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Furlanis GM, Favaro J, Bresolin N, Grioni D, Baro V, D’Amico A, Sartori S, Denaro L, Landi A. Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Refractory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Pediatric Case Series. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1589. [PMID: 38002548 PMCID: PMC10669853 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111589] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that is defined as refractory (RSE) when the seizure activity continues despite treatment with benzodiazepine and a second appropriate treatment. Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is an RSE that persists or recurs for ≥24 h. Few papers have reported the outcomes of pediatric patients affected by RSE and SRSE and treated with neuromodulation therapies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. We present our findings of pediatric patients treated with VNS for RSE/SRSE. METHODS We present a case series of seven consecutive pediatric patients treated with VNS for SRSE since 2012 by a single surgeon in Monza and Padua. A rapid titration was started soon after implantation. We considered electroclinical data before and after VNS implantation and at the last follow-up. RESULTS We achieved the resolution of SRSE in five out of seven patients in a mean time of two weeks. At the last follow-up, these patients had a significant reduction of seizure burden without any relapse of SE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Based on our limited findings, we discuss the potential role of VNS therapy in similar but distinct clinical contexts. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and RSE/SRSE, prompt VNS consideration is suggested, offering rapid responses and potentially reducing pharmacological load. Meanwhile, in NORSE/FIRES, we suggest early neuromodulation during the acute phase if standard treatments prove ineffective or not tolerated. This approach may leverage VNS's potential anti-inflammatory effects and neuromodulation, enhancing patient-specific treatments. Expanding case studies and prolonged follow-ups are recommended to strengthen these clinical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Melinda Furlanis
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Jacopo Favaro
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Nicola Bresolin
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Valentina Baro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Alberto D’Amico
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Luca Denaro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Landi
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
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Stavropoulos I, Pak HL, Alarcon G, Valentin A. Neuromodulation Techniques in Children with Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1527. [PMID: 38002487 PMCID: PMC10670094 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening condition and medical emergency which can have lifelong consequences, including neuronal death and alteration of neuronal networks, resulting in long-term neurologic and cognitive deficits in children. When standard pharmacological treatment for SE is not successful in controlling seizures, the condition evolves to refractory SE (rSE) and finally to super-refractory SE (srSE) if it exceeds 24 h despite using anaesthetics. In this systematic review, we present literature data on the potential uses of clinical neuromodulation techniques for the management of srSE in children, including electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. The evaluation of these techniques is limited by the small number of published paediatric cases (n = 25, one with two techniques) in peer-reviewed articles (n = 18). Although neuromodulation strategies have not been tested through randomised, prospective controlled clinical trials, this review presents the existing data and the potential benefits of neuromodulation therapy, suggesting that these techniques, when available, could be considered at earlier stages within the course of srSE intending to prevent long-term neurologic complications. Clinical trials aiming to establish whether early intervention can prevent long-term sequelae are necessary in order to establish the potential clinical value of neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of srSE in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Ho Lim Pak
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | - Gonzalo Alarcon
- Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK
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Stavropoulos I, Khaw JH, Valentin A. Neuromodulation in new-onset refractory status epilepticus. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1195844. [PMID: 37388544 PMCID: PMC10301751 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1195844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and its subset of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) are devastating clinical presentations with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The recently published consensus on the treatment of these conditions includes anesthetics, antiseizure drugs, antivirals, antibiotics, and immune therapies. Despite the internationally accepted treatment, the outcome remains poor for a significant percentage of patients. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the use of neuromodulation techniques in the treatment of the acute phase of NORSE/FIRES using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Our search strategy brought up 74 articles of which 15 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 20 patients were treated with neuromodulation. Thirteen cases represented FIRES and in 17 cases the NORSE remained cryptogenic. Ten had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), seven had vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), and four had deep brain stimulation (DBS); one patient had initially VNS and later DBS. Eight patients were female and nine were children. In 17 out of 20 patients, the status epilepticus was resolved after neuromodulation, while three patients died. Conclusion NORSE can have a catastrophic course and the first treatment goal should be the fastest possible termination of status epilepticus. The data presented are limited by the small number of published cases and the variability of neuromodulation protocols used. However, they show some potential clinical benefits of early neuromodulation therapy, suggesting that these techniques could be considered within the course of FIRES/NORSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jin Han Khaw
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Jindal M, Delaj L, Winston J, Goel R, Bhatti S, Angelova-Chee M, Selway R, Mantoan Ritter L. Safe and effective implantation and use of vagal nerve stimulation in new-onset refractory status epilepticus in early pregnancy: a case report. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1183080. [PMID: 37255724 PMCID: PMC10225632 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1183080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The management of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) in pregnancy may be complicated by anti-seizure medication (ASM) polytherapy-associated teratogenicity. We aim to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in a pregnant patient presenting with NORSE. Case description A 30-year old female, at 5-weeks' gestation presented with drug-refractory myoclonic status epilepticus, responsive only to high levels of anesthetic agents. The severity of seizures did not allow extubation, and the patient remained ventilated and sedated. VNS was implanted 26 days after seizure onset. The immediate post-operative output was 0.25 mA, which was rapidly titrated up to 0.5 mA the next morning, and to 0.75 mA that afternoon. This was further increased to 1.0 mA on 3rd day post-operation, and to 1.25 mA 7 days post-op. Myoclonic jerks diminished significantly 7 days post-op, allowing extubation. Twenty days after VNS implantation, no myoclonic jerks were observed. There was also a notable neurological improvement including increased alertness and mobility, and ability to obey commands. Drug overdose was subsequently found to be the most likely etiology of her NORSE. An early pregnancy assessment 17 days after VNS implantation showed a normally sited pregnancy, normal fetal heart activity and crown-rump length. The patient remained seizure free, gained functional independence and delivered a premature but otherwise healthy baby at 33 weeks' gestation. Conclusion NORSE is challenging to manage, further compounded in pregnancy due to the teratogenicity of ASMs and ASM polytherapy. This is the first case-study to report the safe implantation and use of VNS during the first trimester of pregnancy for the management of NORSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaika Jindal
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Delaj
- Department of Neurology, East Kent Hospitals University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Winston
- Department of Neurophsyiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rishu Goel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Kent Hospitals University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Sadia Bhatti
- Department of Obstetrics, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Selway
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Taraschenko O, Pavuluri S, Schmidt CM, Pulluru YR, Gupta N. Seizure burden and neuropsychological outcomes of new-onset refractory status epilepticus: Systematic review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1095061. [PMID: 36761344 PMCID: PMC9902772 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1095061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term sequelae of the new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) include the development of epilepsy, cognitive deficits, and behavioral disturbances. The prevalence of these complications has been previously highlighted in case reports and case series: however, their full scope has not been comprehensively assessed. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature (PROSPERO ID CRD42022361142) regarding neurological and functional outcomes of NORSE at 30 days or longer following discharge from the hospital. A systematic review protocol was developed using guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results Of the 1,602 records for unique publications, 33 reports on adults and 52 reports on children met our inclusion criteria. They contained the description of 280 adults and 587 children of whom only 75.7 and 85% of patients, respectively had data on long-term follow-up. The mean age of adult and pediatric patients was 34.3 and 7.9 years, respectively; and the longest duration of follow up were 11 and 20 years, respectively. Seizure outcomes received major attention and were highlighted for 93.4 and 96.6% of the adult and pediatric NORSE patients, respectively. Seizures remained medically refractory in 41.1% of adults and 57.7% of children, while seizure freedom was achieved in only 26 and 23.3% of these patients, respectively. The long-term cognitive outcome data was provided for just 10.4% of the adult patients. In contrast, cognitive health data were supplied for 68.9% of the described children of whom 31.9% were moderately or severely disabled. Long-term functional outcomes assessed with various standardized scales were reported in 62.2 and 25.5% of the adults and children, respectively with majority of patients not being able to return to a pre-morbid level of functioning. New onset psychiatric disorders were reported in 3.3% of adults and 11.2% of children recovering from NORSE. Conclusion These findings concur with previous observations that the majority of adult and pediatric patients continue to experience recurrent seizures and suffer from refractory epilepsy. Moderate to severe cognitive disability, loss of functional independence, and psychiatric disorders represent a hallmark of chronic NORSE signifying the major public health importance of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Taraschenko
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Spriha Pavuluri
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Cynthia M. Schmidt
- Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Yashwanth Reddy Pulluru
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Navnika Gupta
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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Guo M, Wang J, Xiong Z, Deng J, Zhang J, Tang C, Kong X, Wang X, Guan Y, Zhou J, Zhai F, Luan G, Li T. Vagus nerve stimulation for pharmacoresistant epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia: A single-center retrospective study. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1074997. [PMID: 36686529 PMCID: PMC9853158 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1074997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Encephalomalacia is one of the most common MRI findings in the preoperative evaluation of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This is the first study that aimed to determine the effectiveness of VNS for pharmacoresistant epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia and evaluate the potential predictors of VNS effectiveness. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the seizure outcomes of VNS with at least 1 year of follow-up in all patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia. Based on the effectiveness of VNS (≥50% or <50% reduction in seizure frequency), patients were divided into two subgroups: responders and non-responders. Preoperative data were analyzed to screen for potential predictors of VNS effectiveness. Results A total of 93 patients with epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia who underwent VNS therapy were recruited. Responders were found in 64.5% of patients, and 16.1% of patients achieved seizure freedom at the last follow-up. In addition, the responder rate increased over time, with 36.6, 50.5, 64.5, and 65.4% at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups, respectively. After multivariate analysis, seizure onset in adults (>18 years old) (OR: 0.236, 95%CI: 0.059-0.949) was found to be a positive predictor, and the bilateral interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) (OR: 3.397, 95%CI: 1.148-10.054) and the bilateral encephalomalacia on MRI (OR: 3.193, 95%CI: 1.217-8.381) were found to be negative predictors of VNS effectiveness. Conclusion The results demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of VNS therapy in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy secondary to encephalomalacia. Patients with seizure onset in adults (>18 years old), unilateral IEDs, or unilateral encephalomalacia on MRI were found to have better seizure outcomes after VNS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghua Xiong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chongyang Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangru Kong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiongfei Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuguang Guan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Zhai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoming Luan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Guoming Luan ✉
| | - Tianfu Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Tianfu Li ✉
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Mantoan Ritter L, Selway R. Perspective: Vagal nerve stimulation in the treatment of new-onset refractory status epilepticus. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1172898. [PMID: 37153661 PMCID: PMC10157031 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1172898] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Resistance to drug therapy is a major hurdle in new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) treatment and there is urgent need to develop new treatment approaches. Non-drug approaches such as neuromodulation offer significant benefits and should be investigated as new adjunct treatment modalities. An important unanswered question is whether desynchronizing networks by vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) may improve seizure control in NORSE patients. Main text We present a summary of published NORSE cases treated with VNS and our own data, discuss possible mechanisms of action, review VNS implantation timing, stimulation setting titration protocols and outcomes. Further, we propose avenues for future research. Discussion We advocate for consideration of VNS for NORSE both in early and late stages of the presentation and hypothesize a possible additional benefit from implantation in the acute phase of the disease. This should be pursued in the context of a clinical trial, harmonizing inclusion criteria, accuracy of documentation and treatment protocols. A study planned within our UK-wide NORSE-UK network will answer the question if VNS may confer benefits in aborting unremitting status epilepticus, modulate ictogenesis and reduce long-term chronic seizure burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mantoan Ritter
- Epilepsy Centre, Clinical Neurosciences Department, King's College NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Laura Mantoan Ritter
| | - Richard Selway
- Epilepsy Centre, Clinical Neurosciences Department, King's College NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Nabbout R, Matricardi S, De Liso P, Dulac O, Oualha M. Ketogenic diet for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) with NORSE and FIRES: Single tertiary center experience and literature data. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1134827. [PMID: 37122314 PMCID: PMC10133555 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1134827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Ketogenic diet (KD) is an emerging treatment option for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). We evaluated the effectiveness of KD in patients presenting SRSE including NORSE (and its subcategory FIRES). Methods A retrospective review of the medical records was performed at the Necker Enfants Malades Hospital. All children with SRSE in whom KD was started during the last 10 years were included. A systematic search was carried out for all study designs, including at least one patient of any age with SRSE in whom KD was started. The primary outcome was the responder rate and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for the time-to-KD response. As secondary outcomes, Cox proportional hazard models were created to assess the impact of NORSE-related factors on KD efficacy. Results Sixteen children received KD for treatment of SRSE, and three had NORSE presentation (one infectious etiology, two FIRES). In medical literature, 1,613 records were initially identified, and 75 were selected for review. We selected 276 patients receiving KD during SRSE. The most common etiology of SRSE was acute symptomatic (21.3%), among these patients, 67.7% presented with NORSE of immune and infectious etiologies. Other etiologies were remote symptomatic (6.8%), progressive symptomatic (6.1%), and SE in defined electroclinical syndromes (14.8%), including two patients with genetic etiology and NORSE presentation. The etiology was unknown in 50.7% of the patients presenting with cryptogenic NORSE, of which 102 presented with FIRES. Overall, most patients with NORSE benefit from KD (p < 0.004), but they needed a longer time to achieve RSE resolution after starting KD compared with other non-NORSE SRSE (p = 0.001). The response to KD in the NORSE group with identified etiology compared to the cryptogenic NORSE was significantly higher (p = 0.01), and the time to achieve SE resolution after starting KD was shorter (p = 0.04). Conclusions The search for underlying etiology should help to a better-targeted therapy. KD can have good efficacy in NORSE; however, the time to achieve SE resolution seems to be longer in cryptogenic cases. These findings highlight the therapeutic role of KD in NORSE, even though this favorable response needs to be better confirmed in prospective controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Nabbout
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris Cité, Member of ERN EpiCARE, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Mixed Unit of Research 1163, University Paris Cité, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Rima Nabbout ;
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris Cité, Member of ERN EpiCARE, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola De Liso
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Member of ERN EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Olivier Dulac
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris Cité, Member of ERN EpiCARE, Paris, France
| | - Mehdi Oualha
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Reppucci D, Datta AN. FIRES—Pathophysiology, therapeutical approach, and outcome. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10309-022-00533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The acronym FIRES stands for febrile infection-related epileptic syndrome, which is a rare epileptic syndrome in the pediatric population. The initial presentation of FIRES is similar to febrile seizures (FS). Both start after a febrile episode; however, in FIRES the epileptic seizure evolves into a super refractory status epilepticus within days despite appropriate treatment. FIRES needs to be diagnosed early and treated by a multidisciplinary team to control the status epilepticus (SE) as fast as possible. Limiting the duration of the SE is paramount for the prevention of catastrophic sequelae such as severe neurologic disabilities or even death.
Objective/Conclusion
We describe possible pathophysiological mechanisms and summarize important clinical features of FIRES. The aim of this review is to raise awareness, foster early recognition and improve neurologic long-term outcomes. Moreover, we propose a diagnostic approach and list therapeutic options providing an algorithm.
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