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Watkins LV, Dunstall H, Musicha C, Lawthom C, John K, Bright C, Richings C, Harding K, Moon S, Pape SE, Winterhalder R, Allgar V, Thomas RH, McLean B, Laugharne R, Shankar R. Rapid switching from levetiracetam to brivaracetam in pharmaco-resistant epilepsy in people with and without intellectual disabilities: a naturalistic case control study. J Neurol 2023; 270:5889-5902. [PMID: 37610448 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11959-w] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one quarter of people with an intellectual disability (PwID) have epilepsy of whom nearly three-quarters are pharmaco-resistant. There are higher reported neuropsychiatric side-effects to anti-seizure medication (ASM) in this group. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a first-line ASM with a stronger association with neuropsychiatric symptoms for PwID than other ASMs. Brivaracetam (BRV) is a newer ASM. Recent studies suggest a beneficial effect of swapping people who experience neuropsychiatric events with LEV to BRV. However, there is limited evidence of this for PwID. This evaluation analyses real world outcomes of LEV to BRV swap for PwID compared to those without ID. METHODS We performed a multicentre, retrospective review of clinical records. Demographic, clinical characteristics and reported adverse events of patients switched from LEV to BRV (2016-2020) were recorded at 3 months pre and 6- and 12-month post-BRV initiation. Outcomes were compared between PwID and those without and summarised using cross-tabulations and logistic regression models. A Bonferroni correction was applied. RESULTS Of 77 participants, 46 had ID and 52% had a past psychiatric illness. 71% participants switched overnight from LEV to BRV. Seizure reduction of > 50% was seen in 40% patients. Psychiatric illness history was predictive of having neuropsychiatric side-effects with LEV but not BRV (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference for any primary outcomes between PwID versus without ID. CONCLUSIONS Switching from LEV to BRV appears as well tolerated and efficacious in PwID as those without ID with over 90% still on BRV after 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Watkins
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
- University of South Wales, Aberdare, UK
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - H Dunstall
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - C Musicha
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - C Lawthom
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
- Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - K John
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
| | - C Bright
- University of South Wales, Aberdare, UK
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
| | - C Richings
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
| | - K Harding
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
| | - S Moon
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - S E Pape
- Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Kent, UK
| | | | - V Allgar
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - R H Thomas
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B McLean
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Rohit Shankar
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Truro, TR4 9LD, UK.
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Argyrou A, Lappas AS, Bakaloudi DR, Tsekitsidi E, Mathioudaki E, Michou N, Polyzopoulou Z, Christodoulou N, Papazisis G, Chourdakis M, Samara MT. Pharmacotherapy compared to placebo for people with Bulimia Nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115357. [PMID: 37562154 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder with high rates of psychiatric and medical comorbidity and substantial societal costs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is considered the preferred treatment, but access can be problematic. Pharmacotherapy is more accessible but remains significantly underutilised. We aimed to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of all available forms of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of bulimia nervosa. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant articles up until April 2023. The primary outcomes were remission and binge frequency. 52 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3313 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, no significant difference was observed between drugs and placebo in terms of remission; however, the available data were limited. Notably, drugs, particularly antidepressants, demonstrated a significant reduction in the frequency of binge episodes compared to placebo. Antidepressants were also found to be more effective than placebo in terms of treatment response and other clinically meaningful outcomes. An important limitation is that few RCTs were available for individual drugs. Our findings provide evidence supporting the increased utilisation of pharmacotherapy in clinical practice and underscore the need for further research involving larger populations and a broader range of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Argyrou
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreas S Lappas
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41334, Greece; Department of Geriatric Liaison Psychiatry, Royal Gwent Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Tsekitsidi
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elissavet Mathioudaki
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niki Michou
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoi Polyzopoulou
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Macedonia, Florina 53100, Greece
| | - Nikos Christodoulou
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41334, Greece
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, University Campus, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Michail Chourdakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Myrto T Samara
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41334, Greece; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany.
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Tursunova NV, Klinnikova MG, Babenko OA, Lushnikova EL. [Molecular mechanisms of the cardiotoxic action of anthracycline antibiotics and statin-induced cytoprotective reactions of cardiomyocytes]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2021; 66:357-371. [PMID: 33140729 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20206605357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The manifestation of the side cardiotoxic effect of anthracycline antibiotics limits their use in the treatment of malignant processes in some patients. The review analyzes the main causes of the susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to the damaging effect of anthracyclines, primarily associated with an increase in the processes of free radical oxidation. Currently, research is widely carried out to find ways to reduce anthracycline cardiotoxicity, in particular, the use of cardioprotective agents in the complex treatment of tumors. Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to improve the function and metabolism of the cardiovascular system under various pathological impacts, therefore, it is proposed to use them to reduce cardiotoxic complications of chemotherapy. Statins exhibit direct (hypolipidemic) and pleiotropic effects due to the blockade of mevalonic acid synthesis and downward biochemical cascades that determine their cardioprotective properties. The main point of intersection of the pharmacological activity of anthracyclines and statins is the ability of both to regulate the functioning of small GTPase from the Rho family, and their effect in this regard is the opposite. The influence of statins on the modification and membrane dislocation of Rho proteins mediates the indirect antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, endothelioprotective, antiapoptotic effect. The mechanism of statin inhibition of doxorubicin blockade of the DNA-topoisomerase complex, which may be important in preventing cardiotoxic damage during chemotherapy, is discussed. At the same time, it should be noted that the use of statins can be accompanied by adverse side effects: a provocation of increased insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, which often causes them to be canceled in patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, so further studies are needed here. The review also analyzes data on the antitumor effect of statins, their ability to sensitize the tumor to treatment with cytostatic drug. It has been shown that the relationship between anthracycline antibiotics and statins is characterized not only by antagonism, but also in some cases by synergism. Despite some adverse effects, statins are one of the most promising cardio- and vasoprotectors for use in anthracycline cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Tursunova
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Pathomorphology, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M G Klinnikova
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Pathomorphology, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O A Babenko
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Pathomorphology, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E L Lushnikova
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Pathomorphology, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Adachi N, Fenwick P, Akanuma N, Hara K, Ishii R, Okazaki M, Ito M, Sekimoto M, Kato M, Onuma T. Increased frequency of psychosis after second-generation antiepileptic drug administration in adults with focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:138-143. [PMID: 31252268 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many studies show psychoses after some antiepileptic drug (AED) administrations (post-AED administration psychoses [PAP]). It remains uncertain about psychogenetic potential of each AED and effects of clinical state factors on PAP. We examined the relations between AED-related factors (types, generations, dosages, and concomitant AED) and PAP. METHODS The clinical records of patients with focal epilepsy were retrospectively reviewed from eight adult epilepsy clinics, for every six-month period after administration of a new drug (either AED or non-AED) between 1981 and 2015. Characteristics of psychotic episodes, AED-related factors (type, daily dosage, and concomitant AED), and other state-related risk factors to psychosis (age, duration of epilepsy, history of psychosis, and seizure frequency) were examined. Psychogenetic risks of AED-related and state-related factors were analyzed with multifactorial procedures. RESULTS Of 2067 patients with focal epilepsy, 5018 new drugs (4402 AEDs and 616 non-AEDs) were administered. Within the first six-month period, 89 patients exhibited 105 psychotic episodes (81 interictal and 24 postictal psychoses: 55 first episodes and 50 recurrences). With second-generation AED (SAED) administration, particularly topiramate and lamotrigine, frequency of psychosis was significantly increased. Daily dosage of AED was not significantly associated with psychosis. Psychosis tended to occur with a higher number of concomitant AED. Subsequent analysis with AED-related and general factors showed that SAED administrations and previous psychotic history were the most significant risks for PAP. CONCLUSION Post-AED administration psychoses is associated with type of AED (SAED), rather than its dosage. Individual vulnerabilities are also associated with PAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Adachi
- Adachi Mental Clinic, Sapporo, Japan; National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan.
| | - Peter Fenwick
- Institute of Psychiatry [emeritus], King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nozomi Akanuma
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan; Lambeth Assessment, Liaison and Treatment Team, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ryouhei Ishii
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Osaka Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Okazaki
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Masumi Ito
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan; Jozen Clinic, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masanori Sekimoto
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan; Musashino Kokubunji Clinic, Kokubunji, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kato
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan; Musashino Kokubunji Clinic, Kokubunji, Japan
| | - Teiichi Onuma
- National Centre Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan; Musashino Kokubunji Clinic, Kokubunji, Japan
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Kellermann TS, Mueller M, Carter EG, Brooks B, Smith G, Kopp OJ, Wagner JL. Prediction of specific depressive symptom clusters in youth with epilepsy: The NDDI-E-Y versus Neuro-QOL SF. Epilepsia 2017; 58:1370-1379. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.13808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja S. Kellermann
- Department of Neurosurgery; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
| | - Martina Mueller
- College of Nursing; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
| | - Emma G. Carter
- Department of Neurology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
| | - Byron Brooks
- Department of Psychology; East Tennessee State University; Johnson City Tennessee U.S.A
| | - Gigi Smith
- College of Nursing; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
| | | | - Janelle L. Wagner
- College of Nursing; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston South Carolina U.S.A
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Belcastro V, Pisani LR, Bellocchi S, Casiraghi P, Gorgone G, Mula M, Pisani F. Brain tumor location influences the onset of acute psychiatric adverse events of levetiracetam therapy: an observational study. J Neurol 2017; 264:921-927. [PMID: 28315958 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8463-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To explore possible correlations among brain lesion location, development of psychiatric symptoms and the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in a population of patients with brain tumor and epilepsy. The medical records of 283 patients with various types of brain tumor (161 M/122 F, mean age 64.9 years) were analysed retrospectively. Patients with grade III and IV glioma, previous history of epileptic seizures and/or psychiatric disorders were excluded. Psychiatric symptoms occurring after initiation of AED therapy were considered as treatment emergent psychiatric adverse events (TE-PAEs) if they fulfilled the following conditions: (1) onset within 4 weeks after the beginning of AED therapy; (2) disappearance on drug discontinuation; (3) absence of any other identified possible concurrent cause. The possible influence of the following variables were analysed: (a) AED drug and dose; (b) location and neuroradiologic features of the tumor, (c) location and type of EEG epileptic abnormalities, (d) tumor excision already or not yet performed; (e) initiation or not of radiotherapy. TE-PAEs occurred in 27 of the 175 AED-treated patients (15.4%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association of TE-PAEs occurrence with location of the tumor in the frontal lobe (Odds ratio: 5.56; 95% confidence interval 1.95-15.82; p value: 0.005) and treatment with levetiracetam (Odds ratio: 3.61; 95% confidence interval 1.48-8.2; p value: 0.001). Drug-unrelated acute psychiatric symptoms were observed in 4 of the 108 AED-untreated patients (3.7%) and in 7 of the 175 AED-treated patients (4%). The results of the present study suggest that an AED alternative to levetiracetam should be chosen to treat epileptic seizures in patients with a brain tumor located in the frontal lobe to minimize the possible onset of TE-PAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Rosa Pisani
- Neurology Unit, "Cutrona Zodda" Hospital, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, ME, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Mula
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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A Clinical-EEG Study of Sleepiness and Psychological Symptoms in Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy Patients Treated with Lacosamide. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2013; 2013:593149. [PMID: 24171111 PMCID: PMC3792514 DOI: 10.1155/2013/593149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the EEG and clinical modifications induced by the new antiepileptic drug lacosamide (LCM) in patients with epilepsy. We evaluated 10 patients affected by focal pharmacoresistant epilepsy in which LCM (mean 250 mg/day) was added to the preexisting antiepileptic therapy, which was left unmodified. Morning waking EEG recording was performed before (t0) and at 6 months (t1) after starting LCM. At t0 and t1, patients were also administered questionnaires evaluating mood, anxiety, sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue (Beck Depression Inventory; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1 and Y2; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Fatigue Severity Scale). We performed a quantitative analysis of EEG interictal abnormalities and background EEG power spectrum analysis. LCM as an add-on did not significantly affect anxiety, depression, sleepiness, sleep quality, and fatigue scales. Similarly, adding LCM to preexisting therapy did not modify significantly patient EEGs in terms of absolute power, relative power, mean frequency, and interictal abnormalities occurrence. In conclusion, in this small cohort of patients, we confirmed that LCM as an add-on does not affect subjective parameters which play a role, among others, in therapy tolerability, and our clinical impression was further supported by evaluation of EEG spectral analysis.
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Ding YX, Zou LP, Ma MS, Wang Y, Meng LL, Fang F, Ding CH. Retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of first-line antiepileptic drugs for generalized onset and unclassified epileptic seizures in Chinese children. Childs Nerv Syst 2011; 27:279-84. [PMID: 20689955 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-010-1255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Based on the time until treatment failure, we retrospectively analyzed 389 children to compare the long-term effectiveness of first-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children with generalized onset or unclassified epileptic seizures. METHODS Analyses were based on time until treatment failure and time until remission. RESULTS In terms of time until treatment failure, the failure rates of topiramate and carbamazepine were higher than that of sodium valproate (p < 0.05). For time until 1-year remission, sodium valproate was found to be significantly better than either topiramate or carbamazepine (p < 0.05). For the subgroup with generalized onset epilepsy, sodium valproate was much better than either topiramate or carbamazepine (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between topiramate and carbamazepine (p = 0.319). For unclassified epileptic seizures, no significant differences were found among the three AEDs. CONCLUSION Sodium valproate should be the drug of choice for patients with children with generalized onset, and no significant differences were found among the three AEDs in unclassified epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Xue Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Somatosensory evoked potentials in epileptic children treated with carbamazepine or valproate in monotherapy - a preliminary study. Adv Med Sci 2010; 55:212-5. [PMID: 20513644 DOI: 10.2478/v10039-010-0019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data from the literature suggest that long-term therapy with various antiepileptic drugs can be responsible for the functional disturbances within the nervous system e.g. peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy. Useful and non-invasive instruments for evaluation of even subclinical nerve conduction abnormalities in somatosensory tracts are somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). The aim of this study was to assess the potentially drug-induced abnormalities in the SEP parameters in epileptic children, treated chronically in monotherapy with one of the two most often used antiepileptic drugs: valproate (VPA) or carbamazepine (CBZ). MATERIALS AND METHODS SEP from left median nerve stimulation were recorded in twenty children with idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy treated in monotherapy with CBZ (9 patients) or VPA (11 patients). The mean age of the patients was 13.4 ± 2.9 years (range 7-17 years). The plasma concentrations of the drugs were consistently within therapeutic range. The mean duration of treatment was eight months. The control group consisted of twenty-four age-matched children with tension type headache. The latencies of the components: N9, N13, N20, P25 and the peripheral conduction time (PCT) and central conduction time (CCT) were analyzed. RESULTS No significant differences in all analyzed SEP parameters between the epileptic and control children were found. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that during the first 8 months from the beginning of antiepileptic treatment in children, monotherapy with VPA or CBZ does not induce nerve conduction disturbances within both the peripheral- and the central part of the somatosensory tracts, detected in SEP examination.
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Abstract
Suicide is an important cause of premature death. In the general population, most people who commit suicide have a psychiatric problem at the time. People with epilepsy are thought to be at increased risk from suicide and suicidality (suicidal ideation or behaviour). Standardized mortality ratios estimated for suicide in people with epilepsy are usually between 3 and 5. Risk factors for suicide in people with epilepsy have been suggested, including early age of onset of seizures, temporal lobe epilepsy, severe seizures and recent control of seizures. Psychiatric co-morbidity also seems to be an important factor in people with epilepsy who commit suicide. In recent years, suicidality has been recognized as a complication of several groups of drugs and, most recently, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been implicated. The US FDA performed a meta-analysis of 199 placebo-controlled studies of 11 AEDs used for seizure control, psychiatric or 'other' indications. There were four completed suicides in those taking AEDs and none in those taking placebo. The odds ratio for suicidal behaviour or ideation was 1.8 (95% CI 1.24, 2.66), suggesting that people taking AEDs are more at risk than those taking placebo. The odds ratio was significantly raised for people taking AEDs for epilepsy, but not for the other indications. AEDs may affect mood by means of several mechanisms. In people with epilepsy, however, the concept of forced normalization (or alternative psychosis) may also play a part. In this situation, control of seizures (by AEDs or epilepsy surgery) may alternate with psychotic features or, less commonly, depression, although this is not fully understood. The risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour as adverse effects of AED treatment, although increased, seems low. As a result of the FDA's alert clinicians are supposed to inform patients and their families of this increased risk but it is important to place it in a proper perspective. Some people with epilepsy are more likely to develop psychiatric adverse effects with any AEDs, and these people should be followed closely whenever a new AED is introduced. Nonetheless, in people with epilepsy the risk of suicidality associated with AEDs needs to be balanced against the risk of not treating the seizures. In fact, the risk of stopping AEDs or refusing to start AEDs for the control of a seizure disorder may be significantly worse and may result in serious harm, including death of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail S Bell
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Mula M, Hesdorffer DC, Trimble M, Sander JW. The role of titration schedule of topiramate for the development of depression in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2009; 50:1072-6. [PMID: 19178563 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether a fast titration schedule of topiramate (TPM) has different effects on the occurrence of depression, in relation to other risk factors for TPM-induced depression, including history of depression (HxDEP), febrile seizures (FS), and hippocampal sclerosis (HS). METHODS Using data from a large case registry of patients prescribed TPM, two models were constructed: Model 1 examined the independent effect of rapid TPM titration after separate adjustment for FS, HxDEP, and HS. Model 2 examined effect of the cooccurrence of rapid titration on the development of depression with each of these risk factors. RESULTS A total of 423 patients were included (51.8% females), mean age (SD) 35.5 (11.8) years, mean duration of epilepsy of 22.2 (11.5) years. Forty-four patients (10.4%) developed depression during TPM therapy. A rapid TPM titration was associated with 5-fold increased risk of depression that increased to 12.7-fold in the presence of both FS and rapid TPM titration, 23.3-fold in the presence of both HxDEP and rapid TPM titration, and 7.6-fold in the presence of both HS and rapid TPM titration schedule. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that a rapid titration schedule is associated with an increased risk of developing depression during TPM therapy. HxDEP and FS are major contraindications to the use of a rapid titration, with a 23.3-fold and 12.7 fold increased risk, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University, Novara, Italy.
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12
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Abstract
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) continue to be the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, but the benefits of seizure control need to be weighed carefully against possible adverse effects, which can include behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. In this paper, the associations between AEDs and psychosis, depression and behavioral changes are reviewed. The concept of forced normalization and its clinical counterpart, alternative psychosis, are also discussed. Depression seems to be linked with AEDs potentiating GABAergic neurotransmission in patients with limbic system abnormalities such as hippocampal sclerosis. Psychoses have been described as associated with several of the new AEDs, and they are often seen in a setting in which previously refractory patients suddenly become seizure-free. In general terms, the use of AEDs in monotherapy, adopting slow titration schedules and low doses when possible, can significantly reduce the occurrence of behavioral adverse effects. A previous history of psychiatric disorder or a familial predisposition are important risk factors and should be always considered when choosing the appropriate AED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Department of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Novara, Italy.
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13
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Mula M, Trimble MR, Sander JW. Are psychiatric adverse events of antiepileptic drugs a unique entity? A study on topiramate and levetiracetam. Epilepsia 2007; 48:2322-6. [PMID: 17711462 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the hypothesis that some patients with epilepsy are generally prone to develop psychiatric adverse events (PAEs) during antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy irrespective of the mechanism of action of the drugs. METHODS From a large case registry of patients prescribed topiramate (TPM) and levetiracetam (LEV), data of patients who had a trial with both drugs were analyzed. Demographic and clinical variables of those who developed PAEs with both drugs (group 1) were compared with those who did not (group 2). Subsequently, from the whole case registry, psychopathological features, demographic, and clinical variables of patients developing PAEs with TPM were compared with those of patients developing PAEs with LEV. RESULTS The case registry included over 800 patients. Among 108 patients having a trial with both drugs, we identified 9 patients in group 1 and 71 in group 2. Previous psychiatric history, family psychiatric history and history of febrile convulsions showed to be significant clinical correlates. Comparing patients who developed PAEs with LEV with those who developed PAEs with TPM, there were no differences in epilepsy related variables. Well-defined DSM-IV disorders were more frequent with TPM than with LEV. Seizure freedom was associated with psychosis. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a subgroup of patients is generally prone to develop PAEs during AED therapy, despite different pharmacological properties of the AEDs. A particular clinical profile and relevant variables have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Section of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Novara, Italy.
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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