Attention problems in children with epilepsy. How is the long-term outcome?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with epilepsy (CWE).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and Embase for the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of ADHD was calculated using a random-effects model; subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. We collected raw data from articles reporting potential risk factors, which were included in the subsequent risk factor analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-six articles met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, which showed a pooled ADHD prevalence of 30.7% in CWE, with a predominance of the inattentive subtype of ADHD; the heterogeneity of prevalence was related to population source/study setting (clinic based, community based, or database based) and method of ADHD diagnosis (with or without clinical review). Risk factors for ADHD in epilepsy included younger age, intellectual/developmental disabilities, a family history of epilepsy, earlier epilepsy onset, absence epilepsy, more frequent seizures, and polytherapy; In contrast, risk factors such as sex, generalized epilepsy or seizures, epilepsy etiology, and electroencephalogram abnormalities were not significantly associated with the occurrence of ADHD.

SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of ADHD in CWE is high and several potential risk factors are associated with it. This study contributes to a better understanding of ADHD in epilepsy for screening and treatment.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This systematic review summarizes the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurring in children with epilepsy and analyses the risk factors for comorbid ADHD in epilepsy. By reviewing 46 articles, we concluded that the overall prevalence of ADHD in children with epilepsy was 30.7% and that intellectual/developmental disabilities were the most significant risk factor for combined ADHD in children with epilepsy. This study provides a wealth of information on comorbid ADHD in epilepsy, which will help clinicians identify and treat potential ADHD in children with epilepsy in a timely manner.

Epilepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Connection, Chance, and Challenges

Comorbidities are common in children with epilepsy, with nearly half of the patients having at least one comorbidity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity and inattentiveness level disproportional to the child’s developmental stage. The burden of ADHD in children with epilepsy is high and can adversely affect the patients’ clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects, and quality of life. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain the high burden of ADHD in childhood epilepsy; the well-established bidirectional connection and shared genetic/non-genetic factors between epilepsy and comorbid ADHD largely rule out the possibility of a chance in this association. Stimulants are effective in children with comorbid ADHD, and the current body of evidence supports their safety within the approved dose. Nonetheless, safety data should be further studied in randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials. Comorbid ADHD is still under-recognized in clinical practice. Early identification and management of comorbid ADHD are crucial to optimize the prognosis and reduce the risk of adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The identification of the shared genetic background of epilepsy and ADHD can open the gate for tailoring treatment options for these patients through precision medicine.

ADHD and epilepsy-related QoL in youth with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric epilepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present a cumulative vulnerability to youth, particularly in the domains of executive function (EF) and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between EF and epilepsy-specific QoL in youth with epilepsy (YWE) who also have ADHD.

METHODS

Youth with epilepsy aged 5-18 years and caregivers participated in a large multi-site national validation of the PedsQL™ Epilepsy Modules. YWE and their caregivers were asked to complete measures of epilepsy-specific QoL, ADHD symptoms, and EF. Previous ADHD diagnosis was reported by caregivers as well as abstracted from the medical record.

RESULTS

Caregiver and YWE reports of current ADHD symptoms significantly predicted all epilepsy-specific QoL domains. Suboptimal QoL was reported for those YWE whose ADHD symptoms were above the clinical threshold compared to YWE whose ADHD symptoms were within the average range. Results were similar for YWE with a documented ADHD vs no ADHD diagnosis. In addition, poorer metacognition and behavioral regulation EF was associated with lower epilepsy-specific QoL for both YWE with ADHD and without ADHD diagnosis. However, in YWE with ADHD, effect sizes were consistently larger for behavioral regulation compared to metacognition across epilepsy-specific QoL domains, with behavioral regulation accounting for 50% of the variance in each of the EF and mood QoL domains.

SIGNIFICANCE

Addressing ADHD symptoms, epilepsy-specific, QoL, and EF as part of routine epilepsy care may promote optimal outcomes for YWE with ADHD as well as relieve burden on the healthcare system.

Behavior problems in children with epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Central China

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with epilepsy in Central China and compare the behavioral problems in children with epilepsy combined with and without ADHD. Children with epilepsy aged between 6 and 16 years were recruited for this study. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria were administered for the diagnosis of ADHD and ADHD subtype in children with epilepsy. Children Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was administered by trained research assistants to evaluate children's behavior problems. Among 206 children diagnosed as having epilepsy, 51 had ADHD symptoms. Among them, 52.1% (29/51) were inattentive subtype (ADHD-I), 13.73% (7/51) were hyperactive/impulsive subtype (ADHD-HI), and 29.41% (15/51) were combined subtype (ADHD-C). Children with epilepsy and ADHD had significantly higher scores on attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior subscales (P < 0.01). Our results showed that children with epilepsy exhibited a significantly higher rate of ADHD compared with controls in Central China, with a predominant inattentive subtype. Children with epilepsy and ADHD showed more behavior problems such as attention-deficit, delinquent, and aggressive behaviors compared with children with epilepsy only.

Evaluation of Hospitalized Intractable Epileptic Children with SPECT Scan in Ahvaz, South West of Iran

INTRODUCTION

Seizures are the most frequent neurologic disorder seen in childhood. Epilepsy is a group of disorders that includes an abnormally increased susceptibility to seizures.

AIM

To examine the effectiveness of SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography) in detecting seizure foci in 21 Iranian children who had medically refractory epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children between 2 to 15 years of age with uncontrolled seizures were investigated using SPECT scan as a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

In 16 cases (76.2%), likely seizure foci were evident, as were seen in the form of decreased regional blood flow, while in 5 cases (23.8%), SPECT scan results were normal. Left temporal lobe was the most common area which had decreased regional blood flow.

CONCLUSION

SPECT scan can potentially be used to investigate children with uncontrolled seizures.

Epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: links, risks, and challenges

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a prevalence rate of 7%-9% in the general population of children. However, in children with epilepsy, ADHD has been found to be present in 20%-50% of patients. This paper provides a review of ADHD prevalence in pediatric epilepsy populations and reviews data on specific symptom presentation and attention deficits in patients with epilepsy. This paper also reviews evidence-based treatments for ADHD and specifically the treatment of ADHD as a comorbid condition in children with epilepsy.