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Cross MR, Savitz ST, Sangaralingham LR, So EL, Ackerman MJ, Noseworthy PA. Sudden Cardiac Death or Ventricular Arrythmia in Patients Taking Levetiracetam or Oxcarbazepine. Neurology 2024; 102:e209177. [PMID: 38560823 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Levetiracetam is a widely used antiseizure medication. Recent concerns have been raised regarding the potential prolongation of the QT interval by levetiracetam and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. This could have profound implications for patient safety and for prescribing practice. This study assessed the potential association of levetiracetam with cardiac outcomes related to QT interval prolongation. We compared outcomes of patients taking levetiracetam with those taking oxcarbazepine as a comparator medication that has not been associated with prolongation of the QT interval. METHODS The sample included patients who were newly prescribed levetiracetam or oxcarbazepine from January 31, 2010, to December 31, 2019, using administrative claims data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse (OLDW). The analysis focused on a combined endpoint of sudden cardiac death or ventricular arrythmia, which are both linked to QT interval prolongation. We used a new user design and selected oxcarbazepine as an active comparator with levetiracetam to minimize bias. We used propensity score weighting to balance the levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine cohorts and then performed weighted Cox regressions to evaluate the association of levetiracetam with the combined endpoint. RESULTS We identified 104,655 enrollees taking levetiracetam and 39,596 enrollees taking oxcarbazepine. At baseline, enrollees taking levetiracetam were older, more likely to have diagnosed epilepsy, and more likely to have diagnosed comorbidities including hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and coronary artery disease. In the main analysis, we found no significant difference between levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine in the rate of the combined endpoint for the Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.42-1.47) or Cox regression with time-varying characteristics (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.41-1.50). DISCUSSION When compared with oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam does not correlate with increased risk of ventricular arrythmia and sudden cardiac death. Our finding does not support the concern for cardiac risk to indicate restriction of levetiracetam use nor the requirement of cardiac monitoring when using it. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class II evidence that sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrythmia are not more frequent in patients older than 17 years newly prescribed levetiracetam, compared with those prescribed oxcarbazepine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline R Cross
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Samuel T Savitz
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Lindsey R Sangaralingham
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Elson L So
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Peter A Noseworthy
- From the Department of Neurology (M.R.C.), Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery (S.T.S.), Division of Health Care Delivery Research (L.R.S., P.A.N.), Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology (E.L.S.), and Department of Cardiovascular Diseases (M.J.A., P.A.N.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Fialho GL, Pang TD, Kong WY, Tran AP, Yu CG, Rodriguez ID, Nearing BD, Waks JW, Maher TR, Clarke JR, Shepherd A, D'Avila A, Schachter SC, Verrier RL. Individuals with chronic epilepsy have elevated P-wave heterogeneity comparable to patients with atrial fibrillation. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2361-2372. [PMID: 37329175 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identification of epilepsy patients with elevated risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) is critical given the heightened morbidity and premature mortality associated with this arrhythmia. Epilepsy is a worldwide health problem affecting nearly 3.4 million people in the United States alone. The potential for increased risk for AF in patients with epilepsy is not well appreciated, despite recent evidence from a national survey of 1.4 million hospitalizations indicating that AF is the most common arrhythmia in people with epilepsy. METHODS We analyzed inter-lead heterogeneity of P-wave morphology, a marker reflecting arrhythmogenic nonuniformities of activation/conduction in atrial tissue. The study groups consisted of 96 patients with epilepsy and 44 consecutive patients with AF in sinus rhythm before clinically indicated ablation. Individuals without cardiovascular or neurological conditions (n = 77) were also assessed. We calculated P-wave heterogeneity (PWH) by second central moment analysis of simultaneous beats from leads II, III, and aVR ("atrial dedicated leads") from standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) recordings from admission day to the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). RESULTS Female patients composed 62.5%, 59.6%, and 57.1% of the epilepsy, AF, and control subjects, respectively. The AF cohort was older (66 ± 1.1 years) than the epilepsy group (44 ± 1.8 years, p < .001). The level of PWH was greater in the epilepsy group than in the control group (67 ± 2.6 vs. 57 ± 2.5 μV, p = .046) and reached levels observed in AF patients (67 ± 2.6 vs. 68 ± 4.9 μV, p = .99). In multiple linear regression analysis, PWH levels in individuals with epilepsy were mainly correlated with the PR interval and could be related to sympathetic tone. Epilepsy remained associated with PWH after adjustments for cardiac risk factors, age, and sex. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with chronic epilepsy have increased PWH comparable to levels observed in patients with AF, while being ~20 years younger, suggesting an acceleration in structural change and/or cardiac electrical instability. These observations are consistent with emerging evidence of an "epileptic heart" condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme L Fialho
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Trudy D Pang
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Wan Yee Kong
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Anthony P Tran
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Calvin G Yu
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ivo D Rodriguez
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jonathan W Waks
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Timothy R Maher
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John-Ross Clarke
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Alyssa Shepherd
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andre D'Avila
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Richard L Verrier
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Fialho GL, Verrier RL, D'Avila A, Melo HM, Wolf P, Walz R, Lin K. Dual assessment of abnormal cardiac electrical dispersion and diastolic dysfunction for early detection of the epileptic heart condition. J Electrocardiol 2023; 78:69-75. [PMID: 36805647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.02.001] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with epilepsy (PWE) are at increased risk for premature death due to many factors. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is among the most important causes of death in these individuals and possibly, sudden cardiac death (SCD) in epilepsy is also as important. The possibility of concurrent derangement in electrical and mechanical cardiac function, which could be a marker of early cardiac involvement in PWE, has not been investigated in that population. METHODS Electrical dispersion indices (T-wave peak to T-wave end, TpTe; QT dispersion, QTd; QT interval corrected for heart rate, QTc) were analyzed in patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy and compared to a control group. The electromechanical relationship between those indices and echocardiographic parameters were further assessed in PWE. RESULTS In 19 PWE and 21 controls, we found greater TpTe and QTd in PWE (TpTe: 91.6 ± 16.4 ms vs. 65.2 ± 12.1 ms, p < 0.0001; and QTd: 45.3 ± 13.1 ms vs. 19 ± 6.2 ms, p < 0.0001, respectively). QTc was similar between PWE and controls (419.2 ± 31.4 ms vs. 435.1 ± 31.4 ms, p = 0.12). In multivariate linear regression, TpTe, QTc, and epilepsy duration were related to left ventricular mass; QTc was associated with left atrial volume; QTc, the number of seizures per month, epilepsy duration and antiseizure medication explained 81% of E/A mitral wave Doppler ratio. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to demonstrate concurrent electrical dispersion and diastolic dysfunction in PWE. These noninvasive biomarkers could prove useful in early detection of the "Epileptic Heart" condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Loureiro Fialho
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital (HU) Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Applied Neuroscience, University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Richard L Verrier
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andre D'Avila
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiago Murilo Melo
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Applied Neuroscience, University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Peter Wolf
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark; Neurology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Roger Walz
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Applied Neuroscience, University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Neurology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Epilepsy Surgery of Santa Catarina (CEPESC), University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Katia Lin
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Applied Neuroscience, University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Neurology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Center for Epilepsy Surgery of Santa Catarina (CEPESC), University Hospital (HU), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Gurses AA, Genc E, Gurses KM, Altiparmak T, Yildirim I, Genc BO. QT interval alterations in epilepsy: A thorough investigation between epilepsy subtypes. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 104:113-117. [PMID: 36027652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.08.014] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiac disturbances and rhythm abnormalities which potentially lead sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, have been extensively studied in focal epilepsies. However, studies including generalized epilepsies are scarce and it is not clear whether electrocardiogram parameters reflecting vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias differ between these groups. METHODS Medical records of patients who were followed in epilepsy department of a tertiary center between October 2015 and September 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. 66 generalized and 64 focal epilepsy patients with eligible electrophysiological data were analyzed. QTc interval, QTcd and other electrocardiographic indices were compared between patients with focal vs generalized epilepsy. Another analysis was performed in order to disclose any difference between patients with epilepsy (n:130) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. A two-tailed p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS There was no difference in terms of QTc and QTcd between patients with focal and generalized epilepsy [median: 406 ms vs 404 ms, p = 0.119; and median: 46 ms vs 44 ms, p = 0.497, respectively]. However patients with epilepsy were found to have longer QTc and QTcd when compared to ones with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Current findings demonstrate that patients with epilepsy have longer QTc and QTcd than patients with pure psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Since there was no difference between patients with focal and generalized epilepsy; QTc interval, QTcd and potential susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias as a result, could be a consequence of epilepsy itself regardless of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Akyol Gurses
- Gazi University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (Division of Clinical Neurophysiology), 906560 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Emine Genc
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 9042080 Konya, Turkey
| | - Kadri Murat Gurses
- Konya Training and Research Hospital, Cardiology Clinic, 9042080 Konya, Turkey
| | - Taylan Altiparmak
- Gazi University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (Division of Clinical Neurophysiology), 906560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Irem Yildirim
- Gazi University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology (Division of Clinical Neurophysiology), 906560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Oguz Genc
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 9042080 Konya, Turkey
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Jia L, Eroglu TE, Wilders R, Verkerk AO, Tan HL. Carbamazepine Increases the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest by a Reduction of the Cardiac Sodium Current. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:891996. [PMID: 35721495 PMCID: PMC9204209 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.891996] [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] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) associated with the use of carbamazepine (CBZ) and establish the possible underlying cellular electrophysiological mechanisms. Methods: The SCA risk association with CBZ was studied in general population cohorts using a case–control design (n = 5,473 SCA cases, 21,866 non-SCA controls). Effects of 1–100 µM CBZ on action potentials (APs) and individual membrane currents were determined in isolated rabbit and human cardiomyocytes using the patch clamp technique. Results: CBZ use was associated with increased risk of SCA compared with no use (adjusted odds ratio 1.90 [95% confidence interval: 1.12–3.24]). CBZ reduced the AP upstroke velocity of rabbit and human cardiomyocytes, without prominent changes in other AP parameters. The reduction occurred at ≥30 µM and was frequency-dependent with a more pronounced reduction at high stimulus frequencies. The cardiac sodium current (INa) was reduced at ≥30 μM; this was accompanied by a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependency of inactivation. The recovery from inactivation was slower, which is consistent with the more pronounced AP upstroke velocity reduction at high stimulus frequencies. The main cardiac K+ and Ca2+ currents were unaffected, except reduction of L-type Ca2+ current by 100 µM CBZ. Conclusion: CBZ use is associated with an increased risk of SCA in the general population. At concentrations of 30 µM and above, CBZ reduces AP upstroke velocity and INa in cardiomyocytes. Since the concentration of 30 µM is well within the therapeutic range (20–40 µM), we conclude that CBZ increases the risk of SCA by a reduction of the cardiac INa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Jia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Talip E. Eroglu
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Ronald Wilders
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arie O. Verkerk
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanno L. Tan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Hanno L. Tan,
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Hamdy RM, Elaziz OHA, El attar RS, Abdel-Tawab H, Kotb FM. Evaluation of QT dispersion in epileptic patients and its association with SUDEP risk. Epilepsy Res 2022; 180:106860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Suppression of Electrographic Seizures Is Associated with Amelioration of QTc Interval Prolongation in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225374. [PMID: 34830656 PMCID: PMC8622115 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Disorders in electroencephalography (EEG) are commonly noted in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may be associated with electrocardiographic disturbances. Electrographic seizures (ESz) are the most common features in these patients. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ESz and possible changes in QTc interval and spatial QRS-T angle both during ESz and after ESz resolution. Methods: Adult patients with TBI were studied. Surface 12-lead ECGs were recorded using a Cardiax device during ESz events and 15 min after their effective suppression using barbiturate infusion. The ESz events were diagnosed using Masimo Root or bispectral index (BIS) devices. Results: Of the 348 patients considered for possible inclusion, ESz were noted in 72, with ECG being recorded in 21. Prolonged QTc was noted during ESz but significantly ameliorated after ESz suppression (540.19 ± 60.68 ms vs. 478.67 ± 38.52 ms, p < 0.001). The spatial QRS-T angle was comparable during ESz and after treatment. Regional cerebral oximetry increased following ESz suppression (from 58.4% ± 6.2 to 60.5% ± 4.2 (p < 0.01) and from 58.2% ± 7.2 to 60.8% ± 4.8 (p < 0.05) in the left and right hemispheres, respectively). Conclusion: QTc interval prolongation occurs during ESz events in TBI patients but both it and regional cerebral oximetry are improved after suppression of seizures.
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Verrier RL, Pang TD, Nearing BD, Schachter SC. Epileptic heart: A clinical syndromic approach. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1780-1789. [PMID: 34236079 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of premature death in patients with chronic epilepsy remains a major challenge. Multiple pathophysiologic factors have been implicated, with intense investigation of cardiorespiratory mechanisms. Up to four in five patients with chronic epilepsy exhibit cardiovascular comorbidities. These findings led us to propose the concept of an "epileptic heart," defined as "a heart and coronary vasculature damaged by chronic epilepsy as a result of repeated surges in catecholamines and hypoxemia leading to electrical and mechanical dysfunction." Among the most prominent changes documented in the literature are high incidence of myocardial infarction and arrhythmia, altered autonomic tone, diastolic dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, and accelerated atherosclerosis. This suite of pathologic changes prompted us to propose for the first time in this review a syndromic approach for improved clinical detection of the epileptic heart condition. In this review, we discuss the key pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the candidate criteria along with standard and novel techniques that permit evaluation of each of these factors. Specifically, we present evidence of the utility of standard 12-lead, ambulatory, and multiday patch-based electrocardiograms, along with measures of cardiac electrical instability, including T-wave alternans, heart rate variability to detect altered autonomic tone, echocardiography to detect diastolic dysfunction, and plasma biomarkers for assessing hyperlipidemia and accelerated atherosclerosis. Ultimately, the proposed clinical syndromic approach is intended to improve monitoring and evaluation of cardiac risk in patients with chronic epilepsy to foster improved therapeutic strategies to reduce premature cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Verrier
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trudy D Pang
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce D Nearing
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Consortia for Improving Medicine with Innovation and Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and Mortality in Epilepsy Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57050504. [PMID: 34065703 PMCID: PMC8156797 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57050504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: People with epilepsy (PWE) have a 2–3 times higher mortality rate than the general population. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) comprises a significant proportion of premature deaths, whereas sudden cardiac death (SCD) is among the leading causes of sudden death in the general population. Cardiac pathologies are significantly more prevalent in PWE. Whether electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters are associated with remote death in PWE has yet to be elucidated. The study objective was to assess whether interictal ECG parameters are associated with mortality in the long-term. Materials and Methods: The study involved 471 epilepsy patients who were hospitalized after a bilateral tonic-clonic seizure(s). ECG parameters were obtained on the day of hospitalization (heart rate, PQ interval, QRS complex, QT interval, heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc), ST segment and T wave changes), as well as reported ECG abnormalities. Mortality data were obtained from the Latvian National Cause-of-Death database 3–11, mean 7.0 years after hospitalization. The association between the ECG parameters and the long-term clinical outcome were examined. Results: At the time of assessment, 75.4% of patients were alive and 24.6% were deceased. Short QTc interval (odds ratio (OR) 4.780; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.668–13.698; p = 0.004) was associated with a remote death. After the exclusion of known comorbidities with high mortality rates, short QTc (OR 4.631) and ECG signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 5.009) were associated with a remote death. Conclusions: The association between routine 12-lead rest ECG parameters—short QTc interval and a pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy—and remote death in epilepsy patients was found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to associate rest ECG parameters with remote death in an epileptic population.
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Onder H, Tezer I, Hekimsoy V, Saygi S. Simultaneous electrocardiogram during routine electroencephalogram: arrhythmia rates through the eyes of the cardiologist. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:15-21. [PMID: 33656102 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of simultaneous 2-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording during routine electroencephalogram (EEG) has been reported several times on clinical grounds. OBJECTIVE To investigate arrhythmia rates detected by simultaneous 2-lead ECG in our patient sample undergoing routine EEG. Remarkably, we sought to assess the possible expansion of results with a more experienced interpretation of simultaneous ECG. METHODS Simultaneous 2-lead ECG recordings during routine EEG, performed between January and March, 2016, have been retrospectively analyzed by a cardiology specialist. In addition, EEG reports were screened with the keywords 'arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, extrasystole' to evaluate the neurologist interpretation. RESULTS Overall, 478 routine EEG recordings were scanned. The mean age of the patients was 42.8±19.8 (16-95), with a sex ratio of 264/214 (F/M). In 80 (17%) patients, findings compatible with arrhythmia were identified on simultaneous ECG after a cardiologist's evaluation. The detected arrhythmia subtypes were: ventricular extrasystole (n=27; 5.6%), supraventricular extrasystole (n=23; 4.8%), tachycardia (n=9; 1.8%), prolonged QRS duration (n=7; 8.7%), atrial fibrillation (n=6; 1.2%), and block (n=6; 1.2%). On the other hand, keywords related to arrhythmia were present in 45 (9.4%) of EEG reports. The reported statements were tachycardia (3.3%), arrhythmia (2.5%), bradycardia (2.1%), and extrasystole (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS A considerably high rate of arrhythmia cases was determined on simultaneous ECG during routine EEG after being interpreted by a cardiologist. However, the screening results of EEG reports revealed relatively low arrhythmia rates. These results suggest that the detection rates of ECG abnormalities during routine EEG may be potentially improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Onder
- Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Irsel Tezer
- Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vedat Hekimsoy
- Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Saygi
- Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
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Evaluation of Cardiac Repolarization Indices in Epilepsy Patients Treated with Carbamazepine and Valproic Acid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56010020. [PMID: 31935975 PMCID: PMC7022319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Epilepsy patients have a higher risk of sudden unexplained death compared to the rest of the population. Cardiac repolarization abnormalities might be seen in epilepsy during interictal periods. We aimed to evaluate the changes in electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in generalized tonic-clonic seizure patients treated with carbamazepine or valproic acid (VPA) drug. Materials and Methods: A totally of 129 subjects (66 epilepsy patients, 63 healthy subjects) were enrolled in the study. Of the patients, 36 were on carbamazepine and 30 were on VPA. There were 12-lead ECGs obtained from all participants. RR interval (time between consecutive R peaks), QT interval (defines the period of ventricular repolarization), corrected QT (QT interval corrected for heart rate; QTc), QTc-maximum (QTc-max), QTc-minimum (QTc-min), QTc dispersion (QTcd), P (atrial depolarization )-maximum (P-max), P-minimum (P-min) and P dispersion (Pd) were measured. Results: QTd (QT dispersion), QTcd, and Pd values were significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls (p < 0.01). QTcd, Pd, and P-max values were statistically higher in male patients compared to healthy male controls. QTcd values were significantly higher in female patients using carbamazepine compared to the female patients on VPA and healthy controls (p = 0.01). Male patients using VPA had significantly higher QTcd values against the male population in carbamazepine and control groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that QTd, QTcd, and Pd values were significantly higher in epilepsy patients than in healthy controls. In addition, female patients using carbamazepine and male patients using VPA were prone to ventricular arrhythmia compared to the control group.
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Sathyaprabha TN, Koot LAM, Hermans BHM, Adoor M, Sinha S, Kramer BW, Raju TR, Satishchandra P, Delhaas T. Effects of Chronic Carbamazepine Treatment on the ECG in Patients with Focal Seizures. Clin Drug Investig 2018; 38:845-851. [PMID: 30047104 PMCID: PMC6153966 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-018-0677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Several mechanisms have been proposed for the sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients, such as cardiac arrhythmias, a decrease in heart rate variability and the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Although carbamazepine is commonly used as an AED, the exact working mechanism of this drug as well as its effect on the heart are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic carbamazepine therapy in patients with focal seizures and impaired awareness has an effect on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional study included 36 patients with focal seizures and impaired awareness treated for 12–32 months with carbamazepine monotherapy and 38 healthy volunteers. A 5-min modified three-electrode chest lead ECG with lead II configuration was recorded using LabChart 7 ECG software module at 1000-Hz sampling frequency. All data analysis was performed using custom-made Matlab 2015b scripts. ECGs of patients and controls were compared with respect to heart rate, time intervals and measures of short- and long-term variation. Results There were no significant differences in heart rate and ECG time intervals between the patient and control groups. Measures on short- and long-term variability also did not show any significant group differences. Conclusion Our study shows that chronic use of carbamazepine as monotherapy does not have any significant effects on ECG time intervals or measures of short- and long-term variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talakad N Sathyaprabha
- Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - Laura A M Koot
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ben H M Hermans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Meghana Adoor
- Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - Boris W Kramer
- Department of Paediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Trichur R Raju
- Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | | | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Kishk NA, Sharaf Y, Ebraheim AM, Baghdady Y, Alieldin N, Afify A, Eldamaty A. Interictal cardiac repolarization abnormalities in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 79:106-111. [PMID: 29274604 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The occurrence of cardiac electrical abnormalities such as repolarization disorders in patients with epilepsy was previously documented and may, in part, clarify the mechanism of sudden unexpected death in those patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of cardiac repolarization disorders among patients with epilepsy and whether specific demographic- or disease-related features were associated with their occurrence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1000 subjects with epilepsy who were compared with age- and sex-matched 2500 subjects without epilepsy. Clinical assessment, which included careful history taking and examination, was carried out for all participants in addition to resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. Electrocardiograms were reviewed by experienced cardiologists. Electrocardiogram intervals were measured, and morphological abnormalities were identified using standard guidelines. RESULTS Repolarization abnormalities were found in 142 (14.2%) patients with epilepsy. A statistically significant elevation in percentage of corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation (both severe and borderline) among patients with epilepsy compared with controls was documented (8.4% vs 2%, P<0.001). Epilepsy increased the likelihood of hosting prolonged QTc more than 4 times (95% confidence interval: 3.175-6.515; odds ratio: 4.548; P<0.001). Affected patients were significantly older (95% confidence interval: 1.012-1.044; odds ratio: 1.027; P=0.001), and the abnormality was significantly more prevalent among those with poor seizure control (95% confidence interval: 1.103-2.966; odds ratio: 1.809; P=0.019). On the other hand, early repolarization (ER) pattern and Brugada type ECG pattern (BP) were significantly more prevalent in subjects without epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Corrected QT interval prolongation (both severe and borderline) was more prevalent among patients with epilepsy, especially if uncontrolled or elderly. Electrocardiogram should be established as a part of the diagnostic workup of epilepsy in order to identify such electrocardiographic abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmeen A Kishk
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Yasser Sharaf
- Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Ebraheim
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Yasser Baghdady
- Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Nelly Alieldin
- Cancer Epidemiology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Afify
- Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Eldamaty
- Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Determining factors of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with epilepsy: A case-control study. Epilepsy Res 2016; 129:106-116. [PMID: 28043059 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major cause of mortality in young patients with epilepsy (PWE). Although its mechanisms are still poorly understood, they may include cardiorespiratory dysfunction. Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained from 62 consecutive patients (aged 18-66y) with a definite diagnosis of epilepsy, without seizures at the day of ECG, and 57 healthy controls matched for sex, age and body mass index (BMI). All ECGs were evaluated by a blinded board-certified cardiologist. Patients with symptomatic focal epilepsy represented 90.3% (N=56), of whom 56.4% (N=35) had temporal lobe epilepsy, with a mean duration of 22.02±14.96years of epilepsy. We observed more prolonged P-wave (p<0.0001) and PR interval (p=0.01) in patients than in controls. Additionally, longer QT intervals (p<0.01), pathologic QT dispersion (p<0.01) and left atrial overload (p<0.01) were more common in PWE. Multiple linear regression analysis evidenced age, gender and polytherapy as factors associated with altered ECG. Therefore, routine ECG should be requested in PWE, especially for males, increasing age and in polytherapy. Findings such as longer PR and QT interval, and pathologic QT dispersion, may reflect cardiac structural changes and/or autonomic nervous system dysfunction and indicate a risk for SUDEP.
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Tomson T, Surges R, Delamont R, Haywood S, Hesdorffer DC. Who to target in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy prevention and how? Risk factors, biomarkers, and intervention study designs. Epilepsia 2016; 57 Suppl 1:4-16. [PMID: 26749012 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The risk of dying suddenly and unexpectedly is increased 24- to 28-fold among young people with epilepsy compared to the general population, but the incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) varies markedly depending on the epilepsy population. This article first reviews risk factors and biomarkers for SUDEP with the overall aim of enabling identification of epilepsy populations with different risk levels as a background for a discussion of possible intervention strategies. The by far most important clinical risk factor is frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), but nocturnal seizures, early age at onset, and long duration of epilepsy have been identified as additional risk factors. Lack of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment or, in the context of clinical trials, adjunctive placebo versus active treatment is associated with increased risks. Despite considerable research, reliable electrophysiologic (electrocardiography [ECG] or electroencephalography [EEG]) biomarkers of SUDEP risk remain to be established. This is an important limitation for prevention strategies and intervention studies. There is a lack of biomarkers for SUDEP, and until validated biomarkers are found, the endpoint of interventions to prevent SUDEP must be SUDEP itself. These interventions, be they pharmacologic, seizure-detection devices, or nocturnal supervision, require large numbers. Possible methods for assessing prevention measures include public health community interventions, self-management, and more traditional (and much more expensive) randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert Delamont
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dale C Hesdorffer
- GH Sergievsky Center and Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, U.S.A
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Siniscalchi A, Scaglione F, Sanzaro E, Iemolo F, Albertini G, Quirino G, Manes MT, Gratteri S, Mercuri NB, De Sarro G, Gallelli L. Effects of phenobarbital and levetiracetam on PR and QTc intervals in patients with post-stroke seizure. Clin Drug Investig 2015; 34:879-86. [PMID: 25385363 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-014-0243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sudden unexplained/unexpected death (SUDEP) is related to high mortality in patients with epilepsy. The prolongation of QT interval, involved in cardiac arrhythmia-related SUDEP, may be precipitated by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In this study, we evaluated the effects of phenobarbital and levetiracetam on PR-QTc intervals in patients with post-stroke seizures. METHODS We performed an open-label, parallel group, prospective, multicenter study between June 2009 and December 2013 in patients older than 18 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of post-stroke seizure and treated with phenobarbital or levetiracetam. In order to exclude a role of cerebral post-stroke injury on modulation of PR and QTc intervals, patients with cerebral post-stroke injury and without seizures were also enrolled as controls. RESULTS Interictal electrocardiography analysis revealed no significant difference in PR interval between patients treated with an AED (n = 49) and control patients (n = 50) (181.25 ± 12.05 vs. 182.4 ± 10.3 ms; p > 0.05). In contrast, a significantly longer QTc interval was recorded in patients treated with an AED compared with control patients (441.2 ± 56.6 vs. 396.8 ± 49.3 ms; p < 0.01). Patients treated with phenobarbital showed a significantly longer QTc interval than patients treated with levetiracetam (460.0 ± 57.2 vs. 421.5 ± 50.1 ms; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study reported that in patients with late post-stroke seizures, phenobarbital prolonged QTc interval more so than levetiracetam.
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Lamberts RJ, Blom MT, Novy J, Belluzzo M, Seldenrijk A, Penninx BW, Sander JW, Tan HL, Thijs RD. Increased prevalence of ECG markers for sudden cardiac arrest in refractory epilepsy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:309-13. [PMID: 24946773 PMCID: PMC4345521 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-307772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM People with epilepsy are at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) due to ECG-confirmed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, as seen in a community-based study. We aimed to determine whether ECG-risk markers of SCA are more prevalent in people with epilepsy. METHODS In a cross-sectional, retrospective study, we analysed the ECG recordings of 185 people with refractory epilepsy and 178 controls without epilepsy. Data on epilepsy characteristics, cardiac comorbidity, and drug use were collected, and general ECG variables (heart rate (HR), PQ and QRS intervals) assessed. We analysed ECGs for three markers of SCA risk: severe QTc prolongation (male >450 ms, female >470 ms), Brugada ECG pattern, and early repolarisation pattern (ERP). Multivariate regression models were used to analyse differences between groups, and to identify associated clinical and epilepsy-related characteristics. RESULTS People with epilepsy had higher HR (71 vs 62 bpm, p<0.001) and a longer PQ interval (162.8 vs 152.6 ms, p=0.001). Severe QTc prolongation and ERP were more prevalent in people with epilepsy (QTc prolongation: 5% vs 0%; p=0.002; ERP: 34% vs 13%, p<0.001), while the Brugada ECG pattern was equally frequent in both groups (2% vs 1%, p>0.999). After adjustment for covariates, epilepsy remained associated with ERP (ORadj 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.5) and severe QTc prolongation (ORadj 9.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 1317.7). CONCLUSIONS ERP and severe QTc prolongation appear to be more prevalent in people with refractory epilepsy. Future studies must determine whether this contributes to increased SCA risk in people with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Lamberts
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - M T Blom
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Novy
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London and Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - M Belluzzo
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London and Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, UK Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Trieste, Italy
| | - A Seldenrijk
- Department of Psychiatry, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B W Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J W Sander
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London and Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - H L Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London and Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, UK LUMC Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Doksöz Ö, Güzel O, Yılmaz Ü, Işgüder R, Çeleğen K, Meşe T. Dispersion durations of P-wave and QT interval in children treated with a ketogenic diet. Pediatr Neurol 2014; 50:343-6. [PMID: 24485016 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available on the effects of a ketogenic diet on dispersion duration of P-wave and QT-interval measures in children. We searched for the changes in these measures with serial electrocardiograms in patients treated with a ketogenic diet. METHODS Twenty-five drug-resistant patients with epilepsy treated with a ketogenic diet were enrolled in this study. Electrocardiography was performed in all patients before the beginning and at the sixth month after implementation of the ketogenic diet. Heart rate, maximum and minimum P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, and maximum and minimum corrected QT interval and QT dispersion were manually measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. RESULTS Minimum and maximum corrected QT and QT dispersion measurements showed nonsignificant increase at month 6 compared with baseline values. Other previously mentioned electrocardiogram parameters also showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS A ketogenic diet of 6 months' duration has no significant effect on electrocardiogram parameters in children. Further studies with larger samples and longer duration of follow-up are needed to clarify the effects of ketogenic diet on P-wave dispersion and corrected QT and QT dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Önder Doksöz
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Orkide Güzel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rana Işgüder
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Kübra Çeleğen
- Department of Pediatrics, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Timur Meşe
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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Naggar I, Lazar J, Kamran H, Orman R, Stewart M. Relation of autonomic and cardiac abnormalities to ventricular fibrillation in a rat model of epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2013; 108:44-56. [PMID: 24286892 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac autonomic, conduction, and structural changes may occur in epilepsy and may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), e.g. by increasing the risk for ventricular fibrillation (VF). In a model of chronic seizures in rats, we sought to study (1) cardiac and autonomic derangements that accompany the epileptic state, (2) whether chronically seizing rats experienced more significant cardiac effects after severe acute seizures, and (3) the susceptibility of chronically seizing rats to VF arising from autonomic and hypoxemic changes, which commonly occur during seizures. Sprague-Dawely rats were injected with saline or kainic acid to induce chronic seizures. At 2-3 months or 7-11 months after injection, these rats were studied with both 12-lead electrocardiography (to assess heart rate variability and QT dispersion) and echocardiography under ketamine/xylazine or urethane anesthesia. Hearts were subsequently excised, weighed, and examined histologically. Epileptic rats exhibited decreased vagal tone, increased QT dispersion, and eccentric cardiac hypertrophy without significant cardiac fibrosis, especially at 7-11 months post-injection. Of these three findings, vagal tone was inversely correlated with heart weights. Epileptic rats exhibited diminished systolic function compared to controls after severe acute seizures. However, animals with long-standing chronic seizures were less susceptible to autonomic/hypoxemia-driven VF, and their susceptibility inversely correlated with mean left ventricular wall thickness on histology. On the basis of this model, we conclude that cardiac changes accompany epilepsy and these can lead to significant seizure-associated cardiac performance decreases, but these cardiac changes actually lower the probability of VF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Naggar
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States; Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
| | - Jason Lazar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
| | - Haroon Kamran
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
| | - Rena Orman
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
| | - Mark Stewart
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States; Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States; Department of Neurology State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States.
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Krishnan V, Krishnamurthy KB. Interictal 12-lead electrocardiography in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 29:240-6. [PMID: 23992874 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Interictal electrocardiographic predictors of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) are unknown. This study was designed to identify the unique features of the interictal 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) in patients with epileptic seizures. We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients below the age of 65 admitted to our epilepsy monitoring unit. Using EEG telemetry data, we classified patients as having nonepileptic seizures (NESs), probable epilepsy (PE), or definite epilepsy (DE) and analyzed 12-lead EKGs obtained on admission. Patients with NESs were assigned as the control group. We included patients taking antipsychotic and/or antidepressant medications but excluded patients with medical conditions or taking other medications that would otherwise confound EKG measurements. Out of the 1007 charts reviewed, 195 patients were included in our analysis, and extensive subgroup analyses were performed. We found that patients with definite localization-related epilepsy displayed a significantly longer average PR interval (162.1 ms) than patients with NESs (148.8 ms). This effect was pronounced in female patients and did not vary with the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) prescribed. In contrast to previous studies, mean QTc intervals were not significantly different between DE (428 ms) and NESs (422.6 ms). However, within females, this difference reached statistical significance (DE: 434.6 ms, NESs: 424.6 ms). Antiepileptic drug polytherapy was associated with a significantly lower QTc interval (416 ms in patients on 4-6 drugs and 436.4 ms in patients on 0-1 drugs). Levetiracetam was the most commonly used AED and was associated with the longest average PR (163 ms) and QTc (432 ms) intervals. The mean QRS axis displayed a significant leftward shift in patients with localization-related epilepsy (35.6° versus 54.3° in patients with NESs) and also in female patients with DE (42.1° versus 55.4° in female patients with NESs). No differences were observed between patients with left versus right hemisphere seizure foci. Overall, these findings may reflect cardiac structural changes and/or alterations in autonomic tone that deserve closer study. Further, longer-term prospective studies are required to understand how these electrocardiographic signatures may predict sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnav Krishnan
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, USA.
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Stefani M, Arima H, Mohamed A. Withdrawal of anti-epileptic medications during video EEG monitoring does not alter ECG parameters or HRV. Epilepsy Res 2013; 106:222-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Raffa RB, Burmeister JJ, Yuvasheva E, Pergolizzi JV. QTc interval prolongation byd-propoxyphene: what about other analgesics? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2012; 13:1397-409. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2012.682150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Strzelczyk A, Adjei P, Scott CA, Bauer S, Rosenow F, Walker MC, Surges R. Postictal increase in T-wave alternans after generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Epilepsia 2011; 52:2112-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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