A home-based, primary-care model for epilepsy care in India: Basis and design

One Patient, Three Providers: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Common Neuropsychiatric Cases

BACKGROUND

Neuropsychiatric cases require a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. This paper presented case-based discussions on migraine, dementia, epilepsy, mood disorders, neuralgia, and psychosis from the perspectives of a family physician, neurologist, and psychiatrist. The goal was to highlight the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers in managing these complex cases.

METHODS

The paper was based on the proceedings of the Mediterranean Neuropsychiatry Symposium, where experts from family medicine, neurology, and psychiatry came together for comprehensive case-based discussions. The CARE framework (Case Report, Appraisal, Research, and Education) was developed to guide reporting and evaluation of case reports in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Six cases were presented and discussed, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing neuropsychiatric cases. The cases included chronic migraine with medication overuse, memory dysfunction with language and behavioral problems, refractory epileptic seizures with subjective sensory symptoms, bipolar affective disorder with normal pressure hydrocephalus, postherpetic neuralgia in a case with bipolar affective disorder, and psychosis with recurrent attacks with the abuse of several substances.

CONCLUSION

A biopsychosocial multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing neuropsychiatric cases effectively on behalf of the patients and public health of the country. The CARE framework can guide the reporting and evaluation of case reports in clinical practice, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and effective care. Healthcare providers should collaborate to provide the best possible care for patients with complex and multifaceted needs.

A Comparison of the Quality of Life of People With Epilepsy Receiving Home-Based and Clinic-Based Epilepsy Care Using the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L) Scale

Background and objective Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that, both physically and psychologically, puts a person at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). People with epilepsy (PWE) may experience shame, fear, and rejection and feel discriminated against, hence avoiding social interactions. To avoid being labeled as having epilepsy, patients may conceal their disease and refuse medical attention, which can lead to treatment discontinuation and significantly impact the quality of life. Epilepsy care in India has fallen back on primary care physicians because there are not enough neurologists available to treat the condition. Home-based care (HBC) may overcome many barriers by providing free antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), eliminating the "distance to a health facility," and providing correct information that may improve QOL. This study is therefore conducted to compare the QOL between people with epilepsy receiving home-based care (HBC) and routine clinic-based care (CBC). Methodology The people with epilepsy enrolled in this study were already part of a community-based randomized controlled trial conducted to compare the effect of regular home-based epilepsy care with routine clinic-based epilepsy care on antiepileptic adherence among urban and peri-urban areas of Ludhiana, Punjab, India (explained further in the study). The present study is a cohort study where the two cohorts, one receiving home-based epilepsy care (n = 97) and the other receiving routine clinic-based epilepsy care (n = 76), were compared for QOL at two points in time, i.e., at baseline (at enrolment) and after 24 months of receiving epilepsy care, using the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L) scale. Results The mean EQ-5D-3L index scores for the HBC group at baseline were 0.88 ± 0.15, and after 24 months, the scores increased to 0.94 ± 0.17. The baseline mean index scores for the CBC group were 0.89 ± 0.21, and after 24 months, the value increased to 0.90 ± 0.19. The mean difference in QOL in the HBC group showed a higher difference than in the CBC group (0.06 ± 0.1 versus 0.01 ± 0.1), but the difference was found to be statistically not significant (p = 0.067). As per the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L scale, i.e., mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, there was a decrease in the number of PWE reporting problems among both groups after 24 months of epilepsy care. Sociodemographic and clinical variables such as level of education, working status, age at the onset of seizures, frequency of seizures, treatment regimen, presence of comorbidities, and adverse drug reactions significantly affect the QOL of people with epilepsy at p < 0.05. Conclusion The results of the study emphasize that epilepsy has a negative impact on QOL. The results showed a higher QOL among the people in the HBC group as compared to the CBC group, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was an improvement in QOL from baseline after dedicated care in both groups. The problems related to mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression have been significantly reduced in the HBC group. Having low levels of education, not having a job, starting to have seizures at a young age, having seizures more often, receiving more than one type of treatment, and the presence of other health problems and side effects are factors associated with poor QOL among people with epilepsy.

A cluster-randomized trial comparing home-based primary health care and usual clinic care for epilepsy in a resource-limited country

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain whether home-based care with community and primary healthcare workers' support improves adherence to antiseizure medications, seizure control, and quality of life over routine clinic-based care in community samples of people with epilepsy in a resource-poor country.

METHODS

Participants included consenting individuals with active epilepsy identified in a population survey in impoverished communities. The intervention included antiseizure medication provision, adherence reinforcement and epilepsy self- and stigma management guidance provided by a primary health care-equivalent worker. We compared the intervention group to a routine clinic-based care group in a cluster-randomized trial lasting 24 months. The primary outcome was antiseizure medication adherence, appraised from monthly pill counts. Seizure outcomes were assessed by monthly seizure aggregates and time to first seizure and impact by the Personal Impact of Epilepsy scale.

RESULTS

Enrolment began on September 25, 2017 and was complete by July 24, 2018. Twenty-four clusters, each comprising ten people with epilepsy, were randomized to either home- or clinic-care. Home-care recipients were more likely to have used up their monthly-dispensed epilepsy medicine stock (regression coefficient: 0.585; 95% confidence intervals, 0.289-0.881; P = 0.001) and had fewer seizures (regression coefficient: -2.060; 95%CI, -3.335 to -0.785; P = 0.002). More people from clinic-care (n = 44; 37%) than home-care (n = 23; 19%) exited the trial (P = 0.003). The time to first seizure, adverse effects and the personal impact of epilepsy were similar in the two arms.

SIGNIFICANCE

Home care for epilepsy compared to clinic care in resource-limited communities improves medication adherence and seizure outcomes and reduces the secondary epilepsy treatment gap.

Adherence to medication by adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Approximately 20% of all cases systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) are juvenile onset. Children and adolescents with SLE usually present with more severe illness and have a higher mortality rate compared to adults with SLE. Adherence to medications in children and adolescents has a major impact on disease control as well as short- and long-term outcomes. Improved understanding of adherence rates, risk factors for non-adherence, and barriers to adherence are essential in order to increase patient adherence with medication regimens. The aim of our study was to evaluate adherence to medications among children and young adults with pediatric-onset SLE and identify barriers for non-adherence by utilizing several adherence evaluation methods.

Methods: Adherence to medications of patients aged 12–25, with childhood-onset SLE was assessed as follows: (1). The brief medication questionnaire (BMQ): self-report tool for screening adherence and barriers to adherence. (2). Mycophenolic acid (MPA) serum level. (3). Medication possession ratio (MPR): data assessing 90-day refills and dispense prior to patient’s enrollment was collected.

Results: Of the 38 patients who were enrolled in the study, 65% were found to be non-adherent according to at least 1 measurement method. Forty-four percent of patients were found to be non-adherent based on the self-reported questionnaire (BMQ). Of those taking MMF, 33% had an MPA level < 1 mcg/mL and were defined as non-adherent. Seventeen percent of patients were found to be non-adherent according to pharmacy refills rate. Forty-six percent of patients stated that their medications caused side effects, 33% of patients indicated difficulty remembering to take the medications, and 25% reported difficulty paying for medications. The disease activity index (SLEDAI) score of the “adherent group” at diagnosis was significantly lower compared to the “non-adherent” group. Patients with private insurance had more access barriers to obtaining medications compared to patients with public insurance.

Conclusion: Non-adherence to medications is highly prevalent among cSLE patients. Higher SLEDAI score is a risk factor for non-adherence. Adherence to medications should be routinely evaluated among adolescence and young adults with cSLE and barriers to adherence need to be addressed to decrease morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

Is there a relationship between socioeconomic factors and prevalence, adherence and outcome in childhood epilepsy? A systematic scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Socioeconomic factors play a role in the outcome of chronic diseases in childhood. Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in childhood. The relationship between socioeconomic factors and prevalence, adherence and outcome in children with epilepsy has not been systematically reviewed and therefore the aim of our study.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases from the first documented publications until 31st May 2020. The keywords included socioeconomic status, epilepsy, anticonvulsant, children and systematic review.

RESULTS

The search generated 4687 abstracts. 26 articles were included in the final analysis after the screening process. We found one paper regarding prevalence, 12 regarding adherence and 13 regarding outcome and their relationship to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic factors of caregivers impacted school performance, seizure freedom, quality of life and risk of unemployment in adulthood. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with non-adherence. Epilepsy may be more prevalent in children living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic factors of the caregiver, especially their level of education, annual income and marital status, had a significant impact on the outcome and adherence to anticonvulsants in children with epilepsy. Children belonging to a lower socioeconomic group are at risk of having poorer outcomes regarding adherence and hence remission, quality of life and academic achievement. We need to recognize this important aspect and take it into account when making a treatment plan for children with epilepsy.

The effect of primary care policy changes on hospitalisation for ambulatory care sensitive conditions: notes from Brazil

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the Primary Health Care Reform and the impact of recent national policy changes on the trend in hospitalisation rates for Ambulatory Conditions Sensitive to Primary Care (ACSC) in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological study with data from the Brazilian National Health Information System.

METHODS

This study performed an interrupted time-series analysis, comparing three different time periods related to important changes in primary care policies in Brazil: Baseline (2008-2009); Primary Health Care Reform (RCAPS) (2010-2017); and National Primary Health Care Policy (PNAB) (2018-2019). Data included total monthly admissions for ACSC and rates for 19 groups of causes for hospitalisation.

RESULTS

There was a non-significant increasing trend in ACSC hospital admissions between January 2008 and December 2009 (β = 4.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] -12.14 to 20.15). The Primary Health Care Reform (RCAPS), which commenced in January 2010, resulted in a significant reduction in ACSC hospital admission trends during this time period (β = -7.97, 95% CI -9.78 to -6.16). Change in the PNAB did not change the declining ACSC hospital admission trend but it did reduce the rate of decline. In addition, the coefficient was no longer significant (β = -1.93, 95% CI -2.46 to 0.59), suggesting that monitoring of the historical series for a long time may show a reversal of the downward trend in some months. The most consistent change in ACSC hospital admission trend occurred between baseline and the RCAPS (β slope = -0.143, P < 0.001) and the level between the RCAPS period and the new PNAB (β step = 7.00, P = 0.008). Trends and differences in the time periods vary in the different ACSC hospitalisation-cause groups.

CONCLUSION

Changes in public health policies impact ACSC hospitalisation rates, which can thus be used as an indicator for monitoring primary health care. We also recommend analysing admission rates by the individual ACSC hospitalisation-cause groups.

Hospital-based epilepsy care in Uganda: A prospective study of three major public referral hospitals

OBJECTIVE

This study sets out to describe the current demographics of people with epilepsy (PWE) attending hospital-based care in Uganda and the epilepsy treatment practices within three of the largest Ugandan public referral hospitals.

METHODS

In a six-month prospective cohort study, 626 children and adults attending epilepsy clinics at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital were enrolled. Using a study questionnaire, data were collected at baseline and at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following enrollment. Specific data surrounding individual patient demographics, clinical characteristics and severity of epilepsy, and treatment of epilepsy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were collected.

RESULTS

Female patients totaled to 50.8%, with a nearly equal gender distribution at each hospital. There was no statistical difference in gender or age between sites. The majority of PWE had completed primary school, with less than 15% of patients completing more than a secondary education. Seizure severity was high, with most patients having multiple seizures per week at the initial onset of epilepsy, and greater than 90% of patients reporting a loss of consciousness with seizures. The majority of patients (54.95%) also reported a developmental or learning delay. Most patients were on 1 AED (46.01%) or 2 AEDs (36.90%), with carbamazepine being the most frequently prescribed AED. There was a trend towards improved seizure severity over the follow-up period, as assessed by the corresponding Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale (PIES) subscale.

CONCLUSIONS

People with epilepsy attending hospital-based care in Uganda tend to have severe forms of epilepsy requiring management with AEDs. Current hospital-based practices show a positive trend for seizure burden and quality of life of PWE in Uganda. Further interventions to improve overall access to biomedical care are required to continue to advance the management of PWE across all communities. This article is part of the Special Issue "The Intersection of Culture, Resources, and Disease: Epilepsy Care in Uganda".

Clinical characteristics of epilepsy in resource-limited communities in Punjab, Northwest India

OBJECTIVES

To describe clinical characteristics of a community-based epilepsy cohort from resource-limited communities in Punjab, Northwest India.

METHODS

The cohort was gathered following a two-stage screening survey. We cross-sectionally examined and followed up the cohort for one year. A panel of neurologists assigned seizure types, syndromes, and putative etiologies and categorized drug responsiveness.

RESULTS

The cohort of 240 included 161 (67.1%) men, 109 (45.4%) illiterates and 149 (62.1%) unemployed. Current age was >18 years in 155 (64.6%) but age at epilepsy onset was <18 years in 173 (72.1%). Epilepsies due to structural and metabolic causes were diagnosed in 99 (41.3%), but syndromic assignments were not possible in 97 (40.4%). After one year, drug-resistant epilepsy was established in 74 (30.8%). Perinatal events (n = 35; 14.6%) followed by CNS infections (n = 32; 13.3%) and traumatic brain injury (n = 12; 5.0%) were common risk factors. Most of those with CNS infections (n = 19; 63.3%), perinatal antecedents (n = 23; 76.7%), and other acquired risk factors (n = 27; 90.0%) presented with epilepsy due to structural and metabolic causes. Perinatal events were the putative etiology for nearly 40.7% of generalized epilepsies due to structural and metabolic causes and 28.2% of all epilepsies with onset <10 years.

SIGNIFICANCE

Existing classifications schemes should be better suited to field conditions in resource-limited communities in low- and middle-income countries. The finding of drug-resistant epilepsy in nearly at least a third in a community-based sample underscores an unmet need for enhancing services for this segment within healthcare systems. Perinatal events, CNS infections, and head injury account for a third of all epilepsies and hence preventative interventions focusing on these epilepsy risk factors should be stepped up.

Mortality implications and factors associated with nonengagement in a public epilepsy care initiative in a transient population

BACKGROUND

Community-based, public care programs are a requisite to close the epilepsy treatment gap in disadvantaged communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Potential beneficiaries may, however, choose not to engage in these programs.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to describe factors associated with and mortality consequences of nonacceptance of a public epilepsy care initiative.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we contacted 207 (36%) people out of 575 who screened positive for epilepsy during a population-based survey of 59,509 people. They were invited for neurological evaluation and care provision (including antiseizure medications (ASMs)) but chose not to engage. Structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews were conducted to determine reason for their nonengagement. Factors associated with nonengagement were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. We conducted verbal autopsies for those who had died.

RESULTS

Ten (5%) of the 207 individuals died since the initial screening; six with epilepsy-related causes. Of those who could be contacted (n = 48), 40 (19%) were confirmed to have epilepsy. Nonengaging individuals were likely to be older (odds ratio (OR): 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01, 1.11), locals (OR: 4.32; 95% CI, 1.55, 12.03), and earn less than US$ 78/month (OR: 3.6; 95% CI, 1.62, 8.06). Reasons for not engaging included a belief that epilepsy is inconsequential, loss of daily wages owing to healthcare facility visit and physical infirmity.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonacceptance of a community-based public epilepsy care initiative is associated with high premature mortality, mostly attributed to epilepsy-related causes. Older age, ethnic status, and economic deprivation are factors associated with nonacceptance, though the underlying reasons may be varied.

Strategies for improving adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in people with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to antiepileptic medication is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. In this review, we focus on interventions designed and tested in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs to assist people with adherence to antiepileptic medication. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2011, and last updated in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to antiepileptic medication in adults and children with epilepsy.

SEARCH METHODS

For the latest update, we searched the following databases on 18 February 2020: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web), MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO. CRS Web includes RCTs or quasi-RCTs from PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), CENTRAL, and the Specialized Registers of Cochrane Review Groups including Epilepsy. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs and quasi-RCTs of adherence-enhancing interventions aimed at people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (as defined in individual studies), of any age and treated with antiepileptic drugs in a primary care, outpatient or other community setting.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

All review authors independently assessed lists of potentially relevant citations and abstracts. At least two review authors independently extracted data and performed a quality assessment of each study according to the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. We graded the level of evidence for each outcome according to GRADE. The studies differed widely according to the type of intervention and measures of adherence; therefore combining data was not appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 20 studies reporting data on 2832 participants. Thirteen studies targeted adults with epilepsy, one study included participants of all ages, one study included participants older than two years, one recruited pediatric patients aged between 1 month to 15 years, one study targeted caregivers of children with epilepsy, one targeted adolescents and caregivers, and two studies targeted families of children with epilepsy. We identified three ongoing studies. Follow-up time was generally short in most studies, ranging from 1 to 12 months. The studies examined three main types of interventions: educational interventions, behavioural interventions and mixed interventions. All but three studies compared treatment with usual care or 'no intervention'. Due to heterogeneity between studies in terms of interventions, methods used to measure adherence and the way the studies were reported, we did not pool the results and these findings were inappropriate to be included in a meta-analysis. Education and counselling of participants with epilepsy had mixed success (moderate-certainty evidence). Behavioural interventions such as the use of intensive reminders provided more favourable effects on adherence (moderate-certainty evidence). The effect on adherence to antiepileptic drugs described by studies of mixed interventions showed improved adherence in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (high-certainty evidence). Eleven studies described seizure frequency or seizure severity or both, with four of them, reporting improved adherence and decreased seizure frequency in the intervention groups (moderate-certainty evidence). Findings related to self-efficacy and quality of life were mixed, with no clear pattern across types of intervention.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Behavioural interventions such as intensive reminders and the use of mixed interventions demonstrate some positive results, however, we need more reliable evidence on their efficacy, derived from carefully-designed RCTs before we can draw a firm conclusion. None of the newly included studies have provided additional information that would lead to significant changes in our conclusions.

Psychological treatments for people with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Given the significant impact epilepsy may have on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with epilepsy and their families, there is increasing clinical interest in evidence-based psychological treatments, aimed at enhancing psychological and seizure-related outcomes for this group. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in Issue 10, 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of psychological treatments for people with epilepsy on HRQOL outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched the following databases on 12 August 2019, without language restrictions: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web), which includes randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials from the Specialized Registers of Cochrane Review Groups including Epilepsy, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 09 August 2019), and PsycINFO (EBSCOhost, 1887 onwards), and from PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We screened the references from included studies and relevant reviews, and contacted researchers in the field for unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs for this review. HRQOL was the main outcome. For the operational definition of 'psychological treatments', we included a broad range of skills-based psychological treatments and education-only interventions designed to improve HRQOL, seizure frequency and severity, as well as psychiatric and behavioral health comorbidities for adults and children with epilepsy. These psychological treatments were compared to treatment as usual (TAU), an active control group (such as social support group), or antidepressant pharmacotherapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 36 completed RCTs, with a total of 3526 participants. Of these studies, 27 investigated skills-based psychological interventions. The remaining nine studies were education-only interventions. Six studies investigated interventions for children and adolescents, three studies investigated interventions for adolescents and adults, and the remaining studies investigated interventions for adults. Based on satisfactory clinical and methodological homogeneity, we pooled data from 11 studies (643 participants) that used the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31) or other QOLIE inventories (such as QOLIE-89 or QOLIE-31-P) convertible to QOLIE-31. We found significant mean changes for the QOLIE-31 total score and six subscales (emotional well-being, energy and fatigue, overall QoL, seizure worry, medication effects, and cognitive functioning). The mean changes in the QOLIE-31 total score (mean improvement of 5.23 points, 95% CI 3.02 to 7.44; P < 0.001), and the overall QoL score (mean improvement of 5.95 points, 95% CI 3.05 to 8.85; P < 0.001) exceeded the threshold of minimally important change (MIC: total score: 4.73 points; QoL score: 5.22 points), indicating a clinically meaningful postintervention improvement in HRQOL. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence provided by the meta-analysis due to serious risks of bias in some of the included studies. Consequently, these results provided moderate-certainty evidence that psychological treatments for adults with epilepsy may enhance overall HRQOL.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice: Skills-based psychological interventions improve HRQOL in adults and adolescents with epilepsy. Adjunctive use of skills-based psychological treatments for adults and adolescents with epilepsy may provide additional benefits in HRQOL when these are incorporated into patient-centered management. We judge the evidence to be of moderate certainty.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Investigators should strictly adhere to the CONSORT guidelines to improve the quality of reporting on their interventions. A thorough description of intervention protocols is necessary to ensure reproducibility. When examining the effectiveness of psychological treatments for people with epilepsy, the use of standardized HRQOL inventories, such as the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventories (QOLIE-31, QOLIE-31-P, and QOLIE-89) would increase comparability. Unfortunately, there is a critical gap in pediatric RCTs and RCTs including people with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. Finally, in order to increase the overall quality of RCT study designs, adequate randomization with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment should be pursued. As attrition is often high in research that requires active participation, an intention-to-treat analysis should be carried out. Treatment fidelity and treatment competence should also be assessed. These important dimensions, which are related to 'Risk of bias' assessment, should always be reported.

Models of community-based primary care for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE

To review systematically community-based primary care interventions for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries to rationalize approaches and outcome measures in relation to epilepsy care in these countries.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, CINAHL, and Web of Science was undertaken to identify trials and implementation of provision of antiseizure medications, adherence reinforcement, and/or health care provider or community education in community-based samples of epilepsy. Data on populations addressed, interventions, and outcomes were extracted from eligible articles.

RESULTS

The 24 reports identified comprise mostly care programs addressing active convulsive epilepsy. Phenobarbital has been used most frequently, although other conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs) have also been used, but none of the newer. Tolerability rates in these studies are high, but overall attrition is considerable. Other approaches include updating primary health care providers, reinforcing treatment adherence in clinics, and raising community awareness. In these programs, the coverage of existing treatment gap in the community, epilepsy-related mortality, and comorbidity burden are only fleetingly addressed. None, however, explicitly describe sustainability plans.

CONCLUSIONS

Cost-free provision, mostly of phenobarbital, has resulted in short-term seizure freedom in roughly half of the people with epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries. Future programs should include a range of ASMs. These should cover apart from seizure control and treatment adherence, primary health care provider education, community awareness, and referral protocols for specialist care. Programs should incorporate impact assessment at the local level. Sustainability in the long term as much as resilience and scalability should be addressed in future initiatives.

Profile of patients presenting with seizures as emergencies and immediate noncompliance to antiepileptic medications

Introduction:

Seizure is a common manifestation of the many neurological conditions faced by primary care physicians. This study aims to determine the prevalence, etiology, and predictors of immediate noncompliance of adult patients presenting with seizures to the department of emergency (ED).

Materials and Methods:

We conducted this study in the ED of CMC, Vellore from November 2015 to February 2016. Retrospective chart review was used to gather specific data regarding these consecutive cases.

Results:

During the study period, 477 patients presented with seizures. The prevalence of nontrauma seizures in the ED was 2.3% [Figure 1]. The mean age was 41.4 ± 17.25 years. There was a male predominance (63.1%). About 11.7% had active seizures at presentation to the ED and less than a quarter (21.8%) were determined to have status epilepticus. Nearly 41% had new-onset seizures with common etiologies being idiopathic generalized epilepsy (22.6%), metabolic causes (17.9%), acute febrile illnesses (14.42%), and space-occupying lesions (12.3%). Among those with a history of seizures (58.9%), 87.9% were advised regular medications but 58.5% of them were immediately noncompliant. Phenytoin (58.6%), sodium valproate (20.5%), and levetiracetam (18%) were the most commonly used antiepileptics with 23% on multidrug therapy. About 60% were discharged stable from the ED. Univariate analysis showed chronic alcohol consumption (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1, 7.7) and female sex (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1–2.5) to be predictors of immediate noncompliance to antiepileptics.

Conclusion:

Common etiologies of new-onset seizures in the ED are idiopathic generalized epilepsy, metabolic causes, and acute febrile illnesses. More than half the patients with a known seizure disorder are immediately noncompliant to the advised medications. Knowledge among primary healthcare physicians about the importance of emphasizing compliance will greatly reduce the burden of seizures.