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Leung WC, Ho RWH, Leung AKL, Chu FHN, Lo CNR, Chan AA, Chan CYC, Chan DYH, Chui JHY, Li WTV, Yeung EHL, Teo KC, Lau GKK, Chang RSK. Risk of Seizure Aggravation after COVID-19 Vaccinations in Patients with Epilepsy. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:593. [PMID: 38932322 PMCID: PMC11209536 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations are generally recommended for persons with epilepsy (PwE), a significant vaccination gap remains due to patient concerns over the risk of post-vaccination seizure aggravation (PVSA). In this single-centre, retrospective cohort study, we aimed to determine the early (7-day) and delayed (30-day) risk of PVSA, and to identify clinical predictors of PVSA among PwE. Adult epilepsy patients aged ≥18 years without a history of COVID-19 infection were recruited from a specialty epilepsy clinic in early 2022. Demographic, epilepsy characteristics, and vaccination data were extracted from a centralized electronic patient record. Seizure frequency before and after vaccination, vaccination-related adverse effects, and reasons for or against vaccination were obtained by a structured questionnaire. A total of 786 PwEs were included, of which 27.0% were drug-resistant. At the time of recruitment, 74.6% had at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Subjects with higher seizure frequency (p < 0.0005), on more anti-seizure medications (p = 0.004), or had drug-resistant epilepsy (p = 0.001) were less likely to be vaccinated. No significant increase in seizure frequency was observed in the early (7 days) and delayed phases (30 days) after vaccination in our cohort. On the contrary, there was an overall significant reduction in seizure frequency 30 days after vaccination (1.31 vs. 1.89, t = 3.436; p = 0.001). This difference was seen in both types of vaccine (BNT162b2 and CoronaVac) and drug-resistant epilepsy, but just missed significance for the second dose (1.13 vs. 1.87, t = 1.921; p = 0.055). Only 5.3% had PVSA after either dose of vaccine. Higher pre-vaccination seizure frequency of ≥1 per week (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.05-8.62; p = 0.04) and drug-resistant status (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.45-249 7.61; p = 0.005) were predictive of PVSA. Meanwhile, seizure freedom for 3 months before vaccination was independently associated with a lower risk of PVSA (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.28; p < 0.0005). This may guide epilepsy treatment strategies to achieve better seizure control for at least 3 months prior to vaccination. As COVID-19 shifts to an endemic phase, this study provides important data demonstrating the overall safety of COVID-19 vaccinations among PwE. Identification of high-risk patients with subsequent individualized approaches in treatment and monitoring strategies may alleviate vaccination hesitancy among PwE.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C.Y. Leung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
| | - Ryan Wui-Hang Ho
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
| | - Anthony Ka-Long Leung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
| | - Florinda Hui-Ning Chu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
| | - Cheuk Nam Rachel Lo
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
| | - Andrian A. Chan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Cheuk Yan Claudia Chan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Desmond Yin Hei Chan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Jacklyn Hoi Ying Chui
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Wai Tak Victor Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Elton Hau Lam Yeung
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Kay Cheong Teo
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Gary Kui-Kai Lau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (A.A.C.); (C.Y.C.C.); (D.Y.H.C.); (J.H.Y.C.); (W.T.V.L.); (E.H.L.Y.)
| | - Richard Shek-Kwan Chang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (R.W.-H.H.); (A.K.-L.L.); (F.H.-N.C.); (C.N.R.L.); (K.C.T.); (G.K.-K.L.)
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Rafati A, Jameie M, Amanollahi M, Jameie M, Pasebani Y, Sakhaei D, Ilkhani S, Rashedi S, Pasebani MY, Azadi M, Rahimlou M, Kwon CS. Association of seizure with COVID-19 vaccines in persons with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29118. [PMID: 37732629 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Seizure aggravation following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines is a major cause behind vaccine hesitancy among persons with epilepsy (PwE), resulting in lower immunization rates. We systematically reviewed seizure-activity-related events in PwE following COVID-19 vaccination. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, until January 31, 2023, and included articles reporting seizure activity-related events in PwE receiving COVID-19 vaccination. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022312475). Outcomes included pooled incidence proportions of (a) increased seizure frequency, (b) status epilepticus (SE), and (c) change in seizure type. Of the 2207 studies, 16 entered the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence proportion of increased seizure frequency (16 studies-3245 PwE) was 5% (95% CI: 3%-7%, I2 = 52%). Regarding increased seizure frequency, no significant difference was observed between mRNA and viral vector (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.49-2.52, I2 = 0%), and between mRNA and inactivated virus (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.27-9.37; I2 = 0%). The pooled incidence proportion of SE (15 studies-2387 PwE) was 0.08% (95% CI: 0.02%-0.33%, I2 = 0%). Ultimately, the pooled incidence proportion of change in seizure type (7 studies-1172 PwE) was 1% (95% CI: 1%-2%, I2 = 0%). The meta-analysis revealed post-COVID-19-vaccination increased seizure frequency in 5% of PwE, with no difference between mRNA and viral vector or inactivated virus vaccines. Furthermore, we found 0.08% and 1% incidence proportions for postvaccination SE and change in seizure type, respectively. While noteworthy, these values are far less than reports for COVID-19 infection, emphasizing vaccination importance in preventing COVID-19 consequences in PwE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rafati
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Amanollahi
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Jameie
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Pasebani
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Sakhaei
- School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sina Rashedi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mehran Rahimlou
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Churl-Su Kwon
- Departments of Neurology, Epidemiology, Neurosurgery, The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Kobau R, Luncheon C, Pastula DM, Greenlund KJ. COVID-19 vaccination status and related process of care outcomes among U.S. adults with active epilepsy-National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2021. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 143:109223. [PMID: 37119577 PMCID: PMC10103765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Growing research has examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy. There are no published national estimates of COVID-19 vaccination status among U.S. adults with active epilepsy. The purpose of this study is to use 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to examine select COVID-19-related outcomes by epilepsy status in a nationally representative sample of US adults. The study sample met the criteria for operationalization of epilepsy status (i.e., active epilepsy vs. no epilepsy history) and select questions related to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, delays in care, or experience with virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. All analyses accounted for the NHIS complex sample design and response sampling weights. Our study found that in 2021 receipt of one COVID-19 vaccination among U.S. adults with active epilepsy was generally similar to that among adults without a history of epilepsy. By age, adults aged 18-44 years with active epilepsy (27.0%) were significantly less likely to have reported receiving two COVID-19 vaccinations compared with their peers with no epilepsy history (39.1%). Compared to adults with no epilepsy history, adults with active epilepsy reported similar experiences and outcomes regarding COVID-19 testing and obtaining health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides baseline estimates of select COVID-19 outcomes among US adults with active epilepsy to guide interventions and additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie Kobau
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS 107-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States.
| | - Cecily Luncheon
- ASRT, Inc. Epilepsy Program, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mail Stop 107-6, 4770 Buford Hwy, 30341 GA, United States
| | - Daniel M Pastula
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 E 19th Ave, Mailstop B182, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, CU Anschutz Fitzsimons Building, 13001 East 17(th) Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kurt J Greenlund
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS 107-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
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Zheng Q, Ma P, Feng Z. Safety of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with epilepsy: a meta-analysis. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:13-17. [PMID: 36243893 PMCID: PMC9569170 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06453-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Pengfei Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhanhui Feng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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