We analyzed data of patients (≥20 years) who had received epilepsy diagnoses between 2000 and 2012; the diagnosis date of epilepsy was defined as the index date. The epilepsy patients were divided into the cohorts, with and without comorbid depression, and compared against a cohort from the non-affected population. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals for SA and SDO in the three cohorts after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: The incidences of SA and SDO in the cohort with epilepsy and depression were 42.9 and 97.4 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. The epilepsy with depression cohort had 21.3 times of SA risk; and 22.9 times of SDO risk than did the comparison cohort had a 6.03-fold increased risk of SA and a 2.56-fold increased risk of SDO than did the epilepsy patients without depression. Moreover, patients’ age <65 years, and female sex would further increase the risk of SA in patients with epilepsy and comorbid depression. Conclusion: Risks of SA and SDO in patients with epilepsy are proportionally increased when depression is coexisted. Our findings provide crucial information for clinicians and the government for suicide prevention and to question whether prescribing a large number of medications to patients with epilepsy and depression is safe.

French neuropsychological procedure consensus in epilepsy surgery

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychological assessment is an integral component of the surgical procedure in patients with epilepsy. As no French consensus for neuropsychological assessment was available, the main goal of this work was to define French neuropsychological procedure consensus in regard to literature review.

METHOD

A panel of expert in neuropsychology was created within the framework of the French League Against Epilepsy. A systematic search of publications from 1950 to 2017 listed in PubMed database was conducted leading to a classification of articles according to their level of scientific evidence. French neuropsychological procedure consensus was then carried out with an expert panel of expert.

RESULTS

Low scientific evidence of neuropsychological data was reported. A panel of expert proposed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment procedure including the exploration of intellectual efficiency, long-term memory, short-term and working memory, attention, executive functions, processing speed and motor skills, language, visual processing, praxis, psychobehavioral, and social cognition.

DISCUSSION

A common procedure for assessing cognitive and psychobehavioral function is now available in patients with epilepsy undergoing surgical evaluation have been established, they may help to improve the quality of care and the patient experience. This work highlights the need of furthers investigations and the necessity to develop specific tools with normative data.

Is the computerized assessment of psychomotor speed more sensitive to cognitive effects of antiepileptic pharmacotherapy than tests with a focus on higher-order cognitive processing? Implications for the choice of sensitive test parameters

The study evaluated whether it is psychomotor speed or higher-order cognitive processing which is primarily affected by antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment in epilepsy and whether computerized testing versus paper-pencil testing of executive functions is more sensitive. In this retrospective observational study, 55 patients with epilepsy underwent NeuroCog FX^Ⓡ, a computerized battery assessing "psychomotor speed/alertness" and "cognitive processing" via 8 tasks, and EpiTrack^Ⓡ, a paper-pencil screening of "executive functions and working memory" based on 6 subtests. Test performance was related to the number of drugs and the Defined Daily Dose and the presence/absence of AEDs with known adverse psychotropic effects. EpiTrack^Ⓡ performance correlated with "cognitive processing" of the NeuroCog FX^Ⓡ but not with "psychomotor speed/alertness". Significant correlations with drug load were mainly yielded for EpiTrack^Ⓡ (number of AEDs: r = -0.551, total DDD: r = -0.452) and "cognitive processing" (number of AEDs: r = -0.433, total DDD: r = -0.415). "Psychomotor speed/alertness" was less related to drug load (number of AEDs: r = -0.285, total DDD: r = -0.232). Statistical control for "psychomotor speed/alertness" hardly changed the correlations of EpiTrack^Ⓡ or "cognitive processing" with drug load indices. AEDs with known adverse profiles negatively affected EpiTrack^Ⓡ and the "cognitive processing" but not the "psychomotor speed/alertness" domain of the computerized test. The results demonstrate that it is less basal psychomotor speed than higher-order cognitive processing which is negatively affected by antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The results question the value of (computer-)tests with a major emphasis on psychomotor speed and alertness for cognitive drug monitoring.

Changes in drug load during lacosamide combination therapy: A noninterventional, observational study in German and Austrian clinical practice

Introduction

Effects of antiepileptic drug (AED) load changes in patients with focal seizures have not been well evaluated.

Methods

SP1065 (NCT01673282) was a noninterventional, prospective, observational study conducted in a clinical practice setting. Patients (aged ≥18 years) with focal seizures were enrolled within 7 days of being prescribed adjunctive lacosamide. Observation period was ~6 months. Drug load was assessed using percentage change in ratio of actual prescribed dose and World Health Organization defined daily dose (DDD) for concomitant AEDs and all AEDs (including lacosamide). Subgroups were defined for patients with at least one concomitant sodium channel–blocking AED (SCB [+]) and those without (SCB [−]).

Results

A total of 311 patients were assessed for safety, 302 for measurement of drug load, and 240 for effectiveness. Ratio of AED dose to DDD decreased for concomitant AEDs (−9.6%) and increased for all AEDs (including lacosamide; 15.5%). Median reduction in focal seizure frequency per 28 days was 100% (range: −100, 2275.8). 70.4% and 61.7% of patients had a ≥50% or ≥75% reduction in seizure frequency, respectively; 50.8% became seizure‐free. In the SCB (+) subgroup (n = 149), ratio of AED dose to DDD decreased for concomitant AEDs (−15.0%) and increased for all AEDs (10.7%). In the SCB (−) subgroup (n = 153), ratio of AED dose to DDD decreased for concomitant AEDs (−4.4%) and increased for all AEDs (20.2%). Fifty‐seven patients (18.3%) reported ADRs, most commonly dose >400 mg/d (7.1%). Seventeen patients (5.5%) had ADRs leading to discontinuation.

Significance

Addition of lacosamide resulted in reduction of concomitant AED drug load regardless of whether concomitant AEDs were SCB (+) or SCB (−). These results indicate that addition of lacosamide in patients with focal seizures could allow clinicians to withdraw or reduce the dose of less well‐tolerated or less effective AEDs.

Cognitive slowing and its underlying neurobiology in temporal lobe epilepsy

Cognitive slowing is a known but comparatively under-investigated neuropsychological complication of the epilepsies in relation to other known cognitive comorbidities such as memory, executive function and language. Here we focus on a novel metric of processing speed, characterize its relative salience compared to other cognitive difficulties in epilepsy, and explore its underlying neurobiological correlates. Research participants included 55 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 58 healthy controls from the Epilepsy Connectome Project (ECP) who were administered a battery of tests yielding 14 neuropsychological measures, including selected tests from the NIH Toolbox-Cognitive Battery, and underwent 3T MRI and resting state fMRI. TLE patients exhibited a pattern of generalized cognitive impairment with very few lateralized abnormalities. Using the neuropsychological measures, machine learning (Support Vector Machine binary classification model) classified the TLE and control groups with 74% accuracy with processing speed (NIH Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test) the best predictor. In TLE, slower processing speed was associated predominantly with decreased local gyrification in regions including the rostral and caudal middle frontal gyrus, inferior precentral cortex, insula, inferior parietal cortex (angular and supramarginal gyri), lateral occipital cortex, rostral anterior cingulate, and medial orbital frontal regions, as well as three small regions of the temporal lobe. Slower processing speed was also associated with decreased connectivity between the primary visual cortices in both hemispheres and the left supplementary motor area, as well as between the right parieto-occipital sulcus and right middle insular area. Overall, slowed processing speed is an important cognitive comorbidity of TLE associated with altered brain structure and connectivity.