Newly diagnosed epilepsy in children: presentation at diagnosis

Determinants of Social Outcomes in Adults With Childhood-onset Epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Adults with childhood-onset epilepsy experience poorer adult social outcomes than their peers. The relative roles of seizures over time versus learning and psychiatric problems are unclear.

METHODS

We examined independent influences of psychiatric and learning disorders and of seizure course in 241 young adults (22-35 years old) with uncomplicated epilepsy in a longitudinal community-based cohort study. Social outcomes were ascertained throughout the study. A history of psychiatric and learning problems was ascertained ∼9 years after study entry. Seizure course was: "Excellent," no seizures after the first year, in complete remission at last contact (N = 95, 39%); "Good," seizures occurred 1 to 5 years after diagnosis, in complete remission at last contact (N = 56, 23%); "Fluctuating," more complicated trajectories, but never pharmacoresistant (N = 70, 29%); "Pharmacoresistant," long-term pharmacoresistant (N = 20, 8%). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify contributors to each social outcome.

RESULTS

Better seizure course predicted college completion, being either employed or pursuing a degree, and driving, but was not substantially associated with other social outcomes. Poorer seizure course was associated with a greater likelihood of having offspring, particularly in women without partners. Learning problems, psychiatric disorders, or both negatively influenced all but 2 of the social outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In young adults with uncomplicated epilepsy, the course of seizures contributed primarily to education, employment, and driving. A history of learning problems and psychiatric disorders adversely influenced most adult outcomes. These findings identify potential reasons for vocational and social difficulties encountered by young adults with childhood epilepsy and areas to target for counseling and transition planning.

Epidemiology of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a burden affecting no fewer than 50 million patients worldwide. It is a heterogeneous group of disorders comprising both common and very rare forms, thus rendering its epidemiological investigations rather difficult. Moreover, making an epilepsy diagnosis per se can be challenging due to an evolving system of classification, and its dependency on local habits and culture. Any attempt at meta-analyses must consider such biases when pooling data from different centers and countries. Differentiating a contextual seizure from chronic epilepsy is every epileptologist's daily mission, yet it is also crucial for achieving a proper estimation of the epidemiology of epilepsy. Our present objective was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of both syndromic and non-syndromic epilepsy. Most epileptic syndromes tend to be rare and, thus, the feasibility of epidemiological quantification in populations is also addressed. Regarding its prevalence and cost, epilepsy deserves greater attention than it generally receives, as it appears to continue to be a condition under persistent taboos.

Epidemiology and long-term Turku outcome of childhood-onset epilepsy and mortality. Personal experiences. Part I

Introduction.Epidemiological studies on epilepsy were long based, with few exceptions, on hospital and institution patients with a subsequent bias toward more difficult cases and the reported prevalence and incidence rates were often obviously too low. Few data are available on the temporal changes in the incidence of epilepsy.

Aim.To study the prevalence and incidence in an unselected child population including all the children living either in the society or in the institution, temporal changes in the incidence and mortality through five decades.

Methods.The most important personal data were reviewed and compared with the relevant data of other investigators.

Results and discussion.The prevalence of epilepsy in our study was 3.2/1000, quite obviously true for the contemporary methodology and well comparable with 3.4–4.2/1000 of other relevant studies published about two decades later and using a more advanced methodology. Similarly, the incidence of 35/100 000, ascertained in two Finnish studies, was comparable with the relevant contemporary literature data. Another study of ours shows that, probably associated with the people “coming from the shadows” and an improved diagnostic methodology, the incidence of childhood epilepsy has increased and is now 60–70/100 000. However, the incidence of childhood epilepsy shows an obvious decreasing trend in the first two decades of the 2000s.

Conclusions.The incidence of childhood epilepsy, in all probability true for the contemporary methodology, was lower than it is now, but it now again shows a decreasing trend.

Risk factors for reading disability in families with rolandic epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

The high prevalence and impact of neurodevelopmental comorbidities in childhood epilepsy are now well known, as are the increased risks and familial aggregation of reading disability (RD) and speech sound disorder (SSD) in rolandic epilepsy (RE). The risk factors for RD in the general population include male sex, SSD, and ADHD, but it is not known if these are the same in RE or whether there is a contributory role of seizure and treatment-related variables.

METHODS

An observational study of 108 probands with RE (age range: 3.6-22 years) and their 159 siblings (age range: 1-29 years; 83 with EEG data) were singly ascertained in the US or UK through a proband affected by RE. We used a nested case-control design, multiple logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations to test the hypothesis of an association between RD and seizure variables or antiepileptic drug treatment in RE; we also assessed an association between EEG focal sharp waves and RD in siblings.

RESULTS

Reading disability was reported in 42% of probands and 22% of siblings. Among probands, RD was strongly associated with a history of SSD (OR: 9.64, 95% CI: 2.45-37.21), ADHD symptoms (OR: 10.31, 95% CI: 2.15-49.44), and male sex (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.11-11.75) but not with seizure or treatment variables. Among siblings, RD was independently associated only with SSD (OR: 4.30, 95% CI: 1.42-13.0) and not with the presence of interictal EEG focal sharp waves.

SIGNIFICANCE

The principal risk factors for RD in RE are SSD, ADHD, and male sex, the same risk factors as for RD without epilepsy. Seizure or treatment variables do not appear to be important risk factors for RD in probands with RE, and there was no evidence to support interictal EEG focal sharp waves as a risk factor for RD in siblings. Future studies should focus on the precise neuropsychological characterization of RD in families with RE and on the effectiveness of standard oral-language and reading interventions.

Psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior in neurotypical young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

We examined the associations of lifetime and current histories of psychiatric disorders and of suicidal thoughts and behaviors with childhood-onset epilepsies in a community-based cohort of young adults.

METHODS

Cases were neurotypical (normal neurologic, cognitive, and imaging examinations and no evidence of a brain insult responsible for the epilepsy) young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy followed since the onset of their epilepsy approximately 15 years earlier and recruited as part of a community-based study. They were compared to two different control groups: siblings and external controls from the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R). The Diagnostic Interview Survey assessed lifetime and current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnoses of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Survey for Children-IV and the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS-IV).

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-seven cases and 134 sibling controls participated in the DIS-IV portion of the young adult assessment. Comparing cases both to their sibling controls and to the controls drawn from the NCS-R, we did not find any evidence to suggest a higher prevalence of lifetime and current mood or anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempt in young adults with childhood-onset epilepsies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings from a community-based sample of neurotypical young adults do not suggest a substantial or lasting association between childhood epilepsy and psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior.

The Classical Pathways of Occipital Lobe Epileptic Propagation Revised in the Light of White Matter Dissection

The clinical evidences of variable epileptic propagation in occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) have been demonstrated by several studies. However the exact localization of the epileptic focus sometimes represents a problem because of the rapid propagation to frontal, parietal, or temporal regions. Each white matter pathway close to the supposed initial focus can lead the propagation towards a specific direction, explaining the variable semiology of these rare epilepsy syndromes. Some new insights in occipital white matter anatomy are herein described by means of white matter dissection and compared to the classical epileptic patterns, mostly based on the central position of the primary visual cortex. The dissections showed a complex white matter architecture composed by vertical and longitudinal bundles, which are closely interconnected and segregated and are able to support specific high order functions with parallel bidirectional propagation of the electric signal. The same sublobar lesions may hyperactivate different white matter bundles reemphasizing the importance of the ictal semiology as a specific clinical demonstration of the subcortical networks recruited. Merging semiology, white matter anatomy, and electrophysiology may lead us to a better understanding of these complex syndromes and tailored therapeutic options based on individual white matter connectivity.

Abnormal cortical thickness connectivity persists in childhood absence epilepsy

Objective

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a childhood-onset generalized epilepsy. Recent fMRI studies have suggested that frontal cortex activity occurs before thalamic involvement in epileptic discharges suggesting that frontal cortex may play an important role in childhood absence seizures. Neurocognitive deficits can persist after resolution of the epilepsy. We investigate whether structural connectivity changes are present in the brains of CAE patients in young adulthood.

Methods

Cortical thickness measurements were obtained for 30 subjects with CAE (mean age 21 ± 2 years) and 56 healthy controls (mean age 24 ± 4) and regressed for age, sex, and total intracranial volume (TIV). Structural connectivity was evaluated by measuring the correlation between average cortical thicknesses in 915 regions over the brain. Maps of connectivity strength were then obtained for both groups.

Results

When compared to controls, the CAE group shows overall increased “connectivity” with focal increased connection strength in anterior regions including; the anterior cingulate and the insula and superior temporal gyrus bilaterally; the right orbito-frontal and supramarginal regions; and the left entorhinal cortex. Decreased connection strength in the CAE group was found in the left occipital lobe, with a similar trend in right occipital lobe.

Interpretation

Brains in young adults whose CAE was resolved had abnormal structural connectivity. Our findings suggest that frontal regions correlate most with cortical thickness throughout the brain in CAE patients, whereas occipital regions correlate most in well matched normal controls. We interpret this as evidence of a developmental difference in CAE that emphasizes these frontal lobe regions, perhaps driven by frontal lobe epileptiform activity.

Safety of lacosamide in children with refractory partial epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

The study was carried out to investigate the safety of lacosamide on children with refractory partial epilepsy.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee. Patients aged between 5 and 15 years taking oral lacosamide (LCM) tablets that were given orally as an adjunctive anti-epileptic drug were enrolled for assessing safety, tolerability and its effect on the behavioural life at every visit of titration, during the treatment period (3 months) and at 2 follow up visits that were done at monthly intervals. Adverse events reported by caregiver or by investigator were recorded. Patients/caregivers also completed a 25 items on Connor's behavioural rating clinical scale at every visit.

RESULTS

Out of 531 screened patients, 79 patients with refractory partial epilepsy were enrolled after they fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mean age of the children was 8.84 ± 3.09 years (5-15 years), of which 53 were males and 26 females. The mean age at onset of seizures in males was 6.46 ± 3.57 and in females, 6.38 ± 3.39 years. Seventy-six children of 79, completed 3 months of treatment period showed significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the frequency of seizures, significant improvement in behaviour and showed good tolerability. Three (3.79%) patients dropped out of the study due to hyperactive behaviour, vomiting and lack of seizure control respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Lacosamide is a well-tolerated newer antiepileptic drug that is effective in refractory partial epilepsy paediatric patients and concurrently improved patient's behaviour.

Complete remission of childhood-onset epilepsy: stability and prediction over two decades

The ultimate seizure outcome of childhood epilepsy is complete resolution of all seizures without further treatment. How often this happens and how well it can be predicted early in the course of epilepsy could be valuable in helping families understand the nature of childhood epilepsy and what to expect over time. In the Connecticut study of epilepsy, a prospective cohort of 613 children with newly-diagnosed epilepsy (onset age 0-15 years), complete remission, ≥5 years both seizure-free and medication-free, was examined as a proxy of complete seizure resolution. Predictors at initial diagnosis were tested. Information about seizure outcomes within 2 years and from 2-5 years after diagnosis was sequentially added in a proportional hazards model. The predictive value of the models was determined with logistic regression. Five hundred and sixteen subjects were followed ≥10 years. Three hundred and twenty-eight (63%) achieved complete remission; 23 relapsed. The relapse rate was 8.2 per 1000 person-years and decreased over time: 10.7, 6.7, and 0 during first 5 years, the next 5 years, and then >10 years after complete remission (P=0.06 for trend). Six participants regained complete remission; 311 (60%) were in complete remission at last contact. Baseline factors predicting against complete remission at last contact included onset age≥10 years (hazard ratio=0.55, P=0.0009) and early school or developmental problems (hazard ratio=0.74, P=0.01). Factors predicting for complete remission were uncomplicated epilepsy presentation (hazard ratio=2.23, P<0.0001), focal self-limited epilepsy syndrome (hazard ratio=2.13, P<0.0001), and uncharacterized epilepsy (hazard ratio=1.61, P=0.04). Remission (hazard ratio=1.95, P<0.0001) and pharmaco-resistance (hazard ratio=0.33, P<0.0001) by 2 years respectfully predicted in favour and against complete remission. From 2 to 5 years after diagnosis, relapse (hazard ratio=0.21, P<0.0001) and late pharmaco-resistance (hazard ratio=0.21, P=0.008) decreased and late remission (hazard ratio=2.40, P<0.0001) increased chances of entering complete remission. The overall accuracy of the models increased from 72% (baseline information only), to 77% and 85% with addition of 2-year and 5-year outcomes. Relapses after complete remission are rare making this an acceptable proxy for complete seizure resolution. Complete remission after nearly 20 years is reasonably well predicted within 5 years of initial diagnosis.

Efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide as an adjunctive therapy in children with refractory partial epilepsy

BACKGROUND

A unicentre, prospective study was performed to investigate the efficacy of lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in children with refractory partial epilepsy.

METHODS

The study was performed at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 30 months between November 2011 and May 2014. Seventy-nine children with refractory partial epilepsy (age 5-15 years) who had failed two or more antiepileptic drugs and in whom lacosamide was used as an add-on drug were enrolled. Lacosamide tablets were administered orally, at a dose of 25 mg for 1 week followed by 50 mg twice daily for the remaining period. Efficacy and tolerability evaluation was performed at every visit of titration, maintenance period (3 months), and two follow-up visits at monthly interval. Electrocardiogram and liver function tests were performed before enrollment and at the end of 3 months of lacosamide therapy. Patient's caregiver or investigator observed adverse events were recorded in a predesigned pro forma.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients with uncontrolled partial epilepsy screened from 531 epileptic children were enrolled, after they satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of children enrolled was 8.8 ± 3.1 years (range 5-15 years); 53 children (67.0%) were boys. Mean weight of the patients was 24.2 ± 9.8 kg. The mean age at the onset of seizures was 6.4 ± 3.5 years. The mean dose of lacosamide administered was 4.1 mg/kg. Three patients (3.8%) dropped out of the study, because of vomiting, aggressive behavior, and poor response, respectively. Of 76 patients (96.2%) entering the maintenance period, 35 patients (44.3%) were seizure free, 32 patients (40.6%) indicated ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, 3 patients (3.8%) indicated 25-49% seizure reduction, and 9 patients (11.4%) either had no change in seizure frequency or experience increase in seizure frequency.

CONCLUSION

Lacosamide is an effective add-on antiepileptic drug for children with refractory partial epilepsy and is well tolerated.

The impact of an exercise therapy on psychosocial health of children with benign epilepsy: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of the current study were to test the feasibility of exercise therapy for children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) and to collect pilot data about the impact of exercise therapy on neurocognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes.

METHODS

Ten children with BECTS (9.7±1.42 years) participated in a therapeutic exercise program consisting of ten supervised exercise sessions and home-based exercises for five weeks. Electroencephalography (EEG), seizure frequency, and neurocognitive and psychological factors, including attention, executive function, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and quality of life, were assessed before and after the exercise program.

RESULTS

No clinical symptoms were observed to worsen during the study, demonstrating that the exercise therapy was safe and also feasible. After five weeks of exercise therapy, significant improvements in neurocognitive domains such as simple visual and auditory attention, sustained attention, divided attention, psychomotor speed, and inhibition-disinhibition were observed. Furthermore, parent ratings of internalizing behavioral problems and social problems and mood-related well-being from quality of life improved after exercise therapy. Although not statistically significant, trends were noted toward improvement in children's self-reports of negative mood/somatization, parent reports of somatic complaints, and general health on a quality-of-life measure.

CONCLUSIONS

A five-week structured exercise program was successfully implemented, with preliminary data suggesting beneficial impact on neurocognitive and psychobehavioral function. Exercise therapy should be further evaluated as a part of a comprehensive treatment program for children with benign epilepsy.

Clinical utility of genetic testing in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: a pilot study

RATIONALE

The utility of genetic testing in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (PDRE), its yield in "real life" clinical practice, and the practical implications of such testing are yet to be determined.

GOAL

To start to address the above gaps in our knowledge as they apply to a patient population seen in a tertiary care center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our experience with the use of clinically available genetic tests in the diagnosis and management of PDRE in one clinic over one year. Genetic testing included, depending on clinical judgment, one or more of the following: karyotype, chromosomal microarray, single gene sequencing, gene sequencing panels, and/or whole exome sequencing (WES).

RESULTS

We were more likely to perform genetic testing in patients with developmental delay, epileptic encephalopathy, and generalized epilepsy. In our unique population, the yield of specific genetic diagnosis was relatively high: karyotype 14.3%, microarray 16.7%, targeted single gene sequencing 15.4%, gene panels 46.2%, and WES 16.7%. Overall yield of diagnosis from at least one of the above tests was 34.5%. Disease-causing mutations that were not clinically suspected based on the patients' phenotypes and representing novel phenotypes were found in 6.9% (2/29), with an additional 17.2% (5/29) demonstrating pharmacologic variants. Three patients were incidentally found to be carriers of recessive neurologic diseases (10.3%). Variants of unknown significance (VUSs) were identified in 34.5% (10/29).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that genetic testing had at least some utility in our patient population of PDRE, that future similar larger studies in various populations are warranted, and that clinics offering such tests must be prepared to address the complicated questions raised by the results of such testing.

What happens to children with epilepsy when they become adults? Some facts and opinions

BACKGROUND

The adult outcome after childhood onset epilepsy is a complex subject because seizure types and severity are diverse, comorbidities are common, and additional factors influence social outcome. We review selected data about seizure remission or persistence and social outcome in adulthood.

METHODS

Information came from published literature, especially population-based studies.

RESULTS

In general, approximately 50-60% of children with epilepsy eventually have complete seizure remission (i.e., seizure free and off antiepileptic drug treatment): with longer follow-up, the remission rate improves. Predicting remission, persistent or intractable epilepsy is often inaccurate for an individual patient. A tiny proportion of children with epilepsy die as the result of seizures or sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients; however, an otherwise normal child has the same risk of death as the reference population. When uncontrolled epilepsy persists into adulthood, the rate of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients possibly increases. Reports about social outcome in adulthood are increasing. For those with intellectual disability, a lifetime of dependency is to be expected. For those with normal intelligence, adult life is often unsatisfactory with high rates of incomplete education, unemployment, poverty, social isolation, inadvertent pregnancy, and psychiatric disorders. Seizure remission does not ensure good adult social outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Although seizure control in childhood is important, anticipating poor social outcome in adulthood may allow earlier interventions. A well-orchestrated transition from pediatric to adult health care may be beneficial for the 40-50% with persistent seizures and for the majority who are at risk for adult social difficulties.

Lacosamide as an adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with refractory focal epilepsy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide in pediatric patients with refractory focal epilepsy.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of children younger than 18 years of age treated at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, in whom oral lacosamide was used as an adjunctive treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. Clinical information regarding the patients' epilepsy and the outcome of lacosamide treatment was gathered and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (16 boys, 5 girls) were included, with a median age of 13.9 (range, 1.2-17.9) years. The mean number of concomitant antiepileptic drugs was 3.0 (range, 1-6) and the mean duration of follow-up was 10.1 (range, 6.1-13.0) months. The mean maintenance dose of lacosamide was 5.4 (range, 1.4-9.8) mg/kg/day. Fourteen patients (67%) were responders; four of these were seizure free at the last follow-up. Seven patients (33%) were nonresponders: two of these presented with <50% seizure reduction and five showed no change in seizure frequency. Two patients (10%) discontinued oral lacosamide because of adverse events (aggressive behavior and depression). Mild transient treatment-related adverse events were observed in eight of the 21 patients (38%).

CONCLUSIONS

Lacosamide represents a useful drug that is effective for a wide range of pediatric refractory focal epilepsy and is well tolerated.

Current advances in childhood absence epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Childhood absence epilepsy is an age-dependent, idiopathic, generalized epilepsy with a characteristic seizure appearance. The disorder is likely to be multifactorial, resulting from interactions between genetic and acquired factors, but the debate is still open. We review recent studies on different aspects of childhood absence epilepsy and also to describe new concepts.

METHODS

Data for this review were identified using Medline and PubMed survey to locate studies dealing with childhood absence epilepsy. Searches included articles published between 1924 and 2013.

RESULTS

The diagnosis comprises predominant and associated seizure types associated with other clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics. Many studies have challenged the prevailing concepts, particularly with respect to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the electroencephalographic seizure discharges. Childhood absence epilepsy fits the definition of system epilepsy as a condition resulting from the persisting susceptibility of the thalamocortical system as a whole to generate seizures. This syndrome, if properly defined using strict diagnostic criteria, has a good prognosis. In some cases, it may affect multiple cognitive functions determining risk for academic and functional difficulties; the detection of children at risk allows tailored interventions. Childhood absence epilepsy is usually treated with ethosuximide, valproate, lamotrigine, or levetiracetam, but the most efficacious and tolerable initial empirical treatment has not been well defined.

CONCLUSIONS

We review recent studies and new concepts on the electroclinical features and pathophysiological findings of childhood absence epilepsy in order to highlight areas of consensus as well as areas of uncertainty that indicate directions for future research.

Regional brain volumes and cognition in childhood epilepsy: does size really matter?

PURPOSE

Recent studies have correlated neurocognitive function and regional brain volumes in children with epilepsy. We tested whether brain volume differences between children with and without epilepsy explained differences in neurocognitive function.

METHODS

The study sample included 108 individuals with uncomplicated non-syndromic epilepsy (NSE) and 36 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Participants received a standardized cognitive battery. Whole brain T1-weighted MRI was obtained and volumes analyzed with FreeSurfer (TM).

KEY FINDINGS

Total brain volume (TBV) was significantly smaller in cases. After adjustment for TBV, cases had significantly larger regional grey matter volumes for total, frontal, parietal, and precentral cortex. Cases had poorer performance on neurocognitive indices of intelligence and variability of sustained attention. In cases, TBV showed small associations with intellectual indices of verbal and perceptual ability, working memory, and overall IQ. In controls, TBV showed medium associations with working memory and variability of sustained attention. In both groups, small associations were seen between some TBV-adjusted regional brain volumes and neurocognitive indices, but not in a consistent pattern. Brain volume differences did not account for cognitive differences between the groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with uncomplicated NSE have smaller brains than controls but areas of relative grey matter enlargement. That this relative regional enlargement occurs in the context of poorer overall neurocognitive functioning suggests that it is not adaptive. However, the lack of consistent associations between case-control differences in brain volumes and cognitive functioning suggests that brain volumes have limited explanatory value for cognitive functioning in childhood epilepsy.

How do we measure psychiatric diagnoses? Implications of the choice of instruments in epilepsy

We evaluated several commonly used screening instruments for the detection of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These were compared to a criterion-based standardized questionnaire, the Diagnostic Interview Survey (DIS)-IV, designed to make DSM-IV-TR diagnoses in the community-based study of childhood-onset epilepsy. The DIS-IV was administered to young adult cases with epilepsy at a 15-year follow-up assessment and compared to symptom screens administered at the same visit, and at a previous 9-year assessment. Among cases, the specificity of the DIS-IV ranged from 0.77 to 0.99 and the predictive value of a negative psychiatric diagnosis was similarly high. Sensitivity was lower, ranging from 0 to 0.77, with correspondingly low predictive value of a positive diagnosis. Symptom-based instruments assess current symptom burden and are useful for determining associations with ongoing seizures or quality of life. Criterion-based standardized interviews, such as the DIS-IV, provide psychiatric diagnoses over the lifetime, which is most useful in studies of epilepsy genetics and studies of comorbidities and prognosis of epilepsy.

Diagnostic delays in children with early onset epilepsy: impact, reasons, and opportunities to improve care

PURPOSE

Delayed diagnosis of early onset epilepsy is a potentially important and avoidable complication in epilepsy care. We examined the frequency of diagnostic delays in young children with newly presenting epilepsy, their developmental impact, and reasons for delays.

METHODS

Children who developed epilepsy before their third birthday were identified in a prospective community-based cohort. An interval ≥1 month from second seizure to diagnosis was considered a delay. Testing of development at baseline and for up to 3 years after and of intelligence quotient (IQ) 8-9 years later was performed. Detailed parental baseline interview accounts and medical records were reviewed to identify potential reasons for delays. Factors associated with delays included the parent, child, pediatrician, neurologist, and scheduling.

RESULTS

Diagnostic delays occurred in 70 (41%) of 172 children. Delays occurred less often if children had received medical attention for the first seizure (p < 0.0001), previously had neonatal or febrile seizures (p = 0.02), had only convulsions before diagnosis (p = 0.005), or had a college-educated parent (p = 0.01). A ≥1 month diagnostic delay was associated with an average 7.4 point drop (p = 0.02) in the Vineland Scales of Adaptive Behavior motor score. The effect was present at diagnosis, persisted for at least 3 years, and was also apparent in IQ scores 8-9 years later, which were lower in association with a diagnostic delay by 8.4 points (p = 0.06) for processing speed up to 14.5 points (p = 0.004) for full scale IQ, after adjustment for parental education and other epilepsy-related clinical factors. Factors associated with delayed diagnosis included parents not recognizing events as seizures (N = 47), pediatricians missing or deferring diagnosis (N = 15), neurologists deferring diagnosis (N = 7), and scheduling problems (N = 11).

SIGNIFICANCE

Diagnostic delays occur in many young children with epilepsy. They are associated with substantial decrements in development and IQ later in childhood. Several factors influence diagnostic delays and may represent opportunities for intervention and improved care.

Clinical characteristics of patients with treated epilepsy in Korea: a nationwide epidemiologic study

OBJECTIVE

Although a number of epidemiologic studies have been conducted on the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy around the world, only a few studies have investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy in a population-based sample. The purpose of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics of treated patients with epilepsy in Korea via a nationwide medical records survey.

METHODS

The study population was obtained through a nationwide database registered to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment service. Patients were recruited from clinics and hospitals in each cluster according to region and referral level by random selection from a preallocated sample of patients. All patients were being treated with antiepileptic drug medication with or without a diagnosis code for epilepsy or seizure between January 2009 and December 2009. Among the 6,436 selected patients, 2,150 met the diagnostic criteria for epilepsy and were included in our survey on the clinical characteristics of patients who were with treated epilepsy.

RESULTS

The proportion of male patients with epilepsy in this study was higher (1,226; 57.0%) than that of female patients. In addition, 10.6% of patients were first diagnosed with epilepsy in 2009, and 53.6% of patients experienced at least one seizure over the course of 2009; 78.1% were classified as having localization-related epilepsy, whereas 7.3% were considered to have generalized epilepsy. Thirty-five percent of patients were thus classified as idiopathic or cryptogenic cases. The most common cause of symptomatic epilepsy was trauma (10.0%), followed by stroke (9.6%), central nervous system (CNS) infection (5.7%), and hippocampal sclerosis (4.9%).

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first nationwide study of the clinical characteristics of treated epilepsy in Korea using a national database validated by medical records survey. The etiologies of epilepsy and epilepsy syndrome classifications were comparable to those previously reported in other developed countries.

Injuries in adolescents with childhood-onset epilepsy compared with sibling controls

OBJECTIVE

To compare the occurrence of injuries in adolescents with childhood-onset epilepsy and matched sibling controls.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control lifetime injury assessments were obtained from a community-based cohort of adolescents with childhood-onset epilepsy diagnosed 9 years earlier and their siblings. The children with epilepsy (n = 501; mean age, 15.3 years) included those with complicated (abnormal neurologic examination or IQ <80; n = 133) and uncomplicated (normal neurologic examination and IQ ≥80; n = 368) epilepsy. Children with uncomplicated epilepsy were matched to sibling controls (n = 210 pairs). The children reported whether or not they had ever (before and after epilepsy diagnosis) experienced injuries "serious enough to require medical attention" and if so, the type of treatment required.

RESULTS

Almost one-half (49.1%) of the children with epilepsy experienced injury, of whom 8.9% required surgery/hospitalization and 17.1% had injury related to a seizure. Fewer children with uncomplicated epilepsy had seizure-related injuries versus those with complicated epilepsy (13.6% vs 27.4%; P ≤ .01). The proportion of children with epilepsy with any injury by type (not mutually exclusive) were: 25.2% with fractures (n = 126); 24.4% with head injuries (n = 122); 10.2% with other injuries (n = 51); 8.4% with dental injuries (n = 42); and 8% with burns/scalds (n = 40). A similar proportion of children with uncomplicated epilepsy experienced any injury (overall and by type) compared to matched sibling controls, with the exception that more children with uncomplicated epilepsy had head injuries (30.0% vs 19.5%; P < .02).

CONCLUSION

With the exception of head injuries, we found no evidence of an increased risk of injury in a representative cohort of children with epilepsy compared with matched sibling controls. This finding may reflect the fact that the sample was not biased to more severe cases, or that safety precautions to prevent injury were widely used.

A randomized phase III trial of adjunctive zonisamide in pediatric patients with partial epilepsy

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety/tolerability of adjunctive zonisamide treatment in pediatric patients with partial epilepsy.

METHODS

In this phase III, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, 207 patients (age 6-17 years) with partial epilepsy, receiving one or two antiepileptic drugs, were randomized to receive adjunctive zonisamide or placebo. Zonisamide was initiated at 1 mg/kg/day, titrated to a target dose of 8 mg/kg/day over 8 weeks (one down-titration permitted), and maintained for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of responders (≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction from baseline) during the 12-week maintenance period. Safety/tolerability assessments included the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

KEY FINDINGS

In total, 93 (86.9%) of 107 patients randomized to zonisamide and 90 (90.0%) of 100 patients randomized to placebo completed the trial. Responder rates were 50% for zonisamide versus 31% for placebo (p = 0.0044; intention-to-treat population, last observation carried forward). The overall incidence of TEAEs was similar for zonisamide (55.1%) versus placebo (50.0%), with low rates of serious TEAEs with zonisamide and placebo (3.7% vs. 2.0%) and TEAEs leading to withdrawal (0.9% vs. 3.0%). TEAEs reported more frequently with zonisamide versus placebo were decreased appetite (6.5% vs. 4.0%), decreased weight (4.7% vs. 3.0%), somnolence (4.7% vs. 2.0%), vomiting (3.7% vs. 2.0%), and diarrhea (3.7% vs. 1.0%).

SIGNIFICANCE

Adjunctive zonisamide treatment was shown to be effective and well tolerated in pediatric patients with partial epilepsy. No new or unexpected safety findings emerged.

Adaptive behavior and later school achievement in children with early-onset epilepsy

AIM

To determine whether early measures of adaptive behavior are predictive of later school difficulties and achievement in otherwise neurotypical (unimpaired) children with onset of epilepsy during the preschool years.

METHOD

In a prospective cohort study, parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) for children who were aged 5 years or less at epilepsy diagnosis. Eight to 9 years later, the children were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC), the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Associations of VABS scores with later WRAT and CBCL scores were tested.

RESULTS

A total of 108 neurotypical children (64 males, 44 females; mean age at testing 11 y 11 mo, SD 2 y) were studied. After adjustment for IQ and other factors, there was an increase of 0.15 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.27 points; p=0.03) and 0.14 points (95% CI 0.0-0.28 points; p=0.05) in WRAT reading and spelling scores for each 1-point increment in the VABS communication score. Corresponding numbers for the VABS socialization score were 0.20 (95% CI 0.08-0.32; p=0.005) and 0.17 (95% CI 0.05-0.29; p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

In neurotypical preschool children with epilepsy, early social and communication scores predict later school performance. These findings raise questions about opportunities for early identification and intervention for children at greatest risk.

Neuropsychological impairment in children with Rolandic epilepsy and in their siblings

To assess and characterize a possible neurocognitive endophenotype associated with Rolandic epilepsy (RE), a clinical study was carried out to evaluate the neuropsychological profile of children with RE at onset and of their healthy siblings. Seventeen subjects were recruited (10 boys and 7 girls): nine patients affected by RE and eight siblings who underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluations. All patients and only two siblings showed centrotemporal spikes on the electroencephalographic recording. Eighteen age- and sex-matched healthy children were assessed as controls. A significant impairment was found in language domain, attentional functioning, and short- and long-term verbal memory in both patients and siblings. A positive correlation between verbal comprehension and working memory scores was found in both groups. A similar neuropsychological profile of RE, which affected patients and their siblings with impairment in the same developing areas, supports the hypothesis of a specific neurocognitive phenotype in RE.

Expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha and microRNA-155 in immature rat model of status epilepticus and children with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Recently, the role of inflammation has attracted great attention in the pathogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), and microRNAs start to emerge as promising new players in MTLE pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the dynamic expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and microRNA-155 (miR-155) in the hippocampi of an immature rat model of status epilepticus (SE) and children with MTLE. The expressions of TNF-α and miR-155 were significantly upregulated in the seizure-related acute and chronic stages of MTLE in the immature rat model and also in children with MTLE. Modulation of TNF-α expression, either by stimulation using myeloid-related protein (MRP8) or lipopolysaccharide or inhibition using lenalidomide on astrocytes, leads to similar dynamic changes in miR-155 expression. Our study is the first to focus on the dynamic expression pattern of miR-155 in the immature rat of SE lithium-pilocarpine model and children with MTLE and to detect their relationship at the astrocyte level. TNF-α and miR-155, having similar expression patterns in the three stages of MTLE development, and their relationship at the astrocyte level may suggest a direct interactive relationship during MTLE development. Therefore, modulation of the TNF-α/miR-155 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MTLE.

Sodium valproate use is associated with reduced parietal lobe thickness and brain volume

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that total brain volume, white matter volume, and lobar cortical thickness would be different in epilepsy patients. We studied valproate relative to nonvalproate by using patients with epilepsy and healthy controls.

METHODS

Patients with focal intractable epilepsy from a tertiary epilepsy center were the primary group for analysis. A confirmatory analysis was carried out in an independent group of subjects imaged as part of a community-based study of childhood-onset epilepsy. Total brain volume; white matter volume; and frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobe thickness were measured by processing whole-brain T1-weighted MRI using FreeSurfer 5.1.

RESULTS

Total brain volume, white matter volume, and parietal thickness were reduced in the valproate group relative to controls and nonvalproate users (valproate, n = 9; nonvalproate, n = 27; controls, n = 45; all male). These findings were confirmed in an independent group (valproate, n = 7; nonvalproate, n = 70; controls, n = 20; all male).

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium valproate use in epilepsy is associated with parietal lobe thinning, reduced total brain volume, and reduced white matter volume.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class IV evidence that use of valproate in epilepsy is associated with reduced parietal lobe thickness, total brain volume, and white matter volume.

Pediatric focal epilepsy syndromes

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, early-onset childhood occipital epilepsy (Panayiotopoulos syndrome [PS]) and late-onset childhood occipital epilepsy (Gastaut type [LOCE-G]) are the principal pediatric focal epilepsy syndromes. They share major common characteristics: the appearance and resolution of electroclinical features are age related, there is a strong genetic predisposition, the clinical course is often mild with infrequent and easy to control seizures, interictal epileptiform activity is disproportionately abundant when compared with the clinical correlate, and tends to potentiate and generalize during sleep. In this review, we outline the relevant pathophysiology underlying this electroclinical spectrum. Then, the initial description of individual syndromes is followed by a summary of overlapping features and intermediate presentations that question the boundaries between these entities and provide the basis for the concept of a childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome. Additionally, we outline the main features of the related epileptic encephalopathies. An outlook on potential future lines of research completes this review.

The epidemiology of seizure disorders in infancy and childhood: definitions and classifications

Seizures are one of the most common neurological symptoms that occur in infancy and childhood. They represent many different disorders with many different causes. Neonatal seizures occur in ~1.5% of neonates, febrile seizures in 2-4% of young children, and epilepsy in up to 1% of children and adolescents. Seizures provoked by other acute insults such as head trauma also occur although their precise frequency in children is hard to estimate. Ultimately, seizures are symptoms of various neurological insults and conditions. Although neonatal seizures, febrile seizures, and epilepsy overlap to a degree in that children with neonatal or febrile seizures are at increased risk of epilepsy, these different disorders have somewhat different risk factors and their own epidemiology. Furthermore, to the extent that environmental (e.g., infections, malnutrition) and medical system factors (vaccinations, prenatal care) and population genetics play roles, very different risks and patterns are seen in different areas of the world. Within each of these sets of disorders, designated as neonatal or febrile seizures and epilepsy, there are many highly specific conditions that, especially in the case of epilepsy, may have considerable implications for treatment and prognosis and consequently may require care from a specialist.

Electrical status epilepticus in sleep: clinical presentation and pathophysiology

Electrical status epilepticus in sleep involves an electroencephalographic pattern where interictal epileptiform activity is potentiated in the transition from wakefulness to sleep. Near-continuous spikes and waves that occupy a significant proportion of nonrapid eye movement sleep appear as a result of sleep-potentiated epileptiform activity. This electroencephalographic pattern appears in different electroclinical syndromes that present three common characteristics with different degrees of severity: seizures, sleep-potentiated epileptiform activity, and neuropsychologic regression. Continuous spikes and waves during sleep comprise the severest epileptic encephalopathy in the electroclinical spectrum. Landau-Kleffner syndrome presents with intermediate severity. Some "benign" pediatric focal epileptic syndromes represent the mildest end of this continuum. Based on published data, we provide a framework for clinical and electrical events. The underlying mechanisms leading to sleep potentiation of epileptiform activity in electrical status epilepticus in sleep are incompletely understood. A genetic basis or acquired early developmental insult may disrupt the normal maturation of neuronal networks. These factors may dynamically alter normal processes of brain development, leading to an age-related pattern of electroclinical expression of electrical status epilepticus in sleep.

Ethosuximide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine in childhood absence epilepsy: initial monotherapy outcomes at 12 months

PURPOSE

Determine the optimal initial monotherapy for children with newly diagnosed childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) based on 12 months of double-blind therapy.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial compared the efficacy, tolerability, and neuropsychological effects of ethosuximide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine in children with newly diagnosed CAE. Study medications were titrated to clinical response, and subjects remained in the trial unless they reached a treatment failure criterion. Maximal target doses were ethosuximide 60 mg/kg/day or 2,000 mg/day, valproic acid 60 mg/kg/day or 3,000 mg/day, and lamotrigine 12 mg/kg/day or 600 mg/day. Original primary outcome was at 16-20 weeks and included a video-electroencephalography (EEG) assessment. For this report, the main effectiveness outcome was the freedom from failure rate 12 months after randomization and included a video-EEG assessment; differential drug effects were determined by pairwise comparisons. The main cognitive outcome was the percentage of subjects experiencing attentional dysfunction at the month 12 visit.

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 453 children were enrolled and randomized; 7 were deemed ineligible and 446 subjects comprised the overall efficacy cohort. There were no demographic differences between the three cohorts. By 12 months after starting therapy, only 37% of all enrolled subjects were free from treatment failure on their first medication. At the month 12 visit, the freedom-from-failure rates for ethosuximide and valproic acid were similar (45% and 44%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]with valproic acid vs. ethosuximide 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-1.52; p = 0.82) and were higher than the rate for lamotrigine (21%; OR with ethosuximide vs. lamotrigine 3.08; 95% CI 1.81-5.33; OR with valproic acid vs. lamotrigine 2.88; 95% CI 1.68-5.02; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The frequency of treatment failures due to lack of seizure control (p < 0.001) and intolerable adverse events (p < 0.037) was significantly different among the treatment groups. Almost two thirds of the 125 subjects with treatment failure due to lack of seizure control were in the lamotrigine cohort. The largest subgroup (42%) of the 115 subjects discontinuing due to adverse events was in the valproic acid group. The previously reported higher rate of attentional dysfunction seen at 16-20 weeks in the valproic acid group compared with the ethosuximide or lamotrigine groups persisted at 12 months (p < 0.01).

SIGNIFICANCE

As initial monotherapy, the superior effectiveness of ethosuximide and valproic acid compared to lamotrigine in controlling seizures without intolerable adverse events noted at 16-20 weeks persisted at 12 months. The valproic acid cohort experienced a higher rate of adverse events leading to drug discontinuation as well as significant negative effects on attentional measures that were not seen in the ethosuximide cohort. These 12-month outcome data coupled with the study's prespecified decision-making algorithm indicate that ethosuximide is the optimal initial empirical monotherapy for CAE. This is the first randomized controlled trial meeting International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria for class I evidence for CAE (or for any type of generalized seizure in adults or children). (NCT00088452.).

Age at onset of epilepsy, pharmacoresistance, and cognitive outcomes: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Increasing evidence suggests that uncontrolled seizures have deleterious effects on cognition and behavior, particularly in the developing brain.

METHODS

In a community-based cohort, 198 children, aged <8 years with new-onset epilepsy were followed prospectively and reassessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) 8-9 years later. Linear regression analyses with interactions between age at onset (age) and pharmacoresistance (PR) were used to test whether earlier onset conveyed greater vulnerability to the effects of uncontrolled seizures. Full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and the 4 subdomain scores were examined. Adjustment for adaptive behavior scores in a subset was performed. A dichotomous indicator for IQ <80 or ≥80 was used to permit inclusion of children who were not tested, particularly those who were untestable.

RESULTS

FSIQ was not correlated with age. PR was associated with an 11.4 point lower FSIQ (p = 0.002) and similar decrements in each WISC-III domain. There were substantial age-PR interactions for FSIQ (p = 0.003) and 3 domain scores, indicating a lessening impact of PR with increasing age. The dichotomous IQ indicator was strongly correlated with age at onset in the pharmacoresistant group (p < 0.0001) and not in the non-pharmacoresistant group (p = 0.61). Adjustment for adaptive behavior measured near onset did not alter the conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Uncontrolled seizures impair cognitive function with effects being most severe in infancy and lessening with increasing age at onset. These findings further emphasize the need for early aggressive treatment and seizure control in infants and young children.

First long-term experience with the orphan drug rufinamide in children with myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (Doose syndrome)

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the long-term efficacy and tolerability of the orphan drug rufinamide (RUF) in children with pharmacoresistant myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE, Doose syndrome).

METHODS

This was a retrospective European multicenter study on eight patients who had started an intention-to-treat trial of RUF between July 2007 and June 2010. Clinical information was collected via questionnaire. Responder rate was defined as reduction of seizure frequency ≥50% in comparison to four weeks before starting RUF. Maximum follow-up was eighteen months.

RESULTS

Responder rates were 7/8 patients after 3 months, 6/8 patients after 6 months and 5/8 patients after 12 months. RUF seemed particularly effective in the prevention of myoclonic-astatic seizures (comparable with drop attacks in Lennox-Gastaut-Syndrome, for which RUF is particularly effective). Some loss of efficacy was noticed in the long-term observation. Side-effects occurred in two patients. Seizure aggravation was not observed.

CONCLUSION

RUF seems to be a promising therapeutic option in children with MAE. Further studies are warranted to confirm these first observations.

Adaptive behavior outcomes in infants treated with adjunctive topiramate

Data from two global studies (6-week open-label, phase 1 study; 20-day double-blind, phase 3 study) and their 1-year open-label extensions were pooled to assess long-term effects of adjunctive topiramate on adaptive behavior in infants with clinical or video-electroencephalographic evidence of refractory, partial-onset seizures. The primary safety and efficacy results of adjunctive topiramate treatment were reported previously. We report the changes in adaptive behavior of infants, based on Vineland Scales of Adaptive Behavior. Of 284 infants (mean [S.D.] age, 12 [6.3] months) enrolled, 89% (n = 252) manifested partial-onset seizures, and 41% (n = 116) manifested clinically relevant, symptomatic etiologies at pretreatment baseline. Overall, Vineland scores were below average at pretreatment baseline. The most frequently used concomitant antiepileptic drugs included valproic acid (59%), phenobarbital (31%), and carbamazepine (19%). The most common treatment-emergent cognitive and neuropsychiatric adverse events included anorexia (35%) and somnolence (27%). A clinically significant decline (approximately 15 points, or 1 S.D.) occurred in both Vineland Scales composite (mean change, -14.0) and domain standard scores from pretreatment baseline to open-label extension endpoint. However, individual domain raw scores increased, indicating that infants progressed in acquisitions of adaptive skill, but at a slower rate than the normative population.

Novel animal models of pediatric epilepsy

When mimicking epileptic processes in a laboratory setting, it is important to understand the differences between experimental models of seizures and epilepsy. Because human epilepsy is defined by the appearance of multiple spontaneous recurrent seizures, the induction of a single acute seizure without recurrence does not constitute an adequate epilepsy model. Animal models of epilepsy might be useful for various tasks. They allow for the investigation of pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease, the evaluation, or the development of new antiepileptic treatments, and the study of the consequences of recurrent seizures and neurological and psychiatric comorbidities. Although clinical relevance is always an issue, the development of models of pediatric epilepsies is particularly challenging due to the existence of several key differences in the dynamics of human and rodent brain maturation. Another important consideration in modeling pediatric epilepsy is that "children are not little adults," and therefore a mere application of models of adult epilepsies to the immature specimens is irrelevant. Herein, we review the models of pediatric epilepsy. First, we illustrate the differences between models of pediatric epilepsy and models of the adulthood consequences of a precipitating insult in early life. Next, we focus on new animal models of specific forms of epilepsies that occur in the developing brain. We conclude by emphasizing the deficiencies in the existing animal models and the need for several new models.

Early surgical therapy for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy: a randomized trial

CONTEXT

Despite reported success, surgery for pharmacoresistant seizures is often seen as a last resort. Patients are typically referred for surgery after 20 years of seizures, often too late to avoid significant disability and premature death.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether surgery soon after failure of 2 antiepileptic drug (AED) trials is superior to continued medical management in controlling seizures and improving quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Early Randomized Surgical Epilepsy Trial (ERSET) is a multicenter, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial performed at 16 US epilepsy surgery centers. The 38 participants (18 men and 20 women; aged ≥12 years) had mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and disabling seizues for no more than 2 consecutive years following adequate trials of 2 brand-name AEDs. Eligibility for anteromesial temporal resection (AMTR) was based on a standardized presurgical evaluation protocol. Participants were randomized to continued AED treatment or AMTR 2003-2007, and observed for 2 years. Planned enrollment was 200, but the trial was halted prematurely due to slow accrual.

INTERVENTION

Receipt of continued AED treatment (n = 23) or a standardized AMTR plus AED treatment (n = 15). In the medical group, 7 participants underwent AMTR prior to the end of follow-up and 1 participant in the surgical group never received surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome variable was freedom from disabling seizures during year 2 of follow-up. Secondary outcome variables were health-related QOL (measured primarily by the 2-year change in the Quality of Life in Epilepsy 89 [QOLIE-89] overall T-score), cognitive function, and social adaptation.

RESULTS

Zero of 23 participants in the medical group and 11 of 15 in the surgical group were seizure free during year 2 of follow-up (odds ratio = ∞; 95% CI, 11.8 to ∞; P < .001). In an intention-to-treat analysis, the mean improvement in QOLIE-89 overall T-score was higher in the surgical group than in the medical group but this difference was not statistically significant (12.6 vs 4.0 points; treatment effect = 8.5; 95% CI, -1.0 to 18.1; P = .08). When data obtained after surgery from participants in the medical group were excluded, the effect of surgery on QOL was significant (12.8 vs 2.8 points; treatment effect = 9.9; 95% CI, 2.2 to 17.7; P = .01). Memory decline (assessed using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) occurred in 4 participants (36%) after surgery, consistent with rates seen in the literature; but the sample was too small to permit definitive conclusions about treatment group differences in cognitive outcomes. Adverse events included a transient neurologic deficit attributed to a magnetic resonance imaging-identified postoperative stroke in a participant who had surgery and 3 cases of status epilepticus in the medical group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with newly intractable disabling MTLE, resective surgery plus AED treatment resulted in a lower probability of seizures during year 2 of follow-up than continued AED treatment alone. Given the premature termination of the trial, the results should be interpreted with appropriate caution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00040326.

Seizure recency and quality of life in adolescents with childhood-onset epilepsy

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is associated with seizure recency among adults with epilepsy. In a prospective, community-based study of long-term outcomes of childhood-onset epilepsy, we evaluated whether worse HRQOL is associated with more recent seizures among children and adolescents with epilepsy. We used the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a generic measure with child and parent-proxy versions, to measure HRQOL. Among 277 children with epilepsy (CWE) assessed 9 years after diagnosis, parent-proxy reported but not child self-reported HRQOL was significantly worse for those having seizures in the prior year than for those who were seizure free ≥1 year across the majority of scales. There were no differences between CWE in remission for 1-5 years and those seizure free ≥5 years for child and parent-proxy reported HRQOL with the exception of the parent Emotional Impact scale, suggesting that HRQOL differences related to seizure recency level off after the initial year of remission.

Familial clustering of epilepsy and behavioral disorders: evidence for a shared genetic basis

PURPOSE

To examine whether family history of unprovoked seizures is associated with behavioral disorders in epilepsy probands, thereby supporting the hypothesis of shared underlying genetic susceptibility to these disorders.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of the 308 probands with childhood onset epilepsy from the Connecticut Study of Epilepsy with information on first-degree family history of unprovoked seizures and of febrile seizures whose parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at the 9-year follow-up. Clinical cutoffs for CBCL problem and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-Oriented scales were examined. The association between first-degree family history of unprovoked seizure and behavioral disorders was assessed separately in uncomplicated and complicated epilepsy and separately for first-degree family history of febrile seizures. A subanalysis, accounting for the tendency for behavioral disorders to run in families, was adjusted for siblings with the same disorder as the proband. Prevalence ratios were used to describe the associations.

KEY FINDINGS

In probands with uncomplicated epilepsy, first-degree family history of unprovoked seizure was significantly associated with clinical cutoffs for Total Problems and Internalizing Disorders. Among Internalizing Disorders, clinical cutoffs for Withdrawn/Depressed, and DSM-Oriented scales for Affective Disorder and Anxiety Disorder were significantly associated with family history of unprovoked seizures. Clinical cutoffs for Aggressive Behavior and Delinquent Behavior, and DSM-Oriented scales for Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder were significantly associated with family history of unprovoked seizure. Adjustment for siblings with the same disorder revealed significant associations for the relationship between first-degree family history of unprovoked seizure and Total Problems and Aggressive Behavior in probands with uncomplicated epilepsy; marginally significant results were seen for Internalizing Disorder, Withdrawn/Depressed, and Anxiety Disorder. There was no association between family history of unprovoked seizure and behavioral problems in probands with complicated epilepsy. First-degree family history of febrile seizure was not associated with behavioral problems in probands with uncomplicated or in those with complicated epilepsy.

SIGNIFICANCE

Increased occurrence of behavioral disorders in probands with uncomplicated epilepsy and first degree family history of unprovoked seizure suggests familial clustering of these disorders. This supports the idea that behavioral disorders may be another manifestation of the underlying pathophysiology involved in epilepsy or closely related to it.

Psychiatric and medical comorbidity and quality of life outcomes in childhood-onset epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

We compared associations of epilepsy remission status and severity as well as psychiatric and other comorbidities with child and parent-proxy reports of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents previously diagnosed with epilepsy.

METHODS

In a prospective, community-based study of newly diagnosed childhood epilepsy, HRQoL of 277 children was assessed 8 to 9 years after diagnosis by using child and parent-proxy versions of the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Multiple linear regression models adjusted for age and gender were used to compare associations of epilepsy remission and "complicated" epilepsy (secondary to an underlying neurologic insult or epileptic encephalopathy) status and psychiatric and other comorbidities with HRQoL.

RESULTS

Mean age of epilepsy onset was 4.4 years (SD: 2.6). At the 9-year reassessment, children were, on average, 13.0 years old (SD: 2.6); 64% were seizure-free for 5 years, 31% were taking antiepileptic drugs, and 19% had a complicated epilepsy. Prevalence of comorbidities at follow-up were 26% psychiatric diagnosis; 39% neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder (NDSD); 24% chronic medical illness; and 15% migraine. In multivariable analysis, having a psychiatric disorder was broadly associated with child (6 of 11 scales) and parent-proxy (7 of 12 scales) HRQoL (P ≤ .0125). Five-year remission and complicated epilepsy status had few or no associations with HRQoL. Although parent-proxy HRQoL was strongly associated with NDSD (6 of 11 scales), child-reported HRQoL was not (2 of 11 scales).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric comorbidities are strongly associated with long-term HRQoL in childhood-onset epilepsy, which suggests that comprehensive epilepsy care must include screening and treatment for these conditions, even if seizures remit.

Health perception and socioeconomic status following childhood-onset epilepsy: the Dutch study of epilepsy in childhood

PURPOSE

Epilepsy may have far-reaching consequences for patients, other than having seizures and medication. At 15 years after diagnosis, this study investigates health perception, restrictions due to epilepsy, living arrangements (including marital status and offspring), and the educational and occupational attainment of patients with childhood-onset epilepsy.

METHODS

A total of 453 patients with epilepsy had a 5-year follow-up since diagnosis with regular visits and data collection. Ten years later, a questionnaire addressing epilepsy was completed by 413 patients, resulting in a mean follow-up of 15 years. Subjects were compared with age peers of the Dutch population for each etiologic group separately, and also for subjects with/without a 5-year terminal remission regardless of treatment. Age-adjusted standardized incidence rates were calculated for each variable.

KEY FINDINGS

Subjects with normal intelligence had a health perception comparable with that of the general population, but significantly more subjects without remission had a worse health perception, especially those still using medication. Restrictions and symptoms due to epilepsy were reported by 14% of the subjects, mainly by those without remission or with ongoing medication. The living arrangement of subjects with idiopathic or cryptogenic etiology was similar to that of Dutch persons of the same age (age peers). Subjects with remote symptomatic etiology less often lived independently or with a partner, and more frequently resided in an institution or living group for the disabled. Those with and without remission were more often part of another household, mainly due (in both groups) to having a remote symptomatic etiology. Rates of having a partner and offspring were significantly reduced only for subjects with remote symptomatic etiology. Fewer students with idiopathic/remote symptomatic etiology and students in remission followed higher vocational or scientific education. In these latter groups, the highest attained education of employees was lower than expected. The employment status of subjects with idiopathic or cryptogenic etiology was comparable with that of their Dutch age peers, but fewer subjects with remote symptomatic etiology were employed and more of them were part of the dependent population. However, for those in the labor force (employed/unemployed) all employment rates were ≥90%, even for those with remote symptomatic etiology. Nevertheless, fewer employees than expected had a higher vocational or scientific level of occupation, even those with idiopathic etiology and those in remission.

SIGNIFICANCE

Health perception, living arrangement, and socioeconomic status were influenced by epilepsy, comorbidities, or treatment, particularly for subjects with remote symptomatic etiology or no remission. The group in remission fared less well than expected, mainly due to the numbers of subjects with remote symptomatic etiology in this group. In line with others, we conclude that childhood-onset epilepsy is associated with lower educational attainment, even for subjects with idiopathic etiology and subjects in remission; probably related to this, their occupational level was also lower than expected.

Special education participation in children with epilepsy: what does it reflect?

Epilepsy is associated with academic and neurocognitive disorders, with the latter often assumed to explain the former. We examined utilization of special education services (SpES) in relation to neurocognitive test scores in a case-matched sibling control study. In a follow-up assessment 8-9 years after entry into a prospective study of childhood-onset epilepsy, cases and siblings participated in an interview and standardized neurocognitive testing. Analyses included 142 pairs in which both had Full Scale IQ ≥ 80 and the case had normal examination and imaging. Sixty-four (45%) cases and 25 (17.6%) controls reported SpES utilization, (matched odds ratio [mOR]=5.3, P<0.0001). Adjustment for neurocognitive test scores resulted in a mOR of 4.6 (P<0.0001). Types and duration of services were similar in cases and controls. Twenty-four percent of school-aged cases were already receiving services at the time of initial epilepsy diagnosis. Young people with epilepsy have academic difficulties that are not explained simply by cognitive test scores.

Complete remission in nonsyndromic childhood-onset epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Determine the probability of attaining complete remission in children with nonsyndromic epilepsy (NSE) over the course of ≥10 years from initial diagnosis; identify early predictors of complete remission; and assess the risk of relapse after achieving complete remission.

METHODS

In a prospective community-based cohort, complete remission was defined as 5 years seizure-free and medication-free. Any subsequent seizure for any reason was a relapse. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted with standard methods including the Kaplan-Meier approach. Proportional hazards modeling was used for multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Of 613 cohort members, 347 had NSEs, of whom 294 (85%) were followed ≥10 years (maximum = 17.9). A total of 170 in 294 (58%) achieved complete remission, 10 of whom (6%) relapsed. Seizure outcome at 2 years (remission, pharmacoresistant, unclear) (p < 0.0001) and underlying cause (p < 0.0001) distinguished groups with complete remission ranging from ~20% to ~75%. Older age at onset was independently associated with a poorer chance of complete remission. Relapses occurred up to 7.5 years after attaining complete remission and were marginally associated with underlying cause (p = 0.06).

INTERPRETATION

Complete remission occurs in over one-half of young people with NSE and generally persists. Meaningful but imperfect predication is possible based on underlying cause and early seizure control. The finding of age effects may play a role in meaningful identification of phenotypes, which could become fruitful targets for genetic and imaging investigations in these otherwise poorly differentiated epilepsies.

Hippocampal size anomalies in a community-based cohort with childhood-onset epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

Epidemiologic evidence suggests the natural history of refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is complicated, yet little is known about the hippocampus from the nontertiary center perspective.

METHODS

In a community-based cohort, individuals with nonsyndromic focal epilepsy with onset <16 years and controls had research MRI scans. Hippocampal (HC) volumes were manually measured, corrected for total brain volume, and converted to Z scores (Z(HC)) based on the controls' values. Volumes in cases and controls were compared.

RESULTS

Average volumes were not significantly different in cases with unknown cause (n = 117) relative to controls (n = 63). The group with structural and other conditions (n = 23) had significantly smaller volumes. Asymmetry (larger/smaller HC) did not vary among the 3 groups. Hippocampal variances were significantly larger in each epilepsy group relative to controls. In the unknown cause group, 25 (21%) had extreme() values: 15 (13%) with Z(HC) >1.96; 10 (9%) with Z(HC) <-1.96. By contrast, 2/63 (3%) controls had extreme values (p = 0.001). Within the unknown cause group, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) cases were more likely to have extreme hippocampal volumes than non-TLE (31% vs 15%, p = 0.03). Extreme volumes were generally interpreted as normal visually. These anomalies were not associated with seizure remission or pharmacoresistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Classic mesial TLE with hippocampal sclerosis is an uncommon finding in the general population. Volume anomalies, both large and small, are often bilateral. The significance of these findings is unclear; however, speculations regarding preexisting hippocampal pathology (e.g., dysplasia) as a factor in TLE and other neocortical epilepsies have been made by others.

Risk and correlates of autism spectrum disorder in children with epilepsy: a community-based study

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders for children with epilepsy in the general population is unknown. In a prospective community-based study of newly diagnosed childhood epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder was determined from parental interviews, medical records, and expert reviews by a child psychiatrist. A total of 28 (5%) participants had autism spectrum disorders. West syndrome (prevalence ratio = 4.53, P = .002) and intellectual impairment (prevalence ratio = 4.34, P = .002) were independently associated with autism spectrum disorder. Absent West syndrome, male gender was associated with autism spectrum disorder (prevalence ratio = 3.71, P = .02). For participants with overall normal cognitive abilities, 2.2% had autism spectrum disorder, which is substantially higher than estimates from the general population (0.5%-0.9%). In addition to West syndrome, which has repeatedly been shown to have a special relationship with autism spectrum disorder, the most important determinants of autism spectrum disorder in the general population (intellectual impairment and male sex) are also important in young people with epilepsy.

Efficacy and tolerability of oral lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy

The results of adjunctive lacosamide treatment in 18 pediatric patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy are reported. All had severe forms of focal epilepsy with or without secondary generalization and were concurrently receiving one to three other antiepileptic drugs. Lacosamide was administered orally, and final dose, after slow titration, ranged between 1.7 and 10 mg/kg. Mean treatment duration was 8 months (range=3 weeks-17 months). Treatment efficacy was assessed at two time points with a 1-year interval. The reported greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency was 36% in the initial short-term and 20% in the following long-term assessment. Side effects, mostly somnolence and irritability, were reported by 39% of patients in both evaluations. Our data suggest that lacosamide treatment in pediatric patients is safe at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day without any major side effects, but studies in larger series are needed to validate and extend these findings.

Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood-onset epilepsy

Childhood-onset epilepsy is associated with psychiatric and cognitive difficulties and with poor social outcomes in adulthood. In a prospective cohort of young people with epilepsy, we studied psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy-related characteristics, all factors that may influence long-term social outcomes. Five hundred one subjects, 159 with complicated (IQ <80 or brain lesion) and 342 with uncomplicated epilepsy, were included. Psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders were more common in complicated epilepsy (P<0.005). In uncomplicated epilepsy, externalizing but not internalizing disorders were strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Internalizing disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders were associated with lack of 5-year remission. Type of epilepsy was not associated with neurodevelopmental disorders or psychiatric disorders. Various comorbid conditions in epilepsy cluster together and are modestly associated with imperfect seizure control. These need to be considered together in evaluating and managing young people with epilepsy and may help explain long-term social outcomes above and beyond poor seizure control.