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Witt JA, Moskau-Hartmann S, Olaciregui Dague K, Surges R, Helmstaedter C. Severe memory decline along with unaffected executive functions under 400 mg/day of cenobamate leading to a collapse in school performance. Neurocase 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38869048 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2366472] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cenobamate (CNB) is one of the newer antiseizure medications for the treatment of focal-onset seizures. The cognitive profile of CNB is not yet known in detail. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old male high school student with epilepsy who received adjunctive CNB. Under 400 mg/d of CNB in combination with lamotrigine, a neuropsychological reassessment revealed a severe deterioration of the formerly normal episodic memory functions, while executive functions remained unaffected. The de novo memory deficit had already led to a collapse in school performance and he unexpectedly failed to obtain the general qualification for university entrance. Given the beneficial effect of CNB on seizure control, a dose reduction of CNB to 200 mg/d and introduction of valproic acid was performed. This led to a full recovery of objective memory performance. To our knowledge this is the very first report of a dose-dependent, selective and severe decline in episodic memory performance under CNB, potentially impeding academic achievement. The findings call for a cognitive monitoring of CNB which also addresses episodic memory in addition to executive functions. Systematic studies on episodic memory upon CNB treatment would help to appreciate the scope of this apparently reversible adverse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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2
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Struck AF, Garcia-Ramos C, Nair VA, Prabhakaran V, Dabbs K, Conant LL, Binder JR, Loring D, Meyerand M, Hermann BP. The relevance of Spearman's g for epilepsy. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae176. [PMID: 38883806 PMCID: PMC11179110 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae176] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Whilst the concept of a general mental factor known as 'g' has been of longstanding interest, for unknown reasons, it has never been interrogated in epilepsy despite the 100+ year empirical history of the neuropsychology of epilepsy. This investigation seeks to identify g within a comprehensive neuropsychological data set and compare participants with temporal lobe epilepsy to controls, characterize the discriminatory power of g compared with domain-specific cognitive metrics, explore the association of g with clinical epilepsy and sociodemographic variables and identify the structural and network properties associated with g in epilepsy. Participants included 110 temporal lobe epilepsy patients and 79 healthy controls between the ages of 19 and 60. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment, clinical interview and structural and functional imaging. Cognitive data were subjected to factor analysis to identify g and compare the group of patients with control participants. The relative power of g compared with domain-specific tests was interrogated, clinical and sociodemographic variables were examined for their relationship with g, and structural and functional images were assessed using traditional regional volumetrics, cortical surface features and network analytics. Findings indicate (i) significantly (P < 0.005) lower g in patients compared with controls; (ii) g is at least as powerful as individual cognitive domain-specific metrics and other analytic approaches to discriminating patients from control participants; (iii) lower g was associated with earlier age of onset and medication use, greater number of antiseizure medications and longer epilepsy duration (Ps < 0.04); and lower parental and personal education and greater neighbourhood deprivation (Ps < 0.012); and (iv) amongst patients, lower g was linked to decreased total intracranial volume (P = 0.019), age and intracranial volume adjusted total tissue volume (P = 0.019) and age and intracranial volume adjusted total corpus callosum volume (P = 0.012)-particularly posterior, mid-posterior and anterior (Ps < 0.022) regions. Cortical vertex analyses showed lower g to be associated specifically with decreased gyrification in bilateral medial orbitofrontal regions. Network analysis of resting-state data with focus on the participation coefficient showed g to be associated with the superior parietal network. Spearman's g is reduced in patients, has considerable discriminatory power compared with domain-specific metrics and is linked to a multiplex of factors related to brain (size, connectivity and frontoparietal networks), environment (familial and personal education and neighbourhood disadvantage) and disease (epilepsy onset, treatment and duration). Greater attention to contemporary models of human cognition is warranted in order to advance the neuropsychology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron F Struck
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Department of Neurology, William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Camille Garcia-Ramos
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Veena A Nair
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Vivek Prabhakaran
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Kevin Dabbs
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Lisa L Conant
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Binder
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - David Loring
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mary Meyerand
- Department of Medical Physics, Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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Lozano-García A, Catalán-Aguilar J, Tormos-Pons P, Hampel KG, Villanueva V, Cano-López I, González-Bono E. Impact of Polytherapy on Memory Functioning in Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: The Role of Attention and Executive Functions. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:423-442. [PMID: 37987193 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine the effect of polytherapy (i.e., the number of administered anti-seizure medications (ASMs)) on memory, and whether the interaction between the number of ASMs and attentional/executive functioning affect presurgical memory functioning and postsurgical memory changes in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS Two studies were carried out. Study 1 consisted of a presurgical assessment of 125 adult patients, in which attention/executive function (EpiTrack screening tool) and memory were assessed (cross-sectional study). Of them, 72 patients underwent a second postsurgical evaluation, in which memory was assessed (Study 2). Patients were distributed into groups based on EpiTrack performance and number of ASMs. RESULTS The interaction between the number of ASMs and the attentional/executive functioning significantly affected presurgical memory, with patients with impaired EpiTrack performance taking three-four ASMs having poorer scores than patients with intact EpiTrack performance taking three-four ASMs (for all, p < .0001). This interaction also affected postsurgical memory changes, with patients with impaired Epitrack performance taking three-four ASMs having higher postsurgical decline than those with intact Epitrack performance taking three-four ASMs (for all, p < .005). No differences were found in patients taking two ASMs. Furthermore, the number of ASMs was associated with presurgical memory performance and postsurgical memory changes only in patients with impaired EpiTrack performance (for all, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings underline the utility of EpiTrack, together with the clinical information on the number of prescribed ASMs, to corroborate the impact of polytherapy on memory and to optimize the prediction of postsurgical memory changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Lozano-García
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, Spain
| | - Judit Catalán-Aguilar
- IDOCAL/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Tormos-Pons
- IDOCAL/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kevin G Hampel
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service Member of ERN EPICARE, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service Member of ERN EPICARE, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cano-López
- IDOCAL/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza González-Bono
- IDOCAL/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Brett BA, Conroy M, Doshi H, Lowe MX, Kalcheff-Korn S, Jackson H. An observational time-series study on the behavioral effects of adjunctive artisanal cannabidiol use by adults with treatment resistant epilepsies. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:141. [PMID: 38671370 PMCID: PMC11046917 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03646-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For approximately 30% of people with epilepsy, seizures are not well-controlled by anti-seizure medication (ASM). This condition, called treatment resistant epilepsy (TRE), is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and substantially impacts the quality of life of both the individual and their family. Non-responsiveness to ASMs leads many people with TRE to seek alternative therapies, such as cannabinoid-based medication, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), with or without medical or professional advice. This is due in part to widespread reporting in the media about the benefits of CBD for seizures in some forms of epilepsy. METHODS Adults with TRE, opting to add CBD to their existing treatment regime, completed this prospective, observational, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, time-series study. We hypothesized that adjunctive CBD use would positively impact participants' quality of life and psychological well-being in comparison to a baseline period without CBD use. Participants were followed for a period of approximately six months - for approximately one month of baseline prior to the initiation of CBD use and approximately five months after the initiation of CBD use. Participants provided urine samples and completed behavioral questionnaires that assessed quality of life, anxiety/depression, and adverse events during baseline and at two times during CBD use. RESULTS Complete case analyses (n = 10) showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life, a statistically significant decrease in anxiety symptoms, and a statistically significant decrease in the experience of adverse events over time (p < 0.05). Improvements noted in the experience of depression symptoms did not reach statistical significance. Urinalysis revealed the majority of participants had no CBD/metabolites in their system at the beginning of the study, and confirmed the presence of CBD/metabolites in participants' urine after CBD was added to their treatment regime. Analysis of missing data using multiple imputation supported the findings of the complete case analysis. INTERPRETATION For a small group of individuals with TRE of varying etiologies, adjunctive use of artisanal CBD was associated with improvements in the behavioral and psychological symptoms of TRE, as well as improved medication tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Brett
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO, 81001, USA.
| | - Matthieu Conroy
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen, MD, USA
| | - Hardik Doshi
- Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC, USA
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Li HT, Viskaitis P, Bracey E, Peleg-Raibstein D, Burdakov D. Transient targeting of hypothalamic orexin neurons alleviates seizures in a mouse model of epilepsy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1249. [PMID: 38341419 PMCID: PMC10858876 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lateral hypothalamic (LH) hypocretin/orexin neurons (HONs) control brain-wide electrical excitation. Abnormally high excitation produces epileptic seizures, which affect millions of people and need better treatments. HON population activity spikes from minute to minute, but the role of this in seizures is unknown. Here, we describe correlative and causal links between HON activity spikes and seizures. Applying temporally-targeted HON recordings and optogenetic silencing to a male mouse model of acute epilepsy, we found that pre-seizure HON activity predicts and controls the electrophysiology and behavioral pathology of subsequent seizures. No such links were detected for HON activity during seizures. Having thus defined the time window where HONs influence seizures, we targeted it with LH deep brain stimulation (DBS), which inhibited HON population activity, and produced seizure protection. Collectively, these results uncover a feature of brain activity linked to seizures, and demonstrate a proof-of-concept treatment that controls this feature and alleviates epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Tao Li
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Paulius Viskaitis
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Eva Bracey
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Daria Peleg-Raibstein
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Denis Burdakov
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
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Innes EA, Marne FAL, Macintosh R, Nevin SM, Briggs NE, Vivekanandarajah S, Webster RI, Sachdev RK, Bye AME. Neurodevelopmental outcomes in a cohort of Australian families with self-limited familial epilepsy of neonatal/infantile onset. Seizure 2024; 115:1-13. [PMID: 38160512 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.12.013] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine: i) seizure recurrence; ii) developmental disability; iii) co-morbidities and risk factors in self-limited familial neonatal and/or infantile epilepsy (SeLFE) in a multigenerational study. METHODS Families were retrospectively recruited from epilepsy databases (2021-2022) in 2 paediatric hospitals, Sydney, Australia. Eligible families had 2 first degree relatives with seizures and underwent genetic testing. Demographics/clinical data were collected from interviews and medical records. Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales-Third Edition measured adaptive function. RESULTS Fifteen families participated. Fourteen had a genetic diagnosis (93%): 11 pathogenic; PRRT2 (n=4), KCNQ2 (n=3), SCN2A (n=4), 3 likely pathogenic; KCNQ2 (n=1), SCN8A (n=2). Seizures affected 73 individuals (ages 1-76 years); 30 children and 20 adults had in-depth phenotyping. Ten of 50 individuals (20%) had seizure recurrence, aged 8-65 years. Median time from last neonatal/infantile seizure was 11.8/12.8 years. Predictors of recurrence were high seizure number (p=0.05) and longer treatment duration (p=0.03). Seven children had global developmental delay (GDD): mild (n=4), moderate (n=1) and severe (n=2). Vineland-3 identified 3 had low-average and 3 had mild-moderately impaired functioning. The majority (82%) were average. GDD was associated with older age at last seizure (p=0.03), longer epilepsy duration (p=0.02), and higher number of anti-seizure medications (p=0.05). Four children had speech delay, 5 (10%) had Autism Spectrum Disorder. Paroxysmal kinesiogenic dyskinesia (n=5) occurred in 4 families and hemiplegic migraine (n=8) in 3 families. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with SeLFE have a small risk of recurrent seizures (20%) and neurodevelopmental disability. Significant predictors are higher seizure number and longer epilepsy duration. Developmental surveillance is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Innes
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia; TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia; School of Medicine Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, Australia; Kids Research Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia.
| | - Fleur Annette Le Marne
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Macintosh
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Nevin
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia
| | - Nancy E Briggs
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Sinthu Vivekanandarajah
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Liverpool Community Paediatrics, Liverpool Community Health Centre, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Richard I Webster
- TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia; Kids Research Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Rani K Sachdev
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ann M E Bye
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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Hohmann L, Bien CG, Holtkamp M, Grewe P. German questionnaires assessing quality of life and psycho-social status in people with epilepsy: Reliable change and intercorrelations. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109554. [PMID: 38041998 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People with epilepsy (PWE) not only suffer from seizures but also from various psycho-social issues containing facets such as social functioning, anxiety, depression or stigmatization, and consequently quality of life. (1) Assessing reliable change of these issues is crucial to evaluate their course and potential treatment effects. As most psycho-social self-report questionnaires have been validated in separate samples, their clinical-socio-demographic differences may limit the comparability and generalizability of the scales' internal consistency, which is important for the reliable change index (RCI). Using a co-normalized approach, we provide the internal consistency and RCIs for a large set of questionnaires targeting quality of life (QOLIE-31-P), depressive symptoms (NDDI-E), anxiety (GAD-7), seizure severity (LSSS), subjective antiseizure medication adverse events (LAEP), stigma, epilepsy-related fear, and restrictions in daily life (PESOS), and subjective cognition (FLei). As for some German versions of these measures, psychometric data is still missing, we also add important information for the German language area. (2) In addition, knowledge about intercorrelations of these constructs is needed to shape questionnaire usage and treatment approaches. We thus investigate associations of these scales and compare weighted and unweighted subscales of the QOLIE-31-P. METHODS In our prospective study, 202 adult in-patients of the Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg with a reliable diagnosis of epilepsy filled out a set of self-report questionnaires between 03/2018 and 03/2021. We calculated Cronbach's α, RCIs, and bivariate intercorrelations and compared the respective correlations of weighted and unweighted scales of the QOLIE-31-P. RESULTS For most of the scales, good to excellent internal consistency was identified. Furthermore, we found intercorrelations in the expected directions with strong links between scales assessing similar constructs (e.g., QOLIE-31-P Cognition and FLei), but weak relationships between measures for different constructs (e.g., QOLIE-31-P Seizure worry and FLei). The QOLIE-31-P Total score was highly correlated with most of the other scales. Some differences regarding their correlational patterns for weighted and unweighted QOLIE-31-P scales were identified. CONCLUSIONS Psycho-social constructs share a large amount of common variance, but still can be separated from each other. The QOLIE-31-P Total score represents an adequate measure of general psycho-social burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Hohmann
- Department of Neurology, Berlin-Brandenburg Epilepsy Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University and Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Queen Elisabeth Herzberge Protestant Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian G Bien
- Department of Epileptology, Mara Hospital (Bethel Epilepsy Center), Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology, Berlin-Brandenburg Epilepsy Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University and Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Queen Elisabeth Herzberge Protestant Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Grewe
- Department of Epileptology, Mara Hospital (Bethel Epilepsy Center), Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; Neuropsychology and Epilepsy Research, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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8
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Perkins JD, Abdelmoneim MS, Wilkins SS, Kamran S, Mesraoua B, Melikyan G, Alrabi A, El-Bardissy A, Elalamy O, Al Hail HJ. Dosage, time, and polytherapy dependent effects of different levetiracetam regimens on cognitive function. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109453. [PMID: 37783028 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is a potential drawback of antiseizure medications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different levetiracetam drug regimens on cognitive function. METHODS A retrospective analysis identified 221 patients diagnosed with seizures who underwent cognitive screening. Patients were categorized into four groups: no medications, non-levetiracetam medications, high and low dose levetiracetam. Composite scores determined low and high levetiracetam groups whereby one point was added for each increment in dosage, duration since uptake, and concurrent anti-seizure medication. Variables known to affect cognition were recorded and classified as demographic, seizure-related, diagnosis-related, and psychopathology. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with cognitive scores below cut-off. RESULTS Multivariable analysis found being male, non-active in the community, less than 12 years of education, left temporal lobe epilepsy, high seizure frequency, and depression were associated with poor cognitive performance. In a final regression analysis, the high levetiracetam group exhibited a 4.5-fold higher likelihood of scoring below cut-off than the medication-free group (OR 4.5, CI 1.5-13.6, p<.08). Depression (OR 2.1, CI 1.1-3.9, p<.03), being male (OR 2.2, CI 1.1-4.3, p<.02), and not being active in the community (OR 3.8, 1.6-8.7, p <.003) remained significant contributors to the model. Language (p<.05), attention (p<.05), and delayed recall (p<.001) were the most affected cognitive domains. SIGNIFICANCE When taken in small doses, for brief periods as monotherapy, levetiracetam minimally influences cognition. At higher doses, as part of long-term seizure management, in conjunction with multiple ASMs, LEV is associated with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Davis Perkins
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; PMARC, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. UK.
| | | | - Stacy Schantz Wilkins
- Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saadat Kamran
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Boulenouar Mesraoua
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gayane Melikyan
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Osama Elalamy
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
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Terman SW, Niznik JD, Growdon ME, Gerlach LB, Burke JF. Secular Trends in Central Nervous System-Active Polypharmacy Among Serial Cross-Sections of US Adults, 2009-2020. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:941-951. [PMID: 37695395 PMCID: PMC10629698 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data comprehensively examining trends in central nervous system (CNS)-active polypharmacy are limited. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to characterize the composition of and trends in CNS-active medication use in US adults. METHODS We included all participants ≥ 18 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), 2009-2020. The primary outcome was the percent of adults with CNS-active polypharmacy. This was defined as ≥ 3 medications among antidepressants [tricyclic, selective and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs), opioids, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonists ("Z-drugs")]. Secondary outcomes included prevalence of any CNS-active medication and specific medications and classes over time, and their indications. Percentages were weighted according to NHANES's nationally representative sampling frame. log binomial regressions evaluated the relative risk (RR) for each outcome, comparing the last (2017-2020) versus the first (2010-2011) survey cycle. RESULTS We included 34,189 adults (18.8% at least 65 years old) from five serial cross-sections (survey cycles). The prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy was 2.1% in 2009-2010 and 2.6% in 2017-2020 [RR 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.47]. The prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy did not significantly change within any specific age group (e.g., age at least 65 years: RR 1.29, CI 0.74-2.24). The prevalence of any CNS-active medication was 21.0% in 2009 and 24.6% in 2017-2020 (RR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.25). A substantial increase occurred for antiepileptics (5.1-8.3%), specifically among participants aged 65 years and older (8.3-13.7%). This was largely driven by increasing gabapentin prevalence (1.4-3.6% overall; 3.3-7.9% age 65 years and older). Anticholinergic, SSRIs/SNRIs, antiepileptics, and benzodiazepines were elevated in most cycles for participants at least 65 years old compared with participants less than 65 years, and opioid use was increased in several cycles for older participants as well. Alprazolam was the most common benzodiazepine and third most common medication for anxiety/depression. Gabapentin was the most common CNS-active medication (3.6% of all participants in 2017-2020), followed by sertraline, citalopram, and acetaminophen-hydrocodone (each ~2%). The most common categories were antidepressants (13.7% in 2017-2020), followed by opioids (5.1% in 2017-2020). CONCLUSIONS CNS-active medications are increasingly common, particularly gabapentin, and use of any CNS-active medication increased by 12%. Numerous CNS-active classes also increased in older adults throughout the years. Increasing suboptimal medication use highlight the need for further investigation into causes for potentially inappropriate prescribing, particularly for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Terman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Taubman 1st Floor, Reception C, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, SPC 5316, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Joshua D Niznik
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Center for Aging and Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew E Growdon
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren B Gerlach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James F Burke
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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10
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Sarkis RA, Lam AD, Pavlova M, Locascio JJ, Putta S, Puri N, Pham J, Yih A, Marshall GA, Stickgold R. Epilepsy and sleep characteristics are associated with diminished 24-h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2771-2780. [PMID: 37392445 PMCID: PMC10592425 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with epilepsy often have memory difficulties, and older adults with epilepsy are especially vulnerable, due to the additive effect of aging. The goal of this study was to assess factors that are associated with 24-h memory retention in older adults with epilepsy. METHODS Fifty-five adults with epilepsy, all aged >50 years, performed a declarative memory task involving the recall of the positions of 15 card pairs on a computer screen prior to a 24-h ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG). We assessed the percentage of encoded card pairs that were correctly recalled after 24 h (24-h retention rate). EEGs were evaluated for the presence and frequency of scalp interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) and scored for total sleep. Global slow wave activity (SWA) power during non-rapid eye movement sleep was also calculated. RESULTS Forty-four participants successfully completed the memory task. Two were subsequently excluded due to seizures on EEG. The final cohort (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.3 ± 7.5 years, was 52% female, and had an average 24-h retention rate of 70.9% ± 30.2%. Predictors of 24-h retention based on multivariate regression analysis when controlling for age, sex, and education included number of antiseizure medications (β = -.20, p = .013), IEA frequency (β = -.08, p = .0094), and SWA power (β = +.002, p = .02). SIGNIFICANCE In older adults with epilepsy, greater frequency of IEA, reduced SWA power, and higher burden of antiseizure medications correlated with worse 24-h memory retention. These factors represent potential treatment targets to improve memory in older adults with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani A Sarkis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alice D Lam
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Milena Pavlova
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph J Locascio
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Swapna Putta
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nirajan Puri
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan Pham
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alison Yih
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gad A Marshall
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Stickgold
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Harahap HS, Ferdiana A, Mahardika A, Hunaifi I, Putri SA. Higher education level as a protective factor against executive dysfunction in patients with epilepsy in Mataram, Indonesia. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 232:107886. [PMID: 37451091 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107886] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since the concept of cognitive reserve is applicable in epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment, the role of cognitive reserve components as a protective factor against epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction needs further investigation. This study aimed at investigating the association between cognitive reserve components and the frequency of epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction in Mataram, Indonesia. METHODS This case-control study involved both epilepsy outpatient and healthy participants recruited consecutively in 5 hospitals in Mataram, between October 2021 and September 2022. Data on sociodemographic, cognitive reserve components, and executive function status were collected from both groups, while data on seizure were collected only from epilepsy participants. The association between cognitive reserve components and the frequency of epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction was tested using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 119 epilepsy patients and 93 healthy participants were recruited. The frequency of epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction was 50.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher education level was the only cognitive reserve component protective against epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 - 8.50). CONCLUSION A high frequency of epilepsy-associated executive dysfunction was observed in Mataram. Higher education level was a cognitive reserve component protective against executive dysfunction in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Astri Ferdiana
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mataram, Indonesia
| | - Agustine Mahardika
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mataram, Indonesia
| | - Ilsa Hunaifi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mataram, Indonesia
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12
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Pisani F, Spagnoli C. What are the considerations when initiating treatment for epilepsy in children? Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1081-1096. [PMID: 38032395 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2288107] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a very wide spectrum of epilepsies and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies that affect children, from self-limited forms, not necessarily requiring treatment, to severe drug-resistant ones. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors discuss the main factors to consider before drug prescription in children, considering the most recent clinical research, including age, seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, etiology, efficacy and safety profile, comorbidities, gender, available formulations, costs and drug coverage, and regulatory issues. The literature search was conducted through a PubMed search on antiseizure medications for patients aged 0-18, with respect to each of the aforementioned factors, and by checking the reference lists of relevant papers. EXPERT OPINION The most expanding field of research and innovation for clinical practice is precision medicine, which addresses the holistic treatment of genetic epilepsies and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. It achieves this by addressing their detrimental effects on synapses, neurotransmission, and cellular signaling pathways with the double aim to treat seizures and to rescue neurodevelopmental trajectories, but also the issue of adverse events and drug resistance through pharmacogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pisani
- Human Neurosciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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13
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Besag FMC, Vasey MJ, Chin RFM. Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1249-1268. [PMID: 37212330 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2215924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by multiple seizure types, generalized slow spike-and-wave complexes in the EEG, and cognitive impairment. Seizures in LGS are typically resistant to treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Tonic/atonic ('drop') seizures are of particular concern, due to their liability to cause physical injury. AREAS COVERED We summarize evidence for current and emerging ASMs for the treatment of seizures in LGS. The review focuses on findings from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RDBCTs). For ASMs for which no double-blind trials were identified, lower quality evidence was considered. Novel pharmacological agents currently undergoing investigation for the treatment of LGS are also briefly discussed. EXPERT OPINION Evidence from RDBCTs supports the use of cannabidiol, clobazam, felbamate, fenfluramine, lamotrigine, rufinamide, and topiramate as adjunct treatments for drop seizures. Percentage decreases in drop seizure frequency ranged from 68.3% with high-dose clobazam to 14.8% with topiramate. Valproate continues to be considered the first-line treatment, despite the absence of RDBCTs specifically in LGS. Most individuals with LGS will require treatment with multiple ASMs. Treatment decisions should be individualized and take into account adverse effects, comorbidities, general quality of life, and drug interactions, as well as individual efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Richard F M Chin
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Paediatric Neurosciences, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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Smith ML, Risse G, Sziklas V, Banks S, Small D, Frasnelli J, Klein D. Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology, Epilepsy, 2022: Hills We Have Climbed and the Hills Ahead. Cognition and Sensory Systems in Healthy and Diseased Subjects. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 140:109119. [PMID: 36804713 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes selected presentations from a session titled "Cognition and Sensory Systems in Healthy and Diseased Subjects", held to highlight and honor the work of Dr. Marilyn Jones-Gotman. The session was part of a two-day symposium, "Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology, Epilepsy, 2022: Hills We Have Climbed and the Hills Ahead". The session presented research on epilepsy and sensory systems by colleagues and former trainees of Dr. Jones-Gotman. The extended summaries provide an overview of historical and current work in the neuropsychology of epilepsy, neuropsychological and neuroimaging approaches to understanding brain organization, sex differences in brain mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, dietary influences on brain function and cognition, and expertise in olfactory training and language experiences and their implications for brain organization and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Gail Risse
- Minnesota Epilepsy Group, Roseville, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Viviane Sziklas
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Banks
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dana Small
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Johannes Frasnelli
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Denise Klein
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Pour-Rashidi A, Namvar M, Iranmehr A, Carpaneto A, Hanaei S, Rezaei N. Psychological and Psychiatric Aspects of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1405:673-687. [PMID: 37452958 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-23705-8_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are mainly diagnosed by physical symptoms such as paralysis, visual field defect, seizure, and loss of consciousness. The psychological and psychiatric background of CNS tumors, whether in preoperative or postoperative period, has long been a neglected topic; however, lately, many authors and researchers have paid more attention to these manifestations. Neurocognition is a subset of parameters, including attention, memory, mood, emotions, language production, personality, executive function, problem-solving, calculation, and spatial cognition, making up the patient's cognitive performance. Also, it is worthy to say that neurocognition is considered a parameter of quality of life (QoL). Currently, we know that neurocognitive disorders are a group of symptoms presenting by the patients. These symptoms may be the first picture of CNS lesions, which result in incorrect treatment, a higher financial burden on the patient and health system, and finally, poorer QoL and performance scale if they are not diagnosed early. Psychological and psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and phobia following the CNS tumors have two aspects. These may present before any treatment resulting from the tumoral mass effect, peritumoral edema, or cerebral tissue disruption due to the space-occupying lesion. On the other hand, we can see these features after a kind of therapy such as surgery, medical therapy, or adjuvant therapy. Sometimes, the CNS tumors lead to psychosocial complications postoperatively. Indeed, considering tumor surgery complications, some patients may find various degrees of deficits that make the patient isolated either socially or professionally. Obviously, the improvement rate and outcome of this specific situation depend on the mechanism of occurrence and its causes. For instance, postoperative symptom relief would be expected when the symptoms are related to the tumoral mass effect. Getting familiar with this constellation of the symptoms, realizing them, and then localizing them to the correct area of the CNS are very crucial. Accordingly, because of their importance in QoL, their influence on patient's survival even more than the extent of resection of the tumor, and somehow their ignorance, we will discuss different neurocognitive manifestations related to CNS tumors in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Pour-Rashidi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohamad Namvar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Arad Iranmehr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Allegra Carpaneto
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Hanaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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16
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Montalvo M, Khattak JF, Redenbaugh V, Britton J, Sanchez CV, Datta A, Tillema JM, Chen J, McKeon A, Pittock SJ, Flanagan EP, Dubey D. Acute symptomatic seizures secondary to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Epilepsia 2022; 63:3180-3191. [PMID: 36168809 PMCID: PMC10641900 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the clinical presentations and outcomes of patients with seizure and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for clinical and paraclinical features among patients with seizures and MOG-IgG (immunoglobulin G) seropositivity. RESULTS We identified 213 patients with MOG-IgG seropositivity who fulfilled criteria for MOGAD. Seizures attributed to central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity were observed in 10% of patients (n = 23: 19 children, 4 adults). The majority (n = 19, 83%) had pediatric disease onset. Focal motor seizures were the most common seizure semiology (16/23; 70%). Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures were present in 12 patients (53%), and 3 patients (13%) developed status epilepticus. All patients had features of encephalitis at onset of seizures. Cerebral cortical encephalitis (CCE) was the most common radiological finding (10 unilateral and 5 bilateral cases). Eight of 23 patients (35%) had only CCE, six of 23 patients (26%) had only acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and seven of 23 patients (30%) had features of both. Fifteen patients (65%) had leptomeningeal enhancement. Three patients (13%) had coexistence of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) IgG. Only 3 of 23 patients (13%) developed drug- resistant epilepsy. Although the majority had MOGAD relapses (14/23, 60%) had only 5 of 23 patients had recurrence of episodes of encephalitis with associated seizures. Twenty-one of 23 patients (91%) had seizure freedom at last follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE MOG-IgG evaluation should be considered in patients who present with encephalitis and focal motor and/or focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, especially pediatric patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings consistent with CCE, ADEM, or other MOGAD presentations. The majority of these seizures are self-limited and do not require maintenance/chronic antiseizure medications. Although seizure recurrence is uncommon, many patients have MOGAD relapses in the form of encephalitis and optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
| | - Sean J. Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
| | - Divyanshu Dubey
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
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17
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Oh GY, Moga DC, Fardo DW, Abner EL. The association of gabapentin initiation and neurocognitive changes in older adults with normal cognition. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:910719. [PMID: 36506564 PMCID: PMC9732650 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.910719] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gabapentin is increasingly prescribed to older adults, which raises concerns about its potential to cause neurocognitive changes. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association of gabapentin use with neurocognitive changes (i.e., cognitive decline, functional status decline, and motor function change) in older adults. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (UDS; September 2005-March 2021 data freeze). From the eligible sample (≥age 65 years), we identified cognitively normal new-users of gabapentin and the visit they initiated gabapentin (i.e., index visit). Initiators were matched to randomly selected nonusers on year of UDS enrollment and visit number from enrollment to index. Cognitive decline was defined as any increase in the Clinical Dementia Rating global score (CDRGLOB) and as a 1-point increase in CDR sum of boxes (CDR-SB). Functional status decline was defined as a 3-point increase in the sum of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and as 0.3-point increase in mean FAQ. Decline in motor function was defined as new clinician reports of gait disorder, falls, and slowness. To mitigate confounding and selection bias, we used joint stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights and stabilized inverse probability of censoring weights. All analyses were conducted comparing index to index+1 and index+2 visits. Results: From the eligible UDS participants (N = 23,059), we included 480 initiators (mean age [SD]: 78.7 [6.9]; male 34.4%); 4,320 nonusers (78.3 [7.0]; 34.4%). Gabapentin initiation was significantly associated with cognitive/functional status decline: worsening CDRGLOB at index+1 visit (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.55 [1.07, 2.25]); CDR-SB at index+1 visit (1.94 [1.22, 3.09]); and mean of FAQ at index+2 visit (1.78 [1.12, 2.83]). After excluding initiators with extant motor dysfunction (n = 21), we identified 459 initiators (78.7 [6.9]; 34.0%) and 4,131 nonusers (78.2 [6.9]; 34.7%); in this sample, gabapentin initiation was associated with increased falls at the index+2 visit (2.51 [1.19, 5.31]). Conclusion: Gabapentin initiation was significantly associated with deleterious neurocognitive changes among older adults with initially normal cognition. Further studies are needed to examine the risk/benefit of prescribing gabapentin in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- GYeon Oh
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,*Correspondence: GYeon Oh,
| | - Daniela C. Moga
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - David W. Fardo
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Erin L. Abner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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18
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Reyes A, Hermann BP, Busch RM, Drane DL, Barr WB, Hamberger MJ, Roesch SC, McDonald CR. Moving towards a taxonomy of cognitive impairments in epilepsy: application of latent profile analysis to 1178 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac289. [PMID: 36447559 PMCID: PMC9692194 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In efforts to understand the cognitive heterogeneity within and across epilepsy syndromes, cognitive phenotyping has been proposed as a new taxonomy aimed at developing a harmonized approach to cognitive classification in epilepsy. Data- and clinically driven approaches have been previously used with variability in the phenotypes derived across studies. In our study, we utilize latent profile analysis to test several models of phenotypes in a large multicentre sample of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and evaluate their demographic and clinical profiles. For the first time, we examine the added value of replacing missing data and examine factors that may be contributing to missingness. A sample of 1178 participants met the inclusion criteria for the study, which included a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy and the availability of comprehensive neuropsychological data. Models with two to five classes were examined using latent profile analysis and the optimal model was selected based on fit indices, posterior probabilities and proportion of sample sizes. The models were also examined with imputed data to investigate the impact of missing data on model selection. Based on the fit indices, posterior probability and distinctiveness of the latent classes, a three-class solution was the optimal solution. This three-class solution comprised a group of patients with multidomain impairments, a group with impairments predominantly in language and a group with no impairments. Overall, the multidomain group demonstrated a worse clinical profile and comprised a greater proportion of patients with mesial temporal sclerosis, a longer disease duration and a higher number of anti-seizure medications. The four-class and five-class solutions demonstrated the lowest probabilities of a group membership. Analyses with imputed data demonstrated that the four-class solution was the optimal solution; however, there was a weak agreement between the missing and imputed data sets for the four-Class solutions (κ = 0.288, P < 0.001). This study represents the first to use latent profile analysis to test and compare multiple models of cognitive phenotypes in temporal lobe epilepsy and to determine the impact of missing data on model fit. We found that the three-phenotype model was the most meaningful based on several fit indices and produced phenotypes with unique demographic and clinical profiles. Our findings demonstrate that latent profile analysis is a rigorous method to identify phenotypes in large, heterogeneous epilepsy samples. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of examining the impact of missing data in phenotyping methods. Our latent profile analysis-derived phenotypes can inform future studies aimed at identifying cognitive phenotypes in other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Reyes
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Robyn M Busch
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Daniel L Drane
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William B Barr
- Department of Neurology, NYU-Langone Medical Center and NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU-Langone Medical Center and NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marla J Hamberger
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Scott C Roesch
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Carrie R McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Terman SW, Lin CC, Kerr WT, DeLott LB, Callaghan BC, Burke JF. Changes in the Use of Brand Name and Generic Medications and Total Prescription Cost Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Epilepsy. Neurology 2022; 99:e751-e761. [PMID: 35705496 PMCID: PMC9484734 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To characterize trends in antiseizure medication (ASM) fills and total prescription costs in people with epilepsy. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of beneficiaries with epilepsy (ASM, plus ICD codes) in a 20% random Medicare sample, with continuous Fee-For-Service coverage (Parts A, B, and D) in 2008-2018. We summed the number of pill days and costs (adjusted to 2018 dollars) per person-year for each ASM. ASMs were categorized into brand vs generic, first vs newer generation, and enzyme inducers vs noninducers. RESULTS There were 77,000-133,000 beneficiaries with epilepsy per year. The most common ASM was phenytoin in 2008, which shifted to levetiracetam in 2018 (2008: phenytoin 25%, levetiracetam 14%; 2018: phenytoin 9%, levetiracetam 27%). Brand name (2008: 56%; 2018: 14%), first-generation (2008: 55%; 2018: 32%), and enzyme-inducing ASMs (2008: 44%; 2018: 24%) each decreased over time as a proportion of pill days. The number of brand pill days per person-year initially decreased (e.g., 2008: 250; 2009: 121; 2010: 96) but then plateaued (2013-2018: between 66 and 69) given a notable increase in lacosamide pill days per person (2008: 0; 2018: 20). Total brand name costs per year initially decreased 2008-2010 (2008: $150 million; 2010: $72 million) but then increased after 2010 (2018: $256 million). In 2018, brand name ASMs represented 79% of costs despite representing only 14% of pill days, a 1-year pill supply became 277% more expensive for brand name medications but 42% less expensive for generic medications over time (2008: brand ∼$2,800 vs generic ∼$800; 2018: brand ∼$10,700 vs generic ∼$460), and many common brand name ASMs cost approximately 10-fold more per pill day than their generic equivalents. DISCUSSION First-generation and enzyme-inducing ASMs waned from 2008 to 2018. Although brand name ASMs initially waned translating into lower costs and potentially higher value care, after 2010, brand name costs markedly increased because of increasing use of lacosamide plus a 277% increase in per-pill cost of brand name ASMs. Brand name ASMs represented a minority of prescriptions, but the majority of costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Terman
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Chun C Lin
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wesley T Kerr
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lindsey B DeLott
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Brian C Callaghan
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - James F Burke
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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20
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Terman SW, Youngerman BE, Choi H, Burke JF. Antiseizure medication treatment pathways in US Medicare beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1571-1579. [PMID: 35294775 PMCID: PMC9314094 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study was undertaken to characterize antiseizure medication (ASM) treatment pathways in Medicare beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims. Medicare is the United States' federal health insurance program for people aged 65 years and older plus younger people with disabilities or end‐stage renal disease. We included beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy (International Classification of Diseases codes for epilepsy/convulsions 2014–2017, no ASM in the previous 2 years). We displayed the sequence of ASM fills using sunburst plots overall, then stratified by mood disorder, age, and neurologist prescriber. We tabulated drug costs for each pathway. Results We included 21 458 beneficiaries. Levetiracetam comprised the greatest number of pill days (56%), followed by gabapentin (11%) and valproate (8%). There were 22 288 unique treatment pathways. The most common pathways were levetiracetam monotherapy (43%), gabapentin monotherapy (10%), and valproate monotherapy (5%). Gabapentin was the most common second‐ and third‐line ASM. Whereas only 2% of pathways involved first‐line lacosamide, those pathways accounted for 19% of cost. Gabapentin and valproate use was increased and levetiracetam use was decreased in beneficiaries with mood disorders compared to beneficiaries without mood disorders. Levetiracetam use was increased and gabapentin, valproate, lamotrigine, and topiramate use was decreased in beneficiaries aged >65 years compared with those aged 65 years or less. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and lacosamide use was increased and gabapentin use was decreased in beneficiaries whose initial prescriber was a neurologist compared to those whose prescriber was not a neurologist. Significance Levetiracetam monotherapy was the most common pathway, although substantial heterogeneity existed. Lacosamide accounted for a small percentage of ASMs but a disproportionately large share of cost. Neurologists were more likely to prescribe lamotrigine compared with nonneurologists, and lamotrigine was prescribed far less frequently than may be endorsed by guidelines. Future work may explore patient‐ and physician‐driven factors underlying ASM choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Terman
- University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brett E Youngerman
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hyunmi Choi
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Neurology, New York, New York, USA
| | - James F Burke
- the Ohio State University, Department of Neurology, Columbus, OH, USA
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21
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Witt JA, Rademacher M, von Wrede R, Surges R, Helmstaedter C. Cognitive reawakening and improved quality of life achieved after discontinuing 16 years of anti-seizure treatment with topiramate. Neurocase 2022; 28:102-106. [PMID: 35102809 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2022.2032187] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A 42-year-old female patient with epilepsy and a co-morbid migraine suffered from the severe cognitive side effects of topiramate (TPM) for more than 16 years with detrimental consequences for her daily functioning, career, and social interaction. Even a prodromal stage of dementia was suggested, giving rise to fears of developing a neurodegenerative disease. Recently, cognitive monitoring of attention and executive function before and after withdrawal of TPM revealed a significant recovery from the severe negative cognitive side effects of the long-standing and inefficacious antiseizure medication (ASM). Whereas the side effects were reversible after cessation, their consequences for the patient`s biography were permanent. A considerable increase in quality of life, however, was observed without TPM and family members were impressed by the improvements. This case illustrates the potentially severe consequences of negative cognitive side effects which affect daily functioning, career and social life, thus underscoring the importance of being knowledgeable of the potential cognitive risks when prescribing an ASM. Because cognitive side effects may not depend solely on ASM choice and drug load, but also on individual idiosyncratic intolerances, and patients might stay on their treatment for many years, cognitive monitoring is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Rademacher
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Randi von Wrede
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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22
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Novak A, Vizjak K, Rakusa M. Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:267. [PMID: 35012007 PMCID: PMC8746065 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
People with epilepsy frequently have cognitive impairment. The majority of cognitive problems is influenced by a variety of interlinked factors, including the early onset of epilepsy and the frequency, intensity and duration of seizures, along with the anti-epileptic drug treatment. With a systematic review, we investigate significant factors about the cognitive impairment in epilepsy. Most cognitive problems in adult people with epilepsy include memory, attention and executive function deficits. However, which cognitive area is mainly affected highly depends on the location of epileptic activity. Moreover, modifications in signalling pathways and neuronal networks have an essential role in both the pathophysiology of epilepsy and in the mechanism responsible for cognitive impairment. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of polytherapy in the treatment of epilepsy with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) heightens the risk for cognitive impairment. It can be challenging to distinguish the contribution of each factor, because they are often closely intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Rakusa
- Department of Neurologic Diseases, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.N.); (K.V.)
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23
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Terman SW, Kerr WT, Marcum ZA, Wang L, Burke JF. Antiseizure medication adherence trajectories in Medicare beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2778-2789. [PMID: 34462911 PMCID: PMC8563423 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to characterize trajectories of antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence in adults with newly treated epilepsy and to determine predictors of trajectories. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using Medicare. We included beneficiaries with newly treated epilepsy (one or more ASM and none in the preceding 2 years, plus International Classification of Diseases codes) in 2010-2013. We calculated the proportion of days covered (proportion of total days with any ASM pill supply) for 8 quarters or until death. Group-based trajectory models characterized and determined predictors of trajectories. RESULTS We included 24 923 beneficiaries. Models identified four groups: early adherent (60%), early nonadherent (18%), late adherent (11%), and late nonadherent (11%). Numerous predictors were associated with being in the early nonadherent versus early adherent group: non-White race (e.g., Black, odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-1.8), region (e.g., South vs. Northeast: OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4), and once daily initial medication (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.3). Predictors associated with decreased odds of being in the early nonadherent group included older age (OR = .9 per decade, 95% CI = .9-.9), female sex (OR = .9, 95% CI = .8-1.0), full Medicaid eligibility (OR = .6, 95% CI = .4-.8), neurologist visit (OR = .6, 95% CI = .6-.7), and initial older generation ASM (OR = .6, 95% CI = .6-.7). SIGNIFICANCE We identified four ASM adherence trajectories in individuals with newly treated epilepsy. Whereas risk factors for early nonadherence such as race or geographic region are nonmodifiable, our work highlighted a modifiable risk factor for early nonadherence: lacking a neurologist. These data may guide future interventions aimed at improving ASM adherence, in terms of both timing and target populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W. Terman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan,, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wesley T. Kerr
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan,, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zachary A. Marcum
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - James F. Burke
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan,, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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24
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Zanaboni MP, Varesio C, Pasca L, Foti A, Totaro M, Celario M, Provenzi L, De Giorgis V. Systematic review of executive functions in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108254. [PMID: 34428616 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (ECTS) is a self-limiting childhood epilepsy with an overall good prognosis. The neurocognitive profile of ECTS shows various degrees of neuropsychological impairment, with speech impairment and executive dysfunction being the most prominent. This review aimed to clarify the executive function (EF) profile of children with ECTS and the clinical variables' impact on these abilities. We conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature for articles published up to January 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the original records. EF tasks used in the studies were classified according to Diamond's model, which identified four components: working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and higher order EFs. Twenty-three studies were included. Among the included records, 14 studies examined working memory, 15 inhibitory control, 15 flexibility, 4 higher order EFs, and 2 general EFs. Results confirmed the presence of a specific impairment in two abilities: inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. This review confirms the need to assess each EF both in verbal and visual-spatial tasks. The early detection of children with ECTS at risk of developing neuropsychological impairment could activate interventions and prevent worse school achievement, social functioning, and a poor quality of life. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42021245959.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Pasca
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Foti
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Totaro
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Celario
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina De Giorgis
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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McMillan TM, Mason CA, Seidenberg M, Jones J, Hermann B. The impact of processing speed on cognition in temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108203. [PMID: 34274747 PMCID: PMC8565181 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the impact of slowed processing speed on the efficiency of broader cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHODS Participants included 100 patients with TLE and 89 healthy controls (mean ages 36.8 and 33.6, respectively) administered a neuropsychological battery consisting of 15 cognitive metrics. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) latent variable modeling demonstrated a cognitive structure representing the domains of verbal intelligence, immediate memory, delayed memory, executive function, working memory, and processing speed. Furthermore, the latent variable measurement model determined the direct and indirect relationships of verbal intelligence and processing speed with immediate memory, delayed memory, executive function, and working memory. RESULTS Following SEM of hypothesized structural models, the results demonstrated that, among controls, intelligence had a direct and unmediated (by processing speed) relationship with all identified cognitive domains. In contrast, among participants with TLE, processing speed mediated the relationship between verbal intelligence and performance across all cognitive domains. CONCLUSION Slowing of cognitive/psychomotor processing speed appears to play a critical mediating role in the broader cognitive status of participants with TLE and may serve as a target through which to attempt to exert a broad positive impact on neuropsychological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M. McMillan
- Department of Psychology, University of Maine, 301 Little Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, University of Maine-Orono, 301 Little Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA., (T.M. McMillan)
| | - Craig A. Mason
- School of Learning and Teaching, University of Maine, 5766 Shibles Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Michael Seidenberg
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, 3333 N. Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Jana Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bruce Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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26
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Meymandi MS, Sepehri G, Moslemizadeh A, Shahrbabaki SSV. Prenatal Pregabalin Exposure Alters Postnatal Pain Sensitivity and Some Behavioral Responses in Adult Offspring Rats. Curr Drug Saf 2021; 15:205-214. [PMID: 32598270 DOI: 10.2174/1574886315666200628114257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure could demonstrate both congenital malformations and behavioral impairments in offspring. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to pregabalin (PGB) on pain response, anxiety, motor activity and some behavior of adult offspring rats. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats received PGB (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/ip) during embryonic days 9.5- 15.5. The pain response, anxiety-like behaviors, locomotor activity, motor balance and coordination and anhedonia of adult offspring were examined by tail-flick and hot plate test, open field test, elevated plus maze (EPM), beam balance test and sucrose preference test in their 60th day of life, respectively. RESULTS Prenatal exposure to PGB revealed significant dose-dependent reduction in pain sensitivity (increase in pain latency response) in the hot plate test, especially in females, while anxiety-like behavior assessed in EPM and open field significantly reduced in males. In the open field, locomotor activity reduced significantly after exposure to PGB 30 mg/kg and motor coordination decreased dose-dependently, especially in males. Anhedonia, as an indication of sucrose preference or pleasure response, was not changed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that prenatal PGB exposure could be associated with significant changes in pain response, anxiety, locomotor activity and coordination in adult offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzumeh-Shamsi Meymandi
- Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Kerman Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical
Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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27
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Efficacy of Phytocannabinoids in Epilepsy Treatment: Novel Approaches and Recent Advances. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083993. [PMID: 33920188 PMCID: PMC8070313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder mainly characterised by recurrent seizures that affect the entire population diagnosed with the condition. Currently, there is no cure for the disease and a significant proportion of patients have been deemed to have treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). A patient is deemed to have TRE if two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) fail to bring about seizure remission. This inefficacy of traditional AEDs, coupled with their undesirable side effect profile, has led to researchers considering alternative forms of treatment. Phytocannabinoids have long served as therapeutics with delta-9-THC (Δ9-THC) receiving extensive focus to determine its therapeutic potential. This focus on Δ9-THC has been to the detriment of analysing the plethora of other phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The overall aim of this review is to explore other novel phytocannabinoids and their place in epilepsy treatment. The current review intends to achieve this aim via an exploration of the molecular targets underlying the anticonvulsant capabilities of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidavarin (CBDV), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG). Further, this review will provide an exploration of current pre-clinical and clinical data as it relates to the aforementioned phytocannabinoids and the treatment of epilepsy symptoms. With specific reference to epilepsy in young adult and adolescent populations, the exploration of CBD, CBDV, Δ9-THCV and CBG in both preclinical and clinical environments can guide future research and aid in the further understanding of the role of phytocannabinoids in epilepsy treatment. Currently, much more research is warranted in this area to be conclusive.
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28
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Madan A, Donovan PJ, Risetto T, Trenerry H, Lander CM. Monitoring for valproate and phenytoin toxicity in hypoalbuminaemia: A retrospective cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:4341-4353. [PMID: 33835518 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14853] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Equations to calculate albumin-adjusted total concentrations have been validated to correlate with measured free concentrations for both phenytoin and valproate, but there is a lack of data to assess correlation with clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the association of hypoalbuminaemia and albumin-adjusted total concentrations with concentration-dependent toxicity for phenytoin and valproate and review the impact on management decisions following concentration monitoring in hypoalbuminaemia. METHODS Patients undergoing concentration monitoring for phenytoin or valproate between January and December 2018 were included. Patients were identified using a centralised laboratory database with data extracted from medical records. RESULTS Total phenytoin concentrations were measured for 144 patients, with hypoalbuminaemia (≤30 g L-1 ) recorded in 59 (41%) patients. Albumin-adjusted phenytoin concentration >20 mg L-1 was associated with increased neurological adverse effects (77% vs. 43%, P < .001). On logistic regression, higher albumin-adjusted phenytoin concentration was an independent risk factor for neurotoxicity (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12, P = .011). Total valproate concentrations were measured for 383 patients, with hypoalbuminaemia (≤30 g L-1 ) noted in 53 (14%) patients. For the valproate cohort, hypoalbuminaemia (42% vs. 28%, P = .039) and albumin-adjusted valproate concentration >100 mg L-1 (49% vs. 23%, P < .001) were both associated with increased neurotoxicity. On multiple logistic-regression, valproate daily dose (aOR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = .006) and albumin-adjusted valproate concentration (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = .033) were independent risk factors for neurotoxicity after accounting for confounders. CONCLUSION While measuring free drug concentrations in hypoalbuminaemia would be ideal, the adjustment equations can help identify vulnerable patients needing further assessment of potential concentration-dependent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Madan
- Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter J Donovan
- Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy Risetto
- Queensland Medicines Advice and Information Service, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Trenerry
- Queensland Medicines Advice and Information Service, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cecilie M Lander
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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29
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Castel A, Cascón-Pereira R, Boada S. Memory complaints and cognitive performance in fibromyalgia and chronic pain: The key role of depression. Scand J Psychol 2021; 62:328-338. [PMID: 33538343 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To explore the relationship between perceived cognitive problems and cognitive performance in three different samples, taking into account the possible influence of depression, catastrophizing, pain intensity, or medication. Seventy individuals with fibromyalgia, 74 with non-malignant chronic pain and 40 pain-free controls, completed measures of verbal episodic memory, sustained attention, response inhibition, depression, catastrophizing, and pain intensity. Fibromyalgia and chronic pain patients performed worse than controls in verbal memory and sustained attention, but these differences disappeared when depressed participants were excluded from the analyses. Memory complaints were related with depression in all pain patients. However, in the case of fibromyalgia, memory complaints were also related by pain intensity and inversely related by short-term episodic memory. This case-control study shows the importance of jointly assessing cognitive performance and memory complaints and of controlling for variables such as depression, catastrophizing, pain intensity and medication in the studied samples. Accordingly, this study highlights the differences in memory complaints, between the patients with fibromyalgia and the patients with other chronic pain conditions. Finally, it has highlighted the important role played by depression in cognitive performance and memory complaints considering the Neurocognitive Model of Attention to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Castel
- Pain Clinic, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain.,Multidimentional Pain Research Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Rosalia Cascón-Pereira
- Multidimentional Pain Research Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Business Management Unit, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Sergi Boada
- Pain Clinic, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain
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30
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Crunelli V, Lőrincz ML, McCafferty C, Lambert RC, Leresche N, Di Giovanni G, David F. Clinical and experimental insight into pathophysiology, comorbidity and therapy of absence seizures. Brain 2020; 143:2341-2368. [PMID: 32437558 PMCID: PMC7447525 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence seizures in children and teenagers are generally considered relatively benign because of their non-convulsive nature and the large incidence of remittance in early adulthood. Recent studies, however, show that 30% of children with absence seizures are pharmaco-resistant and 60% are affected by severe neuropsychiatric comorbid conditions, including impairments in attention, cognition, memory and mood. In particular, attention deficits can be detected before the epilepsy diagnosis, may persist even when seizures are pharmacologically controlled and are aggravated by valproic acid monotherapy. New functional MRI-magnetoencephalography and functional MRI-EEG studies provide conclusive evidence that changes in blood oxygenation level-dependent signal amplitude and frequency in children with absence seizures can be detected in specific cortical networks at least 1 min before the start of a seizure, spike-wave discharges are not generalized at seizure onset and abnormal cortical network states remain during interictal periods. From a neurobiological perspective, recent electrical recordings and imaging of large neuronal ensembles with single-cell resolution in non-anaesthetized models show that, in contrast to the predominant opinion, cortical mechanisms, rather than an exclusively thalamic rhythmogenesis, are key in driving seizure ictogenesis and determining spike-wave frequency. Though synchronous ictal firing characterizes cortical and thalamic activity at the population level, individual cortico-thalamic and thalamocortical neurons are sparsely recruited to successive seizures and consecutive paroxysmal cycles within a seizure. New evidence strengthens previous findings on the essential role for basal ganglia networks in absence seizures, in particular the ictal increase in firing of substantia nigra GABAergic neurons. Thus, a key feature of thalamic ictogenesis is the powerful increase in the inhibition of thalamocortical neurons that originates at least from two sources, substantia nigra and thalamic reticular nucleus. This undoubtedly provides a major contribution to the ictal decrease in total firing and the ictal increase of T-type calcium channel-mediated burst firing of thalamocortical neurons, though the latter is not essential for seizure expression. Moreover, in some children and animal models with absence seizures, the ictal increase in thalamic inhibition is enhanced by the loss-of-function of the astrocytic GABA transporter GAT-1 that does not necessarily derive from a mutation in its gene. Together, these novel clinical and experimental findings bring about paradigm-shifting views of our understanding of absence seizures and demand careful choice of initial monotherapy and continuous neuropsychiatric evaluation of affected children. These issues are discussed here to focus future clinical and experimental research and help to identify novel therapeutic targets for treating both absence seizures and their comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Crunelli
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Magor L Lőrincz
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Cian McCafferty
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Régis C Lambert
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine and Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Leresche
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine and Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS), Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - François David
- Cerebral dynamics, learning and plasticity, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center - UMR 8002, Paris, France
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Morshed RA, Young JS, Kroliczek AA, Berger MS, Brang D, Hervey-Jumper SL. A Neurosurgeon's Guide to Cognitive Dysfunction in Adult Glioma. Neurosurgery 2020; 89:1-10. [PMID: 33289504 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is common among patients with low- and high-grade glioma and can significantly impact quality of life. Although cognitive outcomes have been studied after therapeutic interventions such as surgery and radiation, it is important to understand the impact of the disease process itself prior to any interventions. Neurocognitive domains of interest in this disease context include intellectual function and premorbid ability, executive function, learning and memory, attention, language function, processing speed, visuospatial function, motor function, and emotional function. Here, we review oncologic factors associated with more neurocognitive impairment, key neurocognitive tasks relevant to glioma patient assessment, as well as the relevance of the human neural connectome in understanding cognitive dysfunction in glioma patients. A contextual understanding of glioma-functional network disruption and its impact on cognition is critical in the surgical management of eloquent area tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin A Morshed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jacob S Young
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Arlena A Kroliczek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mitchel S Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David Brang
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shawn L Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Patrikelis P, Lucci G, Fasilis T, Korfias S, Messinis L, Kosmidis MH, Lagogianni C, Konstantakopoulos G, Manolia S, Sakas D, Gatzonis S. Selective impairment of auditory attention processing in idiopathic generalized epilepsies: Implications for their cognitive pathophysiology. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:1131-1140. [PMID: 33284641 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1852566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The neuropsychological characteristics of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies (IGEs) as a wide syndrome encompassing different clinical entities have been as yet not well understood. We have studied neuropsychological performance in patients suffering Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) and Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures (IGE-GTCS-only) to provide indirect-cognitive evidence on the pathophysiology of IGE-related neuropsychological dysfunction. Greater arousal-related impairments were expected for the auditory modality, by drawing on previous anatomo-clinical and neuro-evolutionary accounts. We have studied neurocognitive functioning in 26 IGE patients, suffering either JME (n = 16) or IGE-GTCS-only (n = 10), and their healthy counterparts consisted of 26 (18 females) demographically matched participants. IGE patients (JME and IGE-GTCS-only) did worse with respect to HC (healthy controls) in visual- and auditory- speed of information processing (reaction time), auditory-vigilance and -response inhibition, visuo-motor coordination, visual working memory and motor speed, delayed visual recall, immediate- and delayed verbal episodic recall, lexical access and retrieval, semantic associative processing, auditory-verbal memory span and verbal learning. Although both IGE-GTCS-only and JME patients delayed episodic recall was defective, the former did significantly worse. We believe that IGE patients' neuropsychological derailments represent indirect-secondary manifestations of a primary cortical tone deregulation inherent to IGEs' pathophysiology. In particular, IGE patients' worse-dissociated performance in auditory TOVA-also seen previously in TBI and schizophrenia-may implicate a grater vulnerability of the auditory information processing system, as well as a possibly shared cognitive pathophysiological component between IGE and the above nosologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiotis Patrikelis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giuliana Lucci
- Department of Technologies, Communication and Society, University of Rome G. Marconi, Rome, Italy
| | - Theodoros Fasilis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefanos Korfias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lambros Messinis
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Neuropsychology Section, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Mary H Kosmidis
- Department of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christodouli Lagogianni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantakopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stamatina Manolia
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Pireaus, Pireaus, Greece
| | - Damianos Sakas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Gatzonis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Unit, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Li KY, Huang LC, Chang YP, Yang YH. The effects of lacosamide on cognitive function and psychiatric profiles in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 113:107580. [PMID: 33242771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive and psychiatric problems are common in people with epilepsy. They can have multiple causes, including structural brain lesions, the active epilepsy, and the effect of anti-epileptic therapy. Since patients' treatment compliance and quality of life are affected by cognitive and emotional status, it is crucial for clinicians to understand how anti-seizure medications (ASMs) affect cognition and mood, and to choose the proper ASM. OBJECTIVE To conduct a literature review of the impact on cognition and mood status of lacosamide (LCM) in people with epilepsy. METHODS Wesearched PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and reference lists of articles for all types of articles with no limitations on publication date. RESULTS A total of 251 records were obtained, including 247 articles in PubMed and 4 articles from reference lists. We included 2 meta-analyses, one randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies after the screening process. Most studies agree LCM has low risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) on cognition. Comparisons with other ASMs, LCM may be preferable to carbamazepine, topiramate and perampanel, and not inferior to lamotrigine. In spite of low incident rate, depression is the most common psychiatric change of LCM. There are no consistent positive or negative psychiatric effects of LCM. CONCLUSION Lacosamide has limited impact on cognitive and mood status in this review. Several factors including mechanism of co-administration of ASMs and personal history of psychiatric disorder should be considered as important in the development of cognitive and psychiatric side effects. However, the heterogeneity between studies make the quality of evidence weaker and further trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Pei Chang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Master's Program in Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Yahya E, Quach D, Bi X, Baudry M. Calpain-2 activation in mouse hippocampus plays a critical role in seizure-induced neuropathology. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105149. [PMID: 33132163 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpain has been proposed to play a critical role in the development of epilepsy. Here we used conditional calpain-2 knock-out (C2CKO) mice in a C57/Bl6 background and a selective calpain-2 inhibitor to analyze the role of calpain-2 in epilepsy. Neurodegeneration was evident in various hippocampal subfields, in particular in mossy cells in the hilus of the dentate gyrus (DG) in C57/Bl6 mice 7 days after kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. Calpain-2 activation was still observed in mossy cells 7 days after seizures. Calpain activation, astroglial and microglial activation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairment were absent in C2CKO mice and in C57/Bl6 mice treated with a selective calpain-2 inhibitor for 7 days after seizure initiation. Levels of the potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) were decreased in mossy cells 7 days after seizures and this decrease was prevented by calpain-2 deletion or selective inhibition. Our results indicate that prolonged calpain-2 activation plays a critical role in neuropathology following seizures. A selective calpain-2 inhibitor could represent a therapeutic treatment for seizure-induced neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Emad Yahya
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Diana Quach
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
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Fonseca Wald ELA, Debeij-Van Hall MHJA, De Jong E, Aldenkamp AP, Vermeulen RJ, Vles JSH, Klinkenberg S, Hendriksen JGM. Neurocognitive and behavioural profile in Panayiotopoulos syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:985-992. [PMID: 32608507 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine neurocognitive performance and behavioural problems in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome. METHOD All 18 children (10 females, 8 males; mean age 4y 7mo; SD 1y 10mo) diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos syndrome at the Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively. All underwent a neuropsychological/behavioural assessment, an academic assessment, and a 24-hour electroencephalogram. RESULTS Mean full-scale IQ (93.5; range 76-123; p=0.04) and performance IQ (93.2; range 76-126; p=0.04) were within the normal range, although significantly lower compared to the normative mean. Verbal IQ (96.3; range 76-118) and processing speed (96.1; range 74-114) were not significantly lower. Simple auditory/visual reaction times, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory were significantly lower compared to normative values. On average, patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome were 8 months behind in arithmetic speed and 11 months behind in reading speed for the number of months in school. Behavioural questionnaires revealed significantly higher scores on reported internalizing behavioural problems. INTERPRETATION Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome demonstrated diffuse cognitive dysfunction in full-scale IQ, performance IQ, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory. A high incidence of internalizing behavioural problems was reported. This strongly suggests neuropsychological and behavioural comorbidity in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are at risk for cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are also prone to internalizing behavioural problems. Mild-to-severe academic underachievement was present in more than half of the children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L A Fonseca Wald
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center, Heeze, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Eline De Jong
- Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center, Heeze, the Netherlands
| | - Albert P Aldenkamp
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center, Heeze, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Vermeulen
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan S H Vles
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Klinkenberg
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos G M Hendriksen
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center, Heeze, the Netherlands
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Li H, Ouyang M, Zhang P, Fei L, Hu X. The efficacy and safety of a ketogenic diet for children with refractory epilepsy in China: a retrospective single-center cohort study. Transl Pediatr 2020; 9:561-566. [PMID: 32953554 PMCID: PMC7475313 DOI: 10.21037/tp-20-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ketogenic diet (KD) has been implemented in many different counties. However, in China, study concerning the efficacy of the KD is still at an early-stage of evaluation. Furthermore, the KD is thought to be incompatible with Chinese children because of its lack of palatability, especially for the Asian population. In addition, its substantial antiepileptic effect remains to be confirmed. METHODS To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the KD treatment of refractory childhood epilepsy in China, we prospectively enrolled 147 children with refractory epilepsy for KD treatment in Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital and followed up the children for 6 months. Outcome was measured by seizure frequencies before and after the KD diet and adverse effects. We also evaluated influences of different variables (starting age, duration of epilepsy, and others) on the outcome. RESULTS We found after 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of KD treatment, 28.0%, 55%, and 67.9% of the subjects remained on diet with a >50% seizure reduction and seizure-free rates of 6.5%, 13.2%, and 23.3%, respectively. Gender, starting age, duration, etiology, classification, and seizure type of epilepsy showed no significant influence on efficacy. Anorexia, diarrhea, and gravel were the main side-effects of the KD treatment. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the KD is a safe and efficacious method for childhood refractory epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- Department of Epilepsy, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Ouyang
- Department of Epilepsy, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqi Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxia Fei
- Department of Epilepsy, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangshu Hu
- Department of Epilepsy, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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37
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Coats RO, Crossley KL, Conlin N, Wu J, Zakrzewska JM, Pavitt SH, Phillips N, Mon-Williams M. Cognitive and sensorimotor function in participants being treated for trigeminal neuralgia pain. J Headache Pain 2020; 21:91. [PMID: 32680462 PMCID: PMC7367337 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01156-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an orofacial condition defined by reoccurring, spontaneous, short-lived but excruciating stabbing pain. Pharmacological interventions constitute the first-line treatment for TN, with antiepileptic drugs commonly prescribed. People treated for TN pain with antiepileptic drugs describe cognitive and motor difficulties affecting activities of daily living, and report poorer quality of life. We undertook the first comprehensive objective evaluation of sensorimotor and cognitive performance in participants being treated for TN pain with antiepileptic drugs relative to age-matched controls. Methods Participants (43 TN, 41 control) completed a battery of sensorimotor (steering, aiming and tracking) and cognitive (working memory, processing speed, inhibition) tasks. Results The TN group performed significantly worse than controls on the sensorimotor tracking and aiming tasks and across all cognitive measures. Conclusions The data explain why patients treated with antiepileptic drugs report impairment when conducting activities of daily living (given the need for cognitive and motor capability within most of these). The study is an important first step in: (i) ensuring there is adequate information on the impact of pharmacological treatment; (ii) identifying measures to determine optimal medication dosage and track change over time; (iii) creating an evidence base that could allow scientific justification of alternative pain treatment options for TN (e.g. the costs/benefits of surgery).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel O Coats
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Kirsty L Crossley
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Naomi Conlin
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jianhua Wu
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Joanna M Zakrzewska
- Royal ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sue H Pavitt
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Mark Mon-Williams
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK.,Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
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38
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Martin RC. AEDs and Cognition: One Small Fish in a Very Large Pond? Epilepsy Curr 2020; 20:196-198. [PMID: 34025227 PMCID: PMC7427167 DOI: 10.1177/1535759720925763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
[Box: see text]
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Alterations in intra- and internetwork functional connectivity associated with levetiracetam treatment in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:2165-2174. [PMID: 32152874 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04322-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug with a novel pharmacological mechanism. Advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enable researchers to explore the cognitive effects of antiepileptic drugs on the living brain. This study aimed to explore how the functional connectivity patterns of the cognitive networks changed in association with LEV treatment. METHODS Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), including both users and nonusers of LEV, were included in this study along with healthy controls. Core cognitive networks were extracted using an independent component analysis approach. Functional connectivity patterns within and between networks were investigated. The relationships between functional connectivity patterns and clinical characteristics were also examined. RESULTS The patterns of intranetwork connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), left executive control network (lECN), and dorsal attention network (DAN) differed among the three groups. The internetwork interactions did not show intergroup differences once corrected for multiple comparisons. No correlation between functional connectivity and clinical characteristics was found in patients with TLE. CONCLUSIONS Changes in intranetwork connectivity are a key effect of LEV administration. SIGNIFICANCE Alterations in intranetwork connectivity patterns may underlie the cognitive effects of LEV administration; this finding improves our understanding of the neural mechanisms of LEV therapy.
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Verrotti A, Lattanzi S, Brigo F, Zaccara G. Pharmacodynamic interactions of antiepileptic drugs: From bench to clinical practice. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106939. [PMID: 32058303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of patients do not achieve seizure control with antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy, and polytherapy, with more than one AED, is often required. To date, no evidence-based criteria on how to combine AEDs exist. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aimed to provide critical findings of the available literature about the role of pharmacodynamic AEDs' interactions in patients whose epilepsies were treated with polytherapy. METHODS Electronic databases, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), were systematically searched to identify relevant studies on pharmacodynamic AEDs' interactions in patients with epilepsy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Most data on AED combinations are coming from animal models and preclinical studies. Combining AEDs with different mechanisms of actions seems to have greater effectiveness and lower risk of adverse event development. Conversely, the combination of AEDs may cause pharmacodynamic synergistic effects that may result in not only increased efficacy but also more adverse effects. Despite some AED associations that have been proven to be effective in specific epilepsy/seizure type (e.g., phenobarbital+/phenytoin for tonic seizures and ethosiximide + valproate for absences; lamotrigine + valproate for various epilepsy/seizure types), no clear and definitive evidence exists about AED combinations in humans. Examples of pharmacodynamic interactions that possibly explain the synergistic effects on efficacy or adverse effects include the combination between vigabatrin or pregabalin and sodium channel blockers (supra-additive antiseizure effect) and lacosamide combined with other sodium channel blockers (infra-additive antiseizure effect and neurotoxicity synergistic). The pharmacodynamic lamotrigine-valproate interaction is also supported by synergistic adverse events. Therefore, well-designed double-blind prospective studies recruiting a sufficient number of patients possibly with a crossover design and carefully ascertain the role of pharmacokinetic interactions and variations of AEDs' levels in the blood are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Hospital Franz Tappeiner, Department of Neurology, Merano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Quon RJ, Mazanec MT, Schmidt SS, Andrew AS, Roth RM, MacKenzie TA, Sajatovic M, Spruill T, Jobst BC. Antiepileptic drug effects on subjective and objective cognition. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106906. [PMID: 32006792 PMCID: PMC7064420 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cognitive impairment is one of the most common complaints for persons with epilepsy (PWE). These impairments are not only associated with seizures, but are also regularly reported as adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Previous studies have examined cognitive effects of both AED monotherapy and polytherapy, yet there is limited research on these differences with respect to both subjective and objective cognition. The current study uses data from previous research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network collaborative. We used three distinct archival datasets from the following: (1) the HOBSCOTCH efficacy trial at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (HOB-1), (2) the multisite replication trial (HOB-2), and (3) epilepsy self-management research conducted at the NYU School of Medicine. METHODS This retrospective analysis combined baseline data from three datasets to determine how the number of AEDs and the type of AEDs were associated with subjective (patient-reported) and objective (examiner-assessed) cognition. Subjective cognition was captured using the cognitive subscale of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) in all three datasets (n = 224), while objective cognition was measured using the Repeated Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) in the HOB-1 dataset (n = 65) and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) in the HOB-2 dataset (n = 91). Multivariable linear regression was utilized for our initial assessments, followed by propensity score matching to provide stronger control of covariates. Matching was based on significantly different covariates, such as education, depression, and history of prior epilepsy surgery. Nonparametric statistical tests were utilized to compare these matched subjects. RESULTS Subjective cognitive impairment was significantly worse among individuals on polytherapy (2 + AEDs) compared with those on monotherapy (1 AED) (adjusted p = 0.041). These findings were consistent with our propensity score matched comparison of monotherapy and polytherapy, which indicated that polytherapy was associated with worse overall subjective cognition (adjusted p = 0.01), in addition to impairments on the RBANS (Total score p = 0.05) and specific subdomains of the BTACT (Episodic Verbal Memory p < 0.01, Working Memory p < 0.01, Processing Speed p < 0.01). Interestingly, older generation AEDs were associated with better language performance than newer generation and combined generation AED therapy (RBANS Language p = 0.03). These language-specific findings remained significant after controlling for the effects of topiramate and zonisamide (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS A greater number of AEDs is significantly and negatively associated with subjective and objective cognition in PWE, and is in line with previous research. Antiepileptic drug type did not, in itself, appear to be associated with subjective cognition. Our findings suggest that ineffective AEDs should be replaced, rather than introducing additional AEDs to a treatment regimen. Further, while subjective and objective cognition assessments were both sensitive at detecting differences based on AED status, the neuropsychological objective subdomains offer additional and specific insights into how cognition is impaired with AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Quon
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | - Morgan T Mazanec
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Samantha S Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Angeline S Andrew
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Robert M Roth
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Todd A MacKenzie
- Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; The Dartmouth Institute, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Martha Sajatovic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tanya Spruill
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, New York University Langone, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara C Jobst
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Loring DW, Meador KJ, Shinnar S, Gaillard WD, Wheless JW, Kessler SK, Conry JA, Berl MM, Burns TG, Glauser TA, Kinkead B, Cnaan A. Differential antiseizure medication sensitivity of the Affective Reactivity Index: A randomized controlled trial in new-onset pediatric focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106687. [PMID: 31816478 PMCID: PMC7232830 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritability is a adverse effect of many antiseizure medications (ASMs), but there are no validated measures currently available to characterize this behavioral risk. We examined both child and parent/guardian versions of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), a validated measure developed for application in adolescent psychiatry, to determine its sensitivity to ASM-related irritability. We hypothesized irritability increases associated with levetiracetam (LEV) but not lamotrigine (LTG) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). METHOD The ARI was administered to 71 child and parent/guardian pairs randomized to one of three common ASMs (LEV, LTG, OXC) used to treat new-onset focal (localization-related) epilepsy. Subjects were recruited as part of a prospective multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group design. The ARI was administered at baseline prior to treatment initiation and again at 3 months after ASM initiation. RESULTS There was a significant increase in ARI ratings for both child and parent/guardian ratings for LEV but not LTG or OXC when assessed 3 months after treatment initiation. When examined on the individual subject level using a criterion of at least a 3-point ARI increase, there was an increase associated with LEV for child ratings but not parent/guardian scores. CONCLUSION Both child and parent/guardian versions of the ARI appear sensitive to medication-induced irritability associated with LEV on both the group and individual levels. The findings extend the applicability of ARI from characterizing the presence of clinical irritability as a psychiatric diagnostic feature to a more modifiable aspect of behavior change related to medication management and support its use in clinical trial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Loring
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Emory University,
Atlanta, GA, United States of America,Corresponding author at: Emory University Brain
Health Center, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America.
(D.W. Loring)
| | - Kimford J. Meador
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences,
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Shlomo Shinnar
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Epidemiology &
Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - William Davis Gaillard
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Health
System, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - James W. Wheless
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, University
of Tennessee Health Science Center, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis,
TN, United States of America
| | - Sudha K. Kessler
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Joan A. Conry
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Health
System, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Madison M. Berl
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s National
Health System, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Thomas G. Burns
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Tracy A. Glauser
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s
Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Becky Kinkead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory
University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Avital Cnaan
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University,
Washington, DC, United States of America
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El Sabaa RM, Hamdi E, Hamdy NA, Sarhan HA. Effects of Levetiracetam Compared to Valproate on Cognitive Functions of Patients with Epilepsy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:1945-1953. [PMID: 32848400 PMCID: PMC7429224 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s256117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared the effect of levetiracetam (LEV) as monotherapy to sodium valproate (VPA) as monotherapy on cognitive functions in patients with epilepsy. METHODS This was a comparative prospective study on 50 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy started on antiseizure medications. Patients were selected from the neurology-outpatient clinics at Minia University Hospital, Minia, Egypt. They were divided into two groups: group treated with LEV and group treated with VPA. All patients were subjected to cognitive function assessment using reaction-time tests, trail-making tests, and Wisconsin card-sorting test before treatment and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS Both groups of patients showed reduction in seizure frequency. However, patients on LEV showed significant improvement in measured cognitive functions 3 months after starting treatment, while patients in the VPA group showed significant impairment in measured cognitive functions 3 months after starting treatment. CONCLUSION Both groups of patients showed reduction in seizure frequency. However, patients on LEV showed significant improvement in measured cognitive functions 3 months after starting treatment, while patients in the VPA group showed significant impairment in measured cognitive functions 3 months after starting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy M El Sabaa
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Emad Hamdi
- Deraya University President, Minia, Egypt.,Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermin Aly Hamdy
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Hatem A Sarhan
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Verrotti A, Tambucci R, Di Francesco L, Pavone P, Iapadre G, Altobelli E, Matricardi S, Farello G, Belcastro V. The role of polytherapy in the management of epilepsy: suggestions for rational antiepileptic drug selection. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:167-173. [PMID: 31855066 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1707668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Antiepileptic polytherapy may be indicated in patients experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy. To date, there are no evidence-based criteria on how to combine different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) together, in order to obtain the best therapeutic response.Areas covered: This paper reviews the available data about the various associations of AEDs in patients undergoing polytherapy, focusing on the most effective and well-tolerated polytherapies. Moreover, some controversial aspects of this topic are addressed.Expert opinion: Nowadays, there are no guidelines on polytherapy in patients with epilepsy; thus, the management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy is still uncertain, except for valproate/lamotrigine combination, which seems to be the only one recommended. Data regarding mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and, more importantly, the analysis of the valuable clinical studies of drug combinations can help physicians to choose the best and most effective AED association for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Renato Tambucci
- Pediatric Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Digestive Endoscopy and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Iapadre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Emma Altobelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Salesi Hospital Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Farello
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Belcastro
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Mental Health, ASST-LARIANA, COMO
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45
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Assessing evidence quality in research reporting neurocognitive outcomes following paediatric temporal lobe surgery for epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2019; 154:116-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Loring DW, Goldstein FC. If Invalid PVT Scores Are Obtained, Can Valid Neuropsychological Profiles Be Believed? Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:1192-1202. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acz028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Performance Validity Testing (PVT) decision-making rules may be indeterminate in patients with neurological disease in which PVT characteristics have not been adequately studied. We report a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who failed computerized PVT testing but had normal memory scores with a neuropsychological profile consistent with expected MS disease-related weaknesses.
Method
Neuropsychological testing was conducted on two occasions in a middle-aged woman with an established MS diagnosis to address concerns of possible memory decline. Testing was discontinued after PVT scores below recommended cut-points were obtained during the first evaluation. During the second assessment, subthreshold PVT scores on a different computerized PVT were obtained, but unlike the first assessment, the entire neuropsychological protocol was administered.
Results
Despite subthreshold computerized PVT scores, normal learning and memory performance was obtained providing objective data to answer the referral question. Other neuropsychological findings included decreased processing speed, poor working memory, and poor executive function consistent with her MS diagnosis. Embedded PVT scores were normal.
Conclusions
We speculate that poor computerized PVT scores resulted from the disease-related features of MS, although we also discuss approaches to reconcile apparently contradictory PVT versus neuropsychological results if the contributions of disease-related variables on PVTs scores are discounted. This case demonstrates the value of completing the assessment protocol despite obtaining PVT scores below publisher recommended cutoffs in clinical evaluations. If subthreshold PVT scores are considered evidence of performance invalidity, it is still necessary to have an approach for interpreting seemingly credible neuropsychological test results rather than simply dismissing them as invalid.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Loring
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Felicia C Goldstein
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a serious chronic neurological disorder manifested by an enduring symptomatic predisposition to seizures. Newly diagnosed individuals face increased morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic costs. Anti-epileptic drug therapy is the treatment usually prescribed, which has efficacy in seizure control and mitigating long-term mortality. AREAS COVERED Safety of anti-epileptic drug therapy in adults with a focus in newly diagnosed patients. Areas covered include the most commonly experienced adverse drug effects, as well as those with the highest impacts on drug tolerability, quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Evidence was also reviewed to identify clinical strategies to improve the safety of anti-epileptic drug therapy. EXPERT OPINION Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are mostly effective and well tolerated. However, a lack of standardised reporting of adverse drug effects in trials and in clinical practice provides an obstacle for evaluation of which adverse drug effects need to be prioritised in management. Improvement in the reporting of cognitive and other effects, as well as improved precision medicine and pharmacogenomics to target the incidence of high-mortality idiosyncratic reactions, will help to reduce the harm of AEDs in people newly diagnosed with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Sharma
- a Department of Neuroscience , Central Clinical School, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- a Department of Neuroscience , Central Clinical School, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,b Department of Medicine , Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia.,c School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
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Iannaccone S, Spina A, Alemanno F, Della Rosa PA, Houdayer E, Raggi A, Riccio L, Brugliera L, Mortini P. Uncertain Effectiveness of Prophylactic Anticonvulsive Medication in Predicting Cognitive Outcome of Neurosurgical Patients. World Neurosurg 2019; 127:e692-e696. [PMID: 30947008 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of prophylactic anticonvulsive medication, above all levetiracetam monotherapy, in predicting the cognitive outcome of neurosurgical patients with post-traumatic brain injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, and encephalic tumors. METHODS We examined data concerning 232 of 327 adult patients admitted to the Neurorehabilitation Department of the San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) after discharge from the Neurosurgery Department. Cognitive status was evaluated by means of the "Mini-Mental State" examination and the Functional Independence Measure at baseline and at the end of a rehabilitation care with an average duration of about four weeks. RESULTS The vast majority of the patients were treated with levetiracetam. Our data showed a negative role of antiepileptic drugs on cognitive recovery in a cohort of neurosurgical patients. CONCLUSIONS Knowing thoroughly the effects of antiepileptic drugs in rehabilitation outcome is of fundamental importance. This study represents the only large series analyzing these aspects in the rehabilitation of neurosurgical patients. Antiepileptic drugs should be managed to ensure patients the best possible cognitive outcome. Further evidence from good-quality trials is required to assess the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsive medication in predicting the cognitive outcome of neurosurgical patients who are treated with rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Iannaccone
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfio Spina
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Alemanno
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Anthony Della Rosa
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elise Houdayer
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Raggi
- Unit of Neurology, G.B. Morgagni - L. Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Lucia Riccio
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigia Brugliera
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Mortini
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, I.R.C.C.S San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
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49
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Hwang G, Dabbs K, Conant L, Nair VA, Mathis J, Almane DN, Nencka A, Birn R, Humphries C, Raghavan M, DeYoe EA, Struck AF, Maganti R, Binder JR, Meyerand E, Prabhakaran V, Hermann B. Cognitive slowing and its underlying neurobiology in temporal lobe epilepsy. Cortex 2019; 117:41-52. [PMID: 30927560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive slowing is a known but comparatively under-investigated neuropsychological complication of the epilepsies in relation to other known cognitive comorbidities such as memory, executive function and language. Here we focus on a novel metric of processing speed, characterize its relative salience compared to other cognitive difficulties in epilepsy, and explore its underlying neurobiological correlates. Research participants included 55 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 58 healthy controls from the Epilepsy Connectome Project (ECP) who were administered a battery of tests yielding 14 neuropsychological measures, including selected tests from the NIH Toolbox-Cognitive Battery, and underwent 3T MRI and resting state fMRI. TLE patients exhibited a pattern of generalized cognitive impairment with very few lateralized abnormalities. Using the neuropsychological measures, machine learning (Support Vector Machine binary classification model) classified the TLE and control groups with 74% accuracy with processing speed (NIH Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test) the best predictor. In TLE, slower processing speed was associated predominantly with decreased local gyrification in regions including the rostral and caudal middle frontal gyrus, inferior precentral cortex, insula, inferior parietal cortex (angular and supramarginal gyri), lateral occipital cortex, rostral anterior cingulate, and medial orbital frontal regions, as well as three small regions of the temporal lobe. Slower processing speed was also associated with decreased connectivity between the primary visual cortices in both hemispheres and the left supplementary motor area, as well as between the right parieto-occipital sulcus and right middle insular area. Overall, slowed processing speed is an important cognitive comorbidity of TLE associated with altered brain structure and connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyujoon Hwang
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kevin Dabbs
- Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lisa Conant
- Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Veena A Nair
- Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jed Mathis
- Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dace N Almane
- Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Nencka
- Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rasmus Birn
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Manoj Raghavan
- Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Edgar A DeYoe
- Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Aaron F Struck
- Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rama Maganti
- Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Meyerand
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vivek Prabhakaran
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bruce Hermann
- Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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50
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Barr WB. Understanding the Cognitive Side Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs: Can Functional Imaging Be Helpful? Epilepsy Curr 2019; 19:22-23. [PMID: 30838926 PMCID: PMC6610363 DOI: 10.1177/1535759718822032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of Carbamazepine and Lamotrigine on Functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging Cognitive Networks Xiao F, Caciagli L, Wandschneider B, Sander JW, Sidhu M, Winston G,
Burdett J, Trimmel K, Hill A, Vollmar C, Vos SB, Ourselin S, Thompson
PJ, Zhou D, Duncan JS, Koepp MJ. Epilepsia.
2018;59:1362-1371. doi:10.1111/epi.14448 Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium channel–blocking
antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) language network activations in patients with focal epilepsy.
Methods: In a retrospective study, we identified patients who were
treated at the time of language fMRI scanning with either carbamazepine
(CBZ; n = 42) or lamotrigine (LTG; n = 42), but not another sodium
channel–blocking AED. We propensity-matched 42 patients taking
levetiracetam (LEV) as “patient-controls” and included further 42 age-
and gender-matched healthy controls. After controlling for age, age at
onset of epilepsy, gender, and antiepileptic comedications, we compared
verbal fluency fMRI activations between groups and out-of-scanner
psychometric measures of verbal fluency. Results: Patients on CBZ
performed less well on a verbal fluency tests than those taking LTG or
LEV. Compared to either LEV-treated patients or controls, patients
taking CBZ showed decreased activations in left inferior frontal gyrus
and patients on LTG showed abnormal deactivations in frontal and
parietal default mode areas. All patient groups showed fewer activations
in the putamen bilaterally compared to controls. In a post hoc analysis,
out-of-scanner fluency scores correlated positively with left putamen
activation. Significance: Our study provides evidence of AED effects on
the functional neuroanatomy of language, which might explain subtle
language deficits in patients taking otherwise well-tolerated sodium
channel–blocking agents. Patients on CBZ showed dysfunctional frontal
activation and more pronounced impairment of performance than patients
taking LTG, which was associated only with failure to deactivate
task-negative networks. As previously shown for working memory, LEV
treatment did not affect functional language networks.
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