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Salim O, Chari A, Ben Zvi I, Batchelor R, Jones M, Baldeweg T, Cross JH, Tisdall M. Patient, parent and carer perspectives surrounding expedited paediatric epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy Res 2024; 200:107309. [PMID: 38286106 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107309] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most paediatric epilepsies with MRI visible lesions do not respond to antiseizure pharmacotherapy. Such medication resistance, which often takes years to become formally defined, is commonly required for surgical candidacy. Expedited surgical referral at lesional epilepsy diagnosis may result in better seizure, cognitive and developmental prognoses. This study explored the views of patients, parents and carers regarding epilepsy surgery, treatment priorities, and participation in a proposed expedited surgery trial. METHODS 205 patients, parents and carers (61% UK-based, 26% North American) responded to electronic surveys from February to May 2022. Participants were recruited through social media sites, epilepsy charities and societies. Categorical choice and free-text questions were used to investigate participant perspectives, and Pearson's chi-squared test was utilised to detect meaningful differences amongst respondent subgroups. RESULTS Almost 90% of respondents who had experienced epilepsy surgery (either themselves or their child) reported seizure cessation or reduction. Postoperative outcome measures prioritised most frequently were seizure freedom (66%), quality of life (47%), seizure severity (30%), seizure frequency (28%) and independence (27%). Most participants support expedited surgery in suitable patients (65%), with just over half (51%) willing to participate in the proposed trial. Many participants (37%) were undecided, often due to fears surrounding neurosurgery. Subgroup perspectives were broadly similar, with more parents and caregivers favouring expedited surgery compared to patients (p = .016) and more UK-based participants willing to take part in an expedited surgery trial compared to those from North America (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Patients, parents and carers are open to considering expedited surgery for lesional epilepsies and would support a trial exploring this approach. Priorities from treatment were largely similar between participant subgroups, with seizure, quality of life and neuropsychological outcomes ranked highly. Accounting for these preferences will facilitate the delivery of a trial that is patient- and caregiver-focused, enhancing feasibility, satisfaction and benefit for prospective participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Salim
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aswin Chari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ido Ben Zvi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rachel Batchelor
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
| | - Monika Jones
- Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Torsten Baldeweg
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Martin Tisdall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Salim O, Chari A, Zvi IB, Batchelor R, Baldeweg T, Helen Cross J, Tisdall M. Clinician views regarding early surgery for paediatric epilepsy. Seizure 2023; 113:80-85. [PMID: 38000223 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.11.011] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many children with lesional epilepsies progress to drug resistance, a criterion required for surgical referral. Expedited surgery may reduce exposure of the developing brain to uncontrolled seizures, improving cognitive outcomes. Designing a trial comparing early surgery with standard care necessitates input from specialist clinicians regarding feasibility and measurable outcomes, which this study investigated. METHODS Online surveys were disseminated from June-July 2022 via regional paediatric epilepsy networks and professional societies. 51 UK clinicians responded, mostly paediatricians, paediatric neurologists and epilepsy specialist nurses. Candidacy for epilepsy surgery, outcome measures and support for the proposed study were surveyed. Clinician views were compared by speciality, using Pearson's chi-squared tests to explore differences. RESULTS 76-98 % of clinicians would refer children for presurgical evaluation at/before drug resistance development across four subgroups (those younger/older than two years, and those with/without a detectable lesion). Earlier referral, at/before epilepsy diagnosis, was considered mostly in those with visible lesions (53 %) and those under two years (31 %). 73 % would consider early surgery before drug resistance is established. Top outcomes to measure were seizure freedom (39 %) and quality of life (22 %). Views of paediatric neurologists and paediatricians did not differ (p > .05). SIGNIFICANCE Clinician opinions generally aligned with published guidance regarding epilepsy surgery referral. Some remain cautious to refer young children with lesions prior to trialling more than one antiseizure medication. Most support early surgery in appropriate patients, with seizure and quality of life outcomes rated highly. Incorporating these perspectives will aid future trial design, recruitment and clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Salim
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aswin Chari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ido Ben Zvi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rachel Batchelor
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
| | - Torsten Baldeweg
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Martin Tisdall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK; Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Chan HY, Janssen LMM, Wijnen BFM, Hiligsmann M, Majoie MHJM, Evers SMAA. Economic evaluations of nonpharmacological treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy: A systematic review. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2861-2877. [PMID: 37545415 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to systematically identify and critically appraise all published full economic evaluations assessing the cost-effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study criteria was used to design search strategies for the identification and selection of relevant studies. Literature search was performed using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, International Health Technology Assessment, National Institute for Health Research Economic Evaluation Database, and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry databases to identify articles published between January 2000 and May 2023. Web of Science was additionally used to perform forward and backward referencing. Title, abstract, and full-text screening was performed by two independent researchers. The Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) checklist and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 were applied for quality assessment. A total of 4470 studies were identified, of which 18 met our inclusion criteria. Twelve of the studies conducted model-based economic evaluation, and others were trial-based. Three studies showed that epilepsy surgery was cost-effective in adults, whereas this remained inconclusive for children (two positive, three negative). Three studies showed negative economic outcome for ketogenic diet in children. One of four studies showed positive results for self-management. For vagus nerve stimulation, one study showed positive results in adults and another one negative results in children. One recent study showed cost-effectiveness of responsive neurostimulation (RNS) in adults. Finally, one study showed promising but inconclusive results for deep brain stimulation (DBS). The mean scores for risk of bias assessment (based on CHEC) and for reporting quality (CHEERS 2022) were 95.8% and 80.5%, respectively. This review identified studies that assessed the cost-effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments in both adults and children with drug-resistant epilepsy, suggesting that in adults, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and RNS are cost-effective, and that DBS and self-management appear to be promising. In children, the cost-effectiveness of epilepsy surgery remains inconclusive. Finally, the use of ketogenic diet was shown not to be cost-effective. However, limited long-term data were available for newer interventions (i.e., ketogenic diet, DBS, and RNS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Yau Chan
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Luca M M Janssen
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ben F M Wijnen
- Center of Economic Evaluation & Machine Learning, Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mickaël Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marian H J M Majoie
- Department of Research and Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Academic Center for Epileptology, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe & Maastricht University Medical Center, Kempenhaeghe and Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Center of Economic Evaluation & Machine Learning, Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Matarrese MAG, Loppini A, Fabbri L, Tamilia E, Perry MS, Madsen JR, Bolton J, Stone SSD, Pearl PL, Filippi S, Papadelis C. Spike propagation mapping reveals effective connectivity and predicts surgical outcome in epilepsy. Brain 2023; 146:3898-3912. [PMID: 37018068 PMCID: PMC10473571 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosurgical intervention is the best available treatment for selected patients with drug resistant epilepsy. For these patients, surgical planning requires biomarkers that delineate the epileptogenic zone, the brain area that is indispensable for the generation of seizures. Interictal spikes recorded with electrophysiological techniques are considered key biomarkers of epilepsy. Yet, they lack specificity, mostly because they propagate across brain areas forming networks. Understanding the relationship between interictal spike propagation and functional connections among the involved brain areas may help develop novel biomarkers that can delineate the epileptogenic zone with high precision. Here, we reveal the relationship between spike propagation and effective connectivity among onset and areas of spread and assess the prognostic value of resecting these areas. We analysed intracranial EEG data from 43 children with drug resistant epilepsy who underwent invasive monitoring for neurosurgical planning. Using electric source imaging, we mapped spike propagation in the source domain and identified three zones: onset, early-spread and late-spread. For each zone, we calculated the overlap and distance from surgical resection. We then estimated a virtual sensor for each zone and the direction of information flow among them via Granger causality. Finally, we compared the prognostic value of resecting these zones, the clinically-defined seizure onset zone and the spike onset on intracranial EEG channels by estimating their overlap with resection. We observed a spike propagation in source space for 37 patients with a median duration of 95 ms (interquartile range: 34-206), a spatial displacement of 14 cm (7.5-22 cm) and a velocity of 0.5 m/s (0.3-0.8 m/s). In patients with good surgical outcome (25 patients, Engel I), the onset had higher overlap with resection [96% (40-100%)] than early-spread [86% (34-100%), P = 0.01] and late-spread [59% (12-100%), P = 0.002], and it was also closer to resection than late-spread [5 mm versus 9 mm, P = 0.007]. We found an information flow from onset to early-spread in 66% of patients with good outcomes, and from early-spread to onset in 50% of patients with poor outcome. Finally, resection of spike onset, but not area of spike spread or the seizure onset zone, predicted outcome with positive predictive value of 79% and negative predictive value of 56% (P = 0.04). Spatiotemporal mapping of spike propagation reveals information flow from onset to areas of spread in epilepsy brain. Surgical resection of the spike onset disrupts the epileptogenic network and may render patients with drug resistant epilepsy seizure-free without having to wait for a seizure to occur during intracranial monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita A G Matarrese
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Laboratory of Nonlinear Physics and Mathematical Modeling, Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Alessandro Loppini
- Laboratory of Nonlinear Physics and Mathematical Modeling, Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fabbri
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Eleonora Tamilia
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Joseph R Madsen
- Division of Epilepsy Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scellig S D Stone
- Division of Epilepsy Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simonetta Filippi
- Laboratory of Nonlinear Physics and Mathematical Modeling, Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Christos Papadelis
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
- School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Mir A, Jallul T, Alotaibi F, Amer F, Najjar A, Alhazmi R, Al Faraidy M, Alharbi A, Aldurayhim F, Barnawi Z, Fallatah B, Ali M, Almuhaish H, Almolani F, Suwailem A, Tuli M, Naim A, Hassan S, Hedgcock B, Bostanji G, Bashir S, AlBaradie R. Outcomes of resective surgery in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: A single-center study from the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:930-945. [PMID: 37162422 PMCID: PMC10472393 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy surgery is widely accepted as an effective therapeutic option for carefully selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). There is limited data on the outcome of epilepsy surgery, especially in pediatric patients from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Hence, we performed a retrospective study examining the outcomes of resective surgery in 53 pediatric patients with focal DRE. METHODS Patients with focal DRE who had undergone epilepsy surgery were included in the present study. All patients underwent a comprehensive presurgical evaluation. Postoperative seizure outcomes were classified using the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale. RESULTS After surgery, 33 patients (62.2%) were Class I according to the Engel classification of surgical outcomes; eight patients (15.0%) were Class II, 11 (20.7%) were Class III, and one (1.8%) was Class IV. The relationships of presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical clinical variables to seizure outcomes were compared. Older age at seizure onset, older age at the time of surgery, the presence of focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, seizure duration over 2 minutes, unsuccessful treatment with three or fewer antiseizure medications, lesions confined to one lobe (as demonstrated via magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), surgical site in the temporal lobe, and histopathology including developmental tumors were significantly linked to an Engel Class I outcome. A univariate analysis of excellent surgical outcomes showed that lateralized semiology, localized interictal and ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) discharges, lateralized single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography findings, and temporal lobe resections were significantly related to excellent seizure outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE The results of our study are encouraging and similar to those found in other centers around the world. Epilepsy surgery remains an underutilized treatment for children with DRE and should be offered early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mir
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Tarek Jallul
- Department of NeurosurgeryKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Alotaibi
- Neuroscience CentreKing Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research CenterRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Fawzia Amer
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and MetabolicCairo University Children HospitalCairoEgypt
| | - Ahmed Najjar
- Department of NeurosurgeryKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
- Department of Surgery, College of MedicineTaibah UniversityAlmadinah AlmunawwarahSaudi Arabia
| | - Rami Alhazmi
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Mona Al Faraidy
- Anesthesia DepartmentKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Alanoud Alharbi
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Aldurayhim
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Zakia Barnawi
- Department of NeurosurgeryKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Bassam Fallatah
- Department of NeurosurgeryKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ali
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Husam Almuhaish
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Fadhel Almolani
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Suwailem
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Tuli
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Naim
- Department of Medical ImagingKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Suad Hassan
- Department of Mental HealthKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Brent Hedgcock
- Department of NeurophysiologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Ghadah Bostanji
- Department of Social WorkKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience CentreKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Raidah AlBaradie
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyKing Fahad Specialist HospitalDammamSaudi Arabia
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6
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Rijal S, Corona L, Perry MS, Tamilia E, Madsen JR, Stone SSD, Bolton J, Pearl PL, Papadelis C. Functional connectivity discriminates epileptogenic states and predicts surgical outcome in children with drug resistant epilepsy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9622. [PMID: 37316544 PMCID: PMC10267141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36551-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain functioning emerges from a complex interplay among regions forming networks. In epilepsy, these networks are disrupted causing seizures. Highly connected nodes in these networks are epilepsy surgery targets. Here, we assess whether functional connectivity (FC) using intracranial electroencephalography can quantify brain regions epileptogenicity and predict surgical outcome in children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). We computed FC between electrodes on different states (i.e. interictal without spikes, interictal with spikes, pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal) and frequency bands. We then estimated the electrodes' nodal strength. We compared nodal strength between states, inside and outside resection for good- (n = 22, Engel I) and poor-outcome (n = 9, Engel II-IV) patients, respectively, and tested their utility to predict the epileptogenic zone and outcome. We observed a hierarchical epileptogenic organization among states for nodal strength: lower FC during interictal and pre-ictal states followed by higher FC during ictal and post-ictal states (p < 0.05). We further observed higher FC inside resection (p < 0.05) for good-outcome patients on different states and bands, and no differences for poor-outcome patients. Resection of nodes with high FC was predictive of outcome (positive and negative predictive values: 47-100%). Our findings suggest that FC can discriminate epileptogenic states and predict outcome in patients with DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakar Rijal
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Ludovica Corona
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - M Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA
| | - Eleonora Tamilia
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joseph R Madsen
- Division of Epilepsy Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Scellig S D Stone
- Division of Epilepsy Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christos Papadelis
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76010, USA.
- School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA.
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Mendoza-Elias N, Satzer D, Henry J, Nordli DR, Warnke PC. Tailored Hemispherotomy Using Tractography-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e407-e413. [PMID: 36807222 DOI: 10.1227/ons.0000000000000650] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically refractory hemispheric epilepsy is a devastating disease with significant lifetime costs and social burden. Functional hemispherotomy is a highly effective treatment for hemispheric epilepsy but is associated with significant complication rates. Percutaneous hemispherotomy through laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) based on morphological MRI has been recently described in a single patient but not replicated in the literature. OBJECTIVE To describe the first 2 cases of tractography-guided interstitial laser hemispherotomy and their short-term outcomes. METHODS Two 11-year-old male patients with medically refractory epilepsy secondary to perinatal large vessel infarcts were referred for hemispherotomy. Both patients underwent multitrajectory LITT to disconnect the remaining pathological hemisphere, using tractography to define targets and assess structural outcomes. RESULTS Both cases had minor complication of small intraventricular/subarachnoid hemorrhage not requiring additional intervention. Both patients remain seizure-free at all follow-up visits. CONCLUSION LITT hemispherotomy can produce seizure freedom with short hospitalization and recovery. Tractography allows surgical planning to be tailored according to individual patient anatomy, which often is distorted in perinatal stroke. Minimally invasive procedures offer the greatest potential for seizure freedom without the risks of an open hemispherotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasya Mendoza-Elias
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Satzer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julia Henry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Douglas R Nordli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter C Warnke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Sadashiva N, Kadam R, Arimappamagan A, Rao MB, Mundlamuri RC, Raghavendra K, Asranna A, Viswanathan LG, Mariyappa N, Kulanthaivelu K, Mangalore S, Nagaraj C, Saini J, Bharath RD, Rajeswaran J, Mahadevan A, Satishchandra P, Sinha S. Corpus Callosotomy for Non-Localizing Drug Resistant Epilepsy with Drop Attacks. World Neurosurg 2023; 171:e57-e63. [PMID: 36435385 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.11.078] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corpus callosotomy (CC) is a surgical palliative procedure done for a selected group of patients with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) to stop drop attacks and prevent falls. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent CC for DRE with drop attacks at our center between 2015 and 2019. Clinical, imaging details and surgical findings were noted. Clinical outcomes and functional status were evaluated. RESULTS During the study period, 17 patients underwent corpus callosotomy (Male: Female 14:3). The mean age at surgery was 10.3 years (standard deviation - 5.85, interquartile range [IQR] = 6.5). The mean age at onset of seizure was 2.23 years (standard deviation - 3.42, IQR = 1.5). Preoperative seizure frequency ranged from 2 to 60 attacks per day (median: 20, IQR= 36). All patients had atonic seizures/drop attacks. One patient underwent anterior CC and 16 underwent complete CC. Three patients had complications in the postoperative period. The median follow-up was 26 months. All patients had cessation of drop attacks immediately following surgery. One patient with anterior CC had a recurrence of drop attacks for which she underwent completion CC. Another patient had recurrent drop attacks 3 years later and was found to have a residual callosal connection. Three patients had complete seizure freedom and 4 patients had a <50% reduction in seizure frequency. CONCLUSIONS Our study lends additional support to the efficacy of CC in patients with DRE, with the cessation of drop attacks. It also provided a reasonable reduction in seizure frequency. Complete CC led to better control of drop attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishanth Sadashiva
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Raju Kadam
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Arivazhagan Arimappamagan
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India.
| | - Malla Bhaskara Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Kenchaiah Raghavendra
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Ajay Asranna
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Narayanan Mariyappa
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Karthik Kulanthaivelu
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Sandhya Mangalore
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Chandana Nagaraj
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Jitender Saini
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Rose Dawn Bharath
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Jamuna Rajeswaran
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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9
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Kitschen A, Aleknonytė-Resch M, Sakalytė G, Diederich F. Cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment compared to medical treatment in patients with drug-refractory epilepsy: A systematic review. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:749-761. [PMID: 36371643 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients develop a drug-refractory epilepsy, that is, seizures cannot be controlled with antiepileptic drugs. Surgery has been evaluated as an effective but costly form of treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the available evidence on the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment compared to medical treatment for these patients. METHOD A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database until September 2022. Title, abstract and full-text screening were conducted by two researchers. Original studies published in English or German analyzing the cost-effectiveness of surgical compared to medical treatment were included. Study characteristics, effectiveness measures, costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted. The quality of studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included. Most studies evaluated surgery as cost-effective. The ICER per patient seizure free ranged from dominant to purchasing power parity US dollars (PPP-USD) 479,275. The ICER per 1% seizure reduction ranged from PPP-USD 227 to PPP-USD 342. The ICER per year without seizures was PPP-USD 4202 and the ICER per quality-adjusted life-year ranged from dominant to PPP-USD 90,874. The studies varied greatly in their methodology and time horizon. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment is cost-effective compared to medical treatment, especially when a lifetime horizon is adopted. It is concluded that all disease-specific costs should be considered over a long period when assessing the cost-effectiveness of epilepsy treatment. From an economic perspective, efforts should be made to improve access to surgical treatment for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kitschen
- Department of Health, Long-Term Care and Pensions, SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Milda Aleknonytė-Resch
- Department of Neurology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Freya Diederich
- Department of Health, Long-Term Care and Pensions, SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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10
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Gettings JV, Shafi S, Boyd J, Snead OC, Rutka J, Drake J, McCoy B, Jain P, Whitney R, Go C. The Epilepsy Surgery Experience in Children With Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Center in Canada. J Child Neurol 2023; 38:113-120. [PMID: 36788207 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231151993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by spasms, hypsarrhythmia, and developmental regression. Appropriately selected patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome may be candidates for epilepsy surgery. METHODS This is a single-center retrospective case series of children 0-18 years with a current or previous diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome with a lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or positron emission tomography scan who underwent epilepsy surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Toronto, Canada. The records of 223 patients seen in the infantile epileptic spasms syndrome clinic were reviewed. RESULTS Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria. The etiology of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome was encephalomalacia in 6 patients (32%), malformations of cortical development in 12 patients (63%), and atypical hypoglycemic injury in 1 patient (5%). Nine patients (47%) underwent hemispherectomy, and 10 patients (53%) underwent lobectomy/lesionectomy. Three patients (16%) underwent a second epilepsy surgery. Fifteen patients (79%) were considered ILAE seizure outcome class 1 (completely seizure free; no auras) at their most recent follow-up visit. The percentage of patients who were ILAE class 1 at most recent follow-up decreased with increasing duration of epilepsy prior to surgery. Developmental outcome after surgery was improved in 14 of 19 (74%) and stable in 5 of 19 (26%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study found excellent seizure freedom rates and improved developmental outcomes following epilepsy surgery in patients with a history of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome with a structural lesion detected on MRI brain. Patients who undergo surgery earlier have improved seizure freedom rates and improved developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer V Gettings
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shatha Shafi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 37853Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jennifer Boyd
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Rutka
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Drake
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bláthnaid McCoy
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital (McMaster University), Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Cristina Go
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital (University of British Columbia), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Yu H, Lv Q, Liu Q, Wang S, Ji T, Wang R, Wang W, Wang D, Jiang Y, Liu X, Cai L. Surgical treatment of pediatric intractable frontal lobe epilepsy due to malformation of cortical development. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-022-00090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Malformation of cortical development (MCD) is a common cause of intractable epilepsy in children. In this study, the effectiveness of frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) surgery in children with intractable epilepsy due to MCD was assessed and its prognostic factors were studied.
Methods
Seventy-six patients with intractable FLE who received epilepsy surgery between January 2016 and March 2018 in Peking University First Hospital were recruited in this study. All the resected brain tissues were demonstrated to be MCD. All patients were followed up for at least 3 years. The clinical data and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the correlations between clinical variables and prognostic outcome (Engel classification).
Results
Sixty (78.9%) patients had Engel class I postoperative outcome. The mean age at surgery was 6.00 ± 4.24 years. Sixty-six patients (86.8%) had daily seizures, 40.2% of the patients had epileptic spasm, and 33% of the patients had extensive interictal EEG abnormalities, which, however, could not provide any helpful information for localizing epileptogenic zones. About 29% of the patients had normal MRI findings even by experienced radiologists, and 26% of the patients had epileptogenic lesion involving adjacent lobes. There was a significant correlation between acute postoperative seizure (APOS) and prognosis (P < 0.05): APOS predicted poor prognosis. There was a significant correlation between pathology and prognosis (P < 0.05): FCD IA and FCD IIB were correlated with a good outcome. Both variables with a significance level of P < 0.05 during univariate analysis, including pathology and APOS, were included in multivariate analysis, which were significant independent predictors of prognosis.
Conclusions
The clinical manifestations of pediatric intractable FLE due to MCD are more complicated than those in adults. Multidisplinary presurgical evaluation in pediatric epilepsy is mandatory. The surgical outcome of pediatric FLE due to MCD could reach a seizure-free rate of 78.9% with the follow-up of at least 3 years. The post-operative pathology and APOS may be related to the prognosis of surgery in this group of pediatric patients.
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12
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Hale AT, Chari A, Scott RC, Cross JH, Rozzelle CJ, Blount JP, Tisdall MM. Expedited epilepsy surgery prior to drug resistance in children: a frontier worth crossing? Brain 2022; 145:3755-3762. [PMID: 35883201 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery is an established safe and effective treatment for selected candidates with drug-resistant epilepsy. In this opinion piece, we outline the clinical and experimental evidence for selectively considering epilepsy surgery prior to drug resistance. Our rationale for expedited surgery is based on the observations that, 1) a high proportion of patients with lesional epilepsies (e.g. focal cortical dysplasia, epilepsy associated tumours) will progress to drug-resistance, 2) surgical treatment of these lesions, especially in non-eloquent areas of brain, is safe, and 3) earlier surgery may be associated with better seizure outcomes. Potential benefits beyond seizure reduction or elimination include less exposure to anti-seizure medications (ASM), which may lead to improved developmental trajectories in children and optimize long-term neurocognitive outcomes and quality of life. Further, there exists emerging experimental evidence that brain network dysfunction exists at the onset of epilepsy, where continuing dysfunctional activity could exacerbate network perturbations. This in turn could lead to expanded seizure foci and contribution to the comorbidities associated with epilepsy. Taken together, we rationalize that epilepsy surgery, in carefully selected cases, may be considered prior to drug resistance. Lastly, we outline the path forward, including the challenges associated with developing the evidence base and implementing this paradigm into clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Hale
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Aswin Chari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rod C Scott
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Curtis J Rozzelle
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Blount
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Martin M Tisdall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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13
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Widjaja E, Demoe L, Yossofzai O, Guttmann A, Tomlinson G, Rutka J, Snead OC, Sander B. Health Care System Costs Associated With Surgery and Medical Therapy for Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Ontario. Neurology 2022; 98:e1204-e1215. [PMID: 35169008 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Improvement in seizure control after epilepsy surgery could lead to lower health care resource use and costs, but it is uncertain whether this could offset the high costs related to surgery. This study aimed to evaluate phase-specific and cumulative long-term health care costs of surgery compared to medical therapy in children with drug-resistant epilepsy from the health care payer perspective. METHODS Children who were evaluated for epilepsy surgery and treated with surgery or medical therapy from 2003 to 2018 at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto were identified from chart review and linked to their health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Inverse probability of treatment weighting with stabilized weights was used to balance the baseline covariates between the 2 groups. Patients were assigned to presurgery, surgery, short-term (first 2 years), intermediate-term (2-5 years), and long-term (>5 years) postsurgery care phases on the basis of treatment trajectory. Phase-specific and cumulative long-term health care costs were evaluated. Costs were converted from Canadian to US dollars year 2018 value. RESULTS There were 372 surgical and 258 medical patients. Costs were higher in surgical than medical patients for presurgery (3 and 39 weeks), surgery, and short-term care phase, and the attributable costs of surgery per 7 patient-days were $1,602 (95% CI $1,438-$1,785), $172 (95% CI $147-$185), $19,819 (95% CI $18,822-$20,932), and $28 (95% CI $22-$32), respectively. Costs were lower in surgical patients for intermediate- and long-term care phase, and the attributable costs were -$72 (95% CI -$124 to -$35) and -$94 (95% CI -$129 to -$63), respectively. In surgical patients, costs were highest for surgery followed by presurgery care phase, with hospitalizations accounting for the highest cost component. In medical patients, costs increased gradually from presurgery to long-term care phase. Cumulative costs were higher for surgical than medical patients in the first 7 years after surgery, but from 8 years on, costs were lower for surgical patients. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated the long-term economic benefits of epilepsy surgery compared to medical therapy for the health care system with the use of real-world data, which would justify the high costs of surgery. The results will support future economic evaluation comparing minimally invasive treatment such as laser therapy to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysa Widjaja
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lindsay Demoe
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omar Yossofzai
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Rutka
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Patel AD, Beatty CW. Costs for Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Is Care Value Based? Neurology 2022; 98:475-476. [PMID: 35169005 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anup D Patel
- From the Division of Neurology (A.D.P., C.W.B.) and Center for Clinical Excellence (A.D.P.), Nationwide Children's Hospital; and Department of Pediatrics (A.D.P., C.W.B.), The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
| | - Christopher W Beatty
- From the Division of Neurology (A.D.P., C.W.B.) and Center for Clinical Excellence (A.D.P.), Nationwide Children's Hospital; and Department of Pediatrics (A.D.P., C.W.B.), The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
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15
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Parker JJ, Zhang Y, Fatemi P, Halpern CH, Porter BE, Grant GA. Antiseizure medication use and medical resource utilization after resective epilepsy surgery in children in the United States: A contemporary nationwide cross-sectional cohort analysis. Epilepsia 2022; 63:824-835. [PMID: 35213744 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antiseizure drug (ASD) therapy can significantly impact quality of life for pediatric patients whose epilepsy remains refractory to medications and who experience neuropsychological side effects manifested by impaired cognitive and social development. Contemporary patterns of ASD reduction after pediatric epilepsy surgery across practice settings in the United States are sparsely reported outside of small series. We assessed timing and durability of ASD reduction after pediatric epilepsy surgery and associated effects on health care utilization. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 376 pediatric patients who underwent resective epilepsy surgery between 2007 and 2016 in the United States using the Truven MarketScan database. Filled ASD prescriptions during the pre- and postoperative periods were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with achieving a stable discontinuation of or reduction in number of ASDs. Health care utilization and costs were systematically compared. RESULTS One hundred seventy-one patients (45.5%) achieved a >90-day ASD-free period after surgery, and 84 (22.3%) additional patients achieved a stable reduction in number of ASDs. Achieving ASD freedom was more common in patients undergoing total hemispherectomy (n = 21, p = .002), and less common in patients with tuberous sclerosis (p = .003). A higher number of preoperative ASDs was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving ASD reduction postoperatively (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-2.28), but was not associated with a significant difference in the likelihood of achieving ASD freedom (0.83, 95% CI: 0.49-1.39). Achieving an ASD-free period was associated with fewer hospital readmissions within the first year after surgery. SIGNIFICANCE Patterns of ASD use and discontinuation after pediatric epilepsy surgery provide an unbiased surgical outcome endpoint extractable from administrative databases, where changes in seizure frequency are not captured. This quantitative measure can augment traditional surgical outcome scales, incorporating a significant clinical parameter associated with improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon J Parker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Parastou Fatemi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Casey H Halpern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Brenda E Porter
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Division of Child Neurology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Gerald A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA
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16
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Papadelis C, Conrad SE, Song Y, Shandley S, Hansen D, Bosemani M, Malik S, Keator C, Perry MS. Case Report: Laser Ablation Guided by State of the Art Source Imaging Ends an Adolescent's 16-Year Quest for Seizure Freedom. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:826139. [PMID: 35145387 PMCID: PMC8821813 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.826139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery is the most effective therapeutic approach for children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). Recent advances in neurosurgery, such as the Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), improved the safety and non-invasiveness of this method. Electric and magnetic source imaging (ESI/MSI) plays critical role in the delineation of the epileptogenic focus during the presurgical evaluation of children with DRE. Yet, they are currently underutilized even in tertiary epilepsy centers. Here, we present a case of an adolescent who suffered from DRE for 16 years and underwent surgery at Cook Children's Medical Center (CCMC). The patient was previously evaluated in a level 4 epilepsy center and treated with multiple antiseizure medications for several years. Presurgical evaluation at CCMC included long-term video electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) with simultaneous conventional EEG (19 channels) and high-density EEG (256 channels) in two consecutive sessions, MRI, and fluorodeoxyglucose - positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Video long-term EEG captured nine focal-onset clinical seizures with a maximal evolution over the right frontal/frontal midline areas. MRI was initially interpreted as non-lesional. FDG-PET revealed a small region of hypometabolism at the anterior right superior temporal gyrus. ESI and MSI performed with dipole clustering showed a tight cluster of dipoles in the right anterior insula. The patient underwent intracranial EEG which indicated the right anterior insular as seizure onset zone. Eventually LITT rendered the patient seizure free (Engel 1; 12 months after surgery). Retrospective analysis of ESI and MSI clustered dipoles found a mean distance of dipoles from the ablated volume ranging from 10 to 25 mm. Our findings highlight the importance of recent technological advances in the presurgical evaluation and surgical treatment of children with DRE, and the underutilization of epilepsy surgery in children with DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papadelis
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
- School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Christos Papadelis orcid.org/0000-0001-6125-9217
| | - Shannon E. Conrad
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Yanlong Song
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Sabrina Shandley
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Daniel Hansen
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Madhan Bosemani
- Department of Radiology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Saleem Malik
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Cynthia Keator
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - M. Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center, Cook Children's Health Care System, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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17
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Schur S, Moreau JT, Khoo HM, Koupparis A, Simard Tremblay E, Myers KA, Osterman B, Rosenblatt B, Farmer JP, Saint-Martin C, Turpin S, Hall J, Olivier A, Bernasconi A, Bernasconi N, Baillet S, Dubeau F, Gotman J, Dudley RWR. New interinstitutional, multimodal presurgical evaluation protocol associated with improved seizure freedom for poorly defined cases of focal epilepsy in children. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2022; 29:74-82. [PMID: 34624842 DOI: 10.3171/2021.6.peds218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In an attempt to improve postsurgical seizure outcomes for poorly defined cases (PDCs) of pediatric focal epilepsy (i.e., those that are not visible or well defined on 3T MRI), the authors modified their presurgical evaluation strategy. Instead of relying on concordance between video-electroencephalography and 3T MRI and using functional imaging and intracranial recording in select cases, the authors systematically used a multimodal, 3-tiered investigation protocol that also involved new collaborations between their hospital, the Montreal Children's Hospital, and the Montreal Neurological Institute. In this study, the authors examined how their new strategy has impacted postsurgical outcomes. They hypothesized that it would improve postsurgical seizure outcomes, with the added benefit of identifying a subset of tests contributing the most. METHODS Chart review was performed for children with PDCs who underwent resection following the new strategy (i.e., new protocol [NP]), and for the same number who underwent treatment previously (i.e., preprotocol [PP]); ≥ 1-year follow-up was required for inclusion. Well-defined, multifocal, and diffuse hemispheric cases were excluded. Preoperative demographics and clinical characteristics, resection volumes, and pathology, as well as seizure outcomes (Engel class Ia vs > Ia) at 1 year postsurgery and last follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-two consecutive NP patients were compared with 22 PP patients. There was no difference between the two groups for resection volumes, pathology, or preoperative characteristics, except that the NP group underwent more presurgical evaluation tests (p < 0.001). At 1 year postsurgery, 20 of 22 NP patients and 10 of 22 PP patients were seizure free (OR 11.81, 95% CI 2.00-69.68; p = 0.006). Magnetoencephalography and PET/MRI were associated with improved postsurgical seizure outcomes, but both were highly correlated with the protocol group (i.e., independent test effects could not be demonstrated). CONCLUSIONS A new presurgical evaluation strategy for children with PDCs of focal epilepsy led to improved postsurgical seizure freedom. No individual presurgical evaluation test was independently associated with improved outcome, suggesting that it may be the combined systematic protocol and new interinstitutional collaborations that makes the difference rather than any individual test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solon Schur
- 1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
| | - Jeremy T Moreau
- 2McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University.,3Department of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hui Ming Khoo
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | | | | | - Kenneth A Myers
- 6Division of Neurology and Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | - Bradley Osterman
- 6Division of Neurology and Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | - Bernard Rosenblatt
- 6Division of Neurology and Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Montreal Children's Hospital
| | - Jean-Pierre Farmer
- 3Department of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Turpin
- 8Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Imaging, CHU Ste-Justine and Montreal Children's Hospital; and
| | - Jeff Hall
- 1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
| | - Andre Olivier
- 1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
| | - Andrea Bernasconi
- 9Neuroimaging of Epilepsy Laboratory, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Neda Bernasconi
- 9Neuroimaging of Epilepsy Laboratory, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Francois Dubeau
- 1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
| | - Jean Gotman
- 5Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University
| | - Roy W R Dudley
- 1Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University.,3Department of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Beatty CW, Lockrow JP, Gedela S, Gehred A, Ostendorf AP. The Missed Value of Underutilizing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: A Systematic Review. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 39:100917. [PMID: 34620465 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric epilepsy surgery is underutilized. Only 1%-11% of children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergo surgical treatment, or less than half of those estimated to benefit. We conducted a systematic review of articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science in order to study the factors related to surgery underutilization as well as the impact on both the individual and the healthcare system. Our review demonstrates multiple factors leading to underutilization, including family misconceptions about epilepsy surgery, lack of provider knowledge, as well as systemic health disparities. While the upfront cost of epilepsy surgery is significant, the long-term financial benefits and reduced health resource utilization tilt the economic advantage in favor of surgery in children with DRE. Additionally, timely interventions improve seizure and cognitive outcomes with low risk of complications. Further interventions are needed at the levels of family, provider, and the healthcare system to increase access to pediatric epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Beatty
- The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH
| | - Jason P Lockrow
- Department of Neurology, Section of Pediatric Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alison Gehred
- Medical Library Division, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH.
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19
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Hou Z, Duan QT, Ke YY, An N, Yang H, Liu SY, Zhang CQ. Predictors of Seizure Freedom in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Central Nervous System Infection-Related Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:668439. [PMID: 34489847 PMCID: PMC8416488 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.668439] [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: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Central nervous system infections (CNSIs), especially viral encephalitis and meningitis, are well-recognized causes of medically refractory epilepsy. Although surgery is an effective and durable intervention against these infections, the seizure control outcomes described in previous surgical series have been variable. Accordingly, it is not clear which variables are most valuable in predicting seizure control following surgery for CNSI. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the predictors of favorable surgical outcomes in CNSI-related epilepsy. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WANGFANG, VIP, CBM, and CNKI databases were searched for studies according to the inclusion criteria. Prognostic factors, surgical outcomes, and patient characteristics were extracted. Heterogeneity was detected by the I2 and Q statistics. Results: Seventeen studies were included in our meta-analysis. Eight predictors of favorable outcomes (Engel Class I/II) were determined, including abnormal MRI findings, meningitis, temporal location only, regional ictal pattern, unilateral ictal pattern, older age at epilepsy, longer silent period, and longer time from infection, as follows: OR = 3.34 (95% CI 1.44–7.74), OR = 0.31 (95% CI 0.13–0.70), OR = 0.34 (95% CI 0.16–0.74), OR = 5.65 (95% CI 1.75–18.30), and OR = 9.53 (95% CI 2.36–38.48), respectively, and MD = 2.15 (95% CI 0.20–4.11), MD = 2.40 (95% CI 0.09–4.70), and MD = 8.49 (95% CI 1.50–15.48), respectively. A subgroup analysis found the following associations: regional and unilateral ictal patterns in viral encephalitis, a younger age at infection in parasitic encephalopathy, an older age at surgery, a longer time from onset, and a longer time from infection in unexplained meningitis. A sensitivity analysis restricted to studies that included each variable yielded robust results. Little evidence of publication bias was observed. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that abnormal MRI findings, meningitis, temporal location only, regional and unilateral ictal patterns, older age at epilepsy, longer silent period, and longer time from infection are predictive factors in patients with favorable surgical outcomes in CNSI-related epilepsy. In addition, different infective agents influenced the results in regional and unilateral ictal patterns in ictal electroencephalography, as well as the relationship between age at infection and surgery and the time from epilepsy onset and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Tian Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Yan Ke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ning An
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shi-Yong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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20
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Youngerman BE, Mahajan UV, Dyster TG, Srinivasan S, Halpern CH, McKhann GM, Sheth SA. Cost-effectiveness analysis of responsive neurostimulation for drug-resistant focal onset epilepsy. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2804-2813. [PMID: 34458986 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness of responsive neurostimulation (RNS) therapy for management of medically refractory focal onset seizures compared to pharmacotherapy alone. METHODS We created and analyzed a decision model for treatment with RNS therapy versus pharmacotherapy using a semi-Markov process. We adopted a public payer perspective and used the maximum duration of 9 years in the RNS long-term follow-up study as the time horizon. We used seizure frequency data to model changes in quality of life and estimated the impact of RNS therapy on the annual direct costs of epilepsy care. The model also included expected mortality, adverse events, and costs related to system implantation, programming, and replacement. We interpreted our results against societal willingness-to-pay thresholds of $50 000, $100 000, and $200 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). RESULTS Based on three different calculated utility value estimates, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for RNS therapy (with continued pharmacotherapy) compared to pharmacotherapy alone ranged between $28 825 and $46 596. Multiple sensitivity analyses yielded ICERs often below $50 000 per QALY and consistently below $100 000/QALY. SIGNIFICANCE Modeling based on 9 years of available data demonstrates that RNS therapy for medically refractory epilepsy very likely falls within the range of cost-effectiveness, depending on method of utility estimation, variability in model inputs, and willingness-to-pay threshold. Several factors favor improved cost-effectiveness in the future. Given the increasing focus on delivering cost-effective care, we hope that this analysis will help inform clinical decision-making for this surgical option for refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett E Youngerman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Uma V Mahajan
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy G Dyster
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shraddha Srinivasan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Casey H Halpern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Guy M McKhann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sameer A Sheth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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21
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Nelson F, Gray V, Woolfall K. Parents' experiences of their child's assessment on an epilepsy surgery pathway: A qualitative study. Seizure 2021; 91:456-461. [PMID: 34340191 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Children's epilepsy surgery services (CESS) in the UK aim to improve outcomes for young children by increasing access to surgery. Consideration for surgery is complex and time consuming, yet there is lack of research exploring how this process might impact on families. This study aimed to explore parents' experiences of their child consideration for epilepsy surgery to inform future service development and delivery. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with parents of children (aged < six years) considered for surgery within the previous three years. Recruitment was through social media and purposive sampling of medical records. Data were analysed using a thematic and iterative approach. RESULTS 15 parents of 14 children were interviewed (13 mothers and 2 fathers). Initial discussions of epilepsy surgery were described as 'shocking' but also as a source of hope. However, unclear communication between staff and parents, including lack of information about the steps, assessments/investigations and timeframes involved in the process of assessment for surgery led to some feeling 'out of control,' uncertain and in some cases distressed. Parents described examples of positive support from staff, yet many felt they needed additional general and emotional support throughout the epilepsy surgery pathway. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of providing clear and consistent information about the epilepsy surgery assessment to minimise parental distress and help facilitate a sense of control. Recommendations include providing parents with advance warning that surgery will be discussed at their next appointment, improved access to psychosocial and clinical psychological support and a step-by-step guide of the process with realistic timelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Nelson
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Gray
- Clinical Health Psychology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L12 2AP, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry Woolfall
- Institute of Population Health, Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3G, United Kingdom.
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22
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Fernández-Concepción O, López Jiménez M, Valencia-Calderón C, Calderón-Valdivieso A, Recasén-Linares A, Reyes-Haro L, Vásquez-Ham C. Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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23
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Kerr WT, Zhang X, Hill CE, Janio EA, Chau AM, Braesch CT, Le JM, Hori JM, Patel AB, Allas CH, Karimi AH, Dubey I, Sreenivasan SS, Gallardo NL, Bauirjan J, Hwang ES, Davis EC, D'Ambrosio SR, Al Banna M, Cho AY, Dewar SR, Engel J, Feusner JD, Stern JM. Epilepsy, dissociative seizures, and mixed: Associations with time to video-EEG. Seizure 2021; 86:116-122. [PMID: 33601302 PMCID: PMC7979505 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Video-electroencephalographic monitoring (VEM) is a core component to the diagnosis and evaluation of epilepsy and dissociative seizures (DS)-also known as functional or psychogenic seizures-but VEM evaluation often occurs later than recommended. To understand why delays occur, we compared how patient-reported clinical factors were associated with time from first seizure to VEM (TVEM) in patients with epilepsy, DS or mixed. METHODS We acquired data from 1245 consecutive patients with epilepsy, VEM-documented DS or mixed epilepsy and DS. We used multivariate log-normal regression with recursive feature elimination (RFE) to evaluate which of 76 clinical factors interacting with patients' diagnoses were associated with TVEM. RESULTS The mean and median TVEM were 14.6 years and 10 years, respectively (IQR 3-23 years). In the multivariate RFE model, the factors associated with longer TVEM in all patients included unemployment and not student status, more antiseizure medications (current and past), concussion, and ictal behavior suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy. Average TVEM was shorter for DS than epilepsy, particularly for patients with depression, anxiety, migraines, and eye closure. Average TVEM was longer specifically for patients with DS taking more medications, more seizure types, non-metastatic cancer, and with other psychiatric comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS In all patients with seizures, trials of numerous antiseizure medications, unemployment and non-student status was associated with longer TVEM. These associations highlight a disconnect between International League Against Epilepsy practice parameters and observed referral patterns in epilepsy. In patients with dissociative seizures, some but not all factors classically associated with DS reduced TVEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley T Kerr
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Xingruo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chloe E Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily A Janio
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea M Chau
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chelsea T Braesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Justine M Le
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jessica M Hori
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Akash B Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Corinne H Allas
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amir H Karimi
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ishita Dubey
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Siddhika S Sreenivasan
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Norma L Gallardo
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Janar Bauirjan
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eric S Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emily C Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shannon R D'Ambrosio
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mona Al Banna
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Y Cho
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sandra R Dewar
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jerome Engel
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jamie D Feusner
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John M Stern
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Crevier-Sorbo G, Brunette-Clément T, Medawar E, Mathieu F, Morgan BR, Hachem LD, Dewan MC, Fallah A, Weil AG, Ibrahim GM. A needs assessment of pediatric epilepsy surgery in Haiti. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021; 27:189-195. [PMID: 33254133 DOI: 10.3171/2020.7.peds20256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy disproportionately affects low- and/or middle-income countries (LMICs). Surgical treatments for epilepsy are potentially curative and cost-effective and may improve quality of life and reduce social stigmas. In the current study, the authors estimate the potential need for a surgical epilepsy program in Haiti by applying contemporary epilepsy surgery referral guidelines to a population of children assessed at the Clinique d'Épilepsie de Port-au-Prince (CLIDEP). METHODS The authors reviewed 812 pediatric patient records from the CLIDEP, the only pediatric epilepsy referral center in Haiti. Clinical covariates and seizure outcomes were extracted from digitized charts. Electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging reports were further analyzed to determine the prevalence of focal epilepsy or surgically amenable syndromes and to assess the lesional causes of epilepsy in Haiti. Lastly, the toolsforepilepsy instrument was applied to determine the proportion of patients who met the criteria for epilepsy surgery referral. RESULTS Two-thirds of the patients at CLIDEP (543/812) were determined to have epilepsy based on clinical and diagnostic evaluations. Most of them (82%, 444/543) had been evaluated with interictal EEG, 88% of whom (391/444) had abnormal findings. The most common finding was a unilateral focal abnormality (32%, 125/391). Neuroimaging, a prerequisite for applying the epilepsy surgery referral criteria, had been performed in only 58 patients in the entire CLIDEP cohort, 39 of whom were eventually diagnosed with epilepsy. Two-thirds (26/39) of those patients had abnormal findings on neuroimaging. Most patients (55%, 18/33) assessed with the toolsforepilepsy application met the criteria for epilepsy surgery referral. CONCLUSIONS The authors' findings suggest that many children with epilepsy in Haiti could benefit from being evaluated at a center with the capacity to perform basic brain imaging and neurosurgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edgard Medawar
- 1Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Francois Mathieu
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario
| | | | - Laureen D Hachem
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario
| | - Michael C Dewan
- 7Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Aria Fallah
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexander G Weil
- 2Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec
- 6Division of Neurosurgery, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec
| | - George M Ibrahim
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario
- 7Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
- 8Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario; and
- 9Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Harris WB, Phillips HW, Fallah A, Mathern GW. Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Focal and Generalized Epilepsy: Current Trends and Recent Advancements. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFor a subset of children with medically intractable epilepsy, surgery may provide the best chances of seizure freedom. Whereas the indications for epilepsy surgery are commonly thought to be limited to patients with focal epileptogenic foci, modern imaging and surgical interventions frequently permit successful surgical treatment of generalized epilepsy. Resection continues to be the only potentially curative intervention; however, the advent of various neuromodulation interventions provides an effective palliative strategy for generalized or persistent seizures. Although the risks and benefits vary greatly by type and extent of intervention, the seizure outcomes appear to be uniformly favorable. Advances in both resective and nonresective surgical interventions provide promise for improved seizure freedom, function, and quality of life. This review summarizes the current trends and recent advancements in pediatric epilepsy surgery from diagnostic workup and indications through surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B. Harris
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawai'i
| | - H. Westley Phillips
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Aria Fallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Gary W. Mathern
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, California, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, California, United States
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26
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Cost-effectiveness analysis of epilepsy surgery in children and adolescents with drug resistant focal epilepsy at three years in a tertiary care epilepsy center in Thailand. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 79:163-168. [PMID: 33070889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery is proven as a cost-effective treatment in developed countries, especially in adults with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). This study is aimed to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of epilepsy surgery in children and adolescents with DRE at three years compared with those who were eligible for surgery but received medical treatment. This study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018. Clinical data were obtained from a retrospective chart review. Direct medical costs, including epilepsy surgery, inpatient and outpatient treatment were retrieved from the finance department. Direct non-medical costs were collected from the family interview. The effectiveness was determined by percent seizure reduction and quality of life assessed by EQ-5D scores. Decision tree analysis using TreeAge Pro® 2018 was deployed to determine the cost-effectiveness. Seventeen patients had epilepsy surgery and 19 were in the medical group. Seizure freedom was noted in 52% and 16% in the surgical and medical groups, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 743,040 THB (22,793 USD) per 1 QALY and 3302 THB (101 USD) per 1% seizure reduction. The study did not demonstrate cost-effectiveness of epilepsy surgery in the short term compared with Thailand's threshold (160,000 THB (4908 USD) per 1 QALY). Epilepsy surgery may be cost-effective if evaluated beyond three years.
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27
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Pan I, LoPresti MA, Clarke DF, Lam S. The Effectiveness of Medical and Surgical Treatment for Children With Refractory Epilepsy. Neurosurgery 2020; 88:E73-E82. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Pediatric refractory epilepsy affects quality of life, clinical disability, and healthcare costs for patients and families.
OBJECTIVE
To show the impact of surgical treatment for pediatric epilepsy on healthcare utilization compared to medically treated pediatric epilepsy over 5 yr.
METHODS
The Pediatric Health Information System database was used to conduct a cohort study using 5 published algorithms. Refractory epilepsy patients treated with antiepileptic medications (AEDs) only or AEDs plus epilepsy surgery between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2014 were included. Healthcare utilization following the index date at 2 and 5 yr including inpatient, emergency department (ED), and all epilepsy-related visits were evaluated. The propensity scores (PS) method was used to match surgically and medically treated patients. PS. SAS® 9.4 and Stata 14.0 were used for data management and statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 2106 (17.1%) and 10186 (82.9%) were surgically and medically treated. A total of 4050 matched cases, 2025 per each treated group, were included. Compared to medically treated patients, utilization was reduced in the surgical group: at 2 and 5 yr postindex date, there was a reduction of 36% to 37% of inpatient visits and 47% to 50% of ED visits. The total number (inpatient, ED, ambulatory visits) of epilepsy-associated visits were reduced by 39% to 43% in the surgical group compared to the medically treated group. In those who had surgery, the average reduction in AEDs was 16% at 2 and 5 yr after treatment.
CONCLUSION
Patients with refractory epilepsy treated with surgery had significant reductions in healthcare utilization compared with patients treated only with medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwen Pan
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Dave F Clarke
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin Medical School, Austin, Texas
| | - Sandi Lam
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Sheikh SR, Kattan MW, Steinmetz M, Singer ME, Udeh BL, Jehi L. Cost-effectiveness of surgery for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy in the US. Neurology 2020; 95:e1404-e1416. [PMID: 32641528 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgery is an effective but costly treatment for many patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (DR-TLE). We aim to evaluate whether, in the United States, surgery is cost-effective compared to medical management for patients deemed surgical candidates and whether surgical evaluation is cost-effective for patients with DR-TLE in general. METHODS We use a semi-Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of surgery and surgical evaluation over a lifetime horizon. We use second-order Monte Carlo simulations to conduct probabilistic sensitivity analyses to estimate variation in model output. We adopt both health care and societal perspectives, including direct health care costs (e.g., surgery, antiepileptic drugs) and indirect costs (e.g., lost earnings by patients and care providers.) We compare the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to societal willingness to pay (∼$100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]) to determine whether surgery is cost-effective. RESULTS Epilepsy surgery is cost-effective compared to medical management in surgically eligible patients by virtue of being cost-saving ($328,000 vs $423,000) and more effective (16.6 vs 13.6 QALY) than medical management in the long run. Surgical evaluation is cost-effective in patients with DR-TLE even if the probability of being deemed a surgical candidate is only 5%. From a societal perspective, surgery becomes cost-effective within 3 years, and 89% of simulations favor surgery over the lifetime horizon. CONCLUSION For surgically eligible patients with DR-TLE, surgery is cost-effective. For patients with DR-TLE in general, referral for surgical evaluation (and possible subsequent surgery) is cost-effective. Patients with DR-TLE should be referred for surgical evaluation without hesitation on cost-effectiveness grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehryar R Sheikh
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael W Kattan
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael Steinmetz
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Mendel E Singer
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Belinda L Udeh
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lara Jehi
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (S.R.S.); Department of Quantitative Health Sciences (M.W.K., B.L.U.), Department of Neurological Surgery (M.S.), and Epilepsy Center (L.J.), Cleveland Clinic; and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (M.E.S.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
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Crevier‐Sorbo G, Brunette‐Clément T, Medawar E, Mathieu F, Morgan BR, Hachem L, Fallah A, Weil AG, Ibrahim GM. Assessment and treatment of childhood epilepsy in Haiti. Epilepsia Open 2020; 5:190-197. [PMID: 32524044 PMCID: PMC7278551 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The global burden of pediatric epilepsy is disproportionately concentrated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, little is known about the effectiveness of current treatment programs in this setting. We present the outcomes of children who were assessed and treated at the Clinique D'Épilepsie de Port-au-Prince (CLIDEP), the only pediatric epilepsy referral center in Haiti. METHODS A 10-year retrospective review of children consecutively assessed and treated at CLIDEP was performed. The primary outcome was seizure control following treatment for epilepsy. The secondary outcome was an accurate determination of the diagnosis of epilepsy. A data-driven principle component regression (PCR) analysis was used to identify variables associated with outcomes of interest. RESULTS Of the 812 children referred for evaluation, most children (82%) underwent electroencephalography to investigate a possible epilepsy diagnosis. Very few children (7%) underwent cranial imaging. Although many patients were lost to follow-up (24%), most children who returned to clinic had less frequent seizures (51%) and compliance with medication was relatively high (79%). Using PCR, we identified a patient phenotype that was strongly associated with poor seizure control which had strong contributions from abnormal neurological examination, higher number of antiepileptic drugs, comorbid diagnoses, epileptic encephalopathy or epilepsy syndrome, and developmental delay. Head circumference also contributed to epilepsy outcomes in Haiti with smaller head sizes being associated with a poor seizure outcome. A dissociable phenotype of febrile seizures, suspected structural abnormality, epileptic encephalopathy or epilepsy syndrome, and higher seizure frequency was associated with a diagnosis of epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE We describe the current landscape of childhood epilepsy in Haiti with an emphasis on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. The findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of programs aimed at the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in LMICs and may inform the allocation of resources and create more effective referral structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edgar Medawar
- Faculty of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Francois Mathieu
- Division of NeurosurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | | | - Laureen Hachem
- Division of NeurosurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Aria Fallah
- Department of NeurosurgeryUCLA Mattel Children's HospitalDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Alexander G. Weil
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MontrealMontrealQCCanada
- Division of NeurosurgerySte Justine HospitalMontrealQCCanada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of NeurosurgeryDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Division of NeurosurgeryHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoONCanada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Institute of Medical ScienceUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
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Duc Lien N, Tuan DA, Vu Hung C, Lepard JR, Rocque BG. Corpus callosotomy for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy: a review of 16 pediatric cases in northern Vietnam. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 25:582-587. [PMID: 32109876 DOI: 10.3171/2019.12.peds19638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative seizure outcome in children with drug-resistant epilepsy not eligible for focal resection who underwent corpus callosotomy. METHODS The study included 16 patients undergoing corpus callosotomy between September 2015 and May 2018. Seizure semiology and frequency, psychomotor status, and video electroencephalography and imaging findings were evaluated for all patients. RESULTS Of the 16 patients who underwent callosotomy during the study period, 11 underwent complete callosotomy and 5 underwent anterior only. Seizure improvement greater than 75% was achieved in 37.5% of patients, and another 50% of patients had seizure improvement of 50%-75%. No sustained neurological deficits were observed in these patients. There were no significant complications. Duration of postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 44 months. CONCLUSIONS Corpus callosotomy is an effective treatment for selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy not eligible for focal resection in resource-limited settings. Fostering and developing international epilepsy surgery centers should remain a high priority for the neurosurgical community at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Duc Lien
- 1Neurosurgical Department, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi
| | - Dang Anh Tuan
- 2Neurology Department, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Cao Vu Hung
- 2Neurology Department, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jacob R Lepard
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama; and
- 4The Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon G Rocque
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama; and
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Kim LH, Parker JJ, Ho AL, Pendharkar AV, Sussman ES, Halpern CH, Porter B, Grant GA. Postoperative outcomes following pediatric intracranial electrode monitoring: A case for stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106905. [PMID: 32028127 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with medically refractory epilepsy, intracranial electrode monitoring can help identify epileptogenic foci. Despite the increasing utilization of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), the relative risks or benefits associated with the technique when compared with the traditional subdural electrode monitoring (SDE) remain unclear, especially in the pediatric population. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of pediatric patients who received intracranial monitoring with SEEG or SDE (grids and strips). METHODS We retrospectively studied 38 consecutive pediatric intracranial electrode monitoring cases performed at our institution from 2014 to 2017. Medical/surgical history and operative/postoperative records were reviewed. We also compared direct inpatient hospital costs associated with the two procedures. RESULTS Stereoelectroencephalography and SDE cohorts both showed high likelihood of identifying epileptogenic zones (SEEG: 90.9%, SDE: 87.5%). Compared with SDE, SEEG patients had a significantly shorter operative time (118.7 versus 233.4 min, P < .001) and length of stay (6.2 versus 12.3 days, P < .001), including days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU; 1.4 versus 5.4 days, P < .001). Stereoelectroencephalography patients tended to report lower pain scores and used significantly less narcotic pain medications (54.2 versus 197.3 mg morphine equivalents, P = .005). No complications were observed. Stereoelectroencephalography and SDE cohorts had comparable inpatient hospital costs (P = .47). CONCLUSION In comparison with subdural electrode placement, SEEG results in a similarly favorable clinical outcome, but with reduced operative time, decreased narcotic usage, and superior pain control without requiring significantly higher costs. The potential for an improved postoperative intracranial electrode monitoring experience makes SEEG especially suitable for pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily H Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Jonathon J Parker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Allen L Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Arjun V Pendharkar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Eric S Sussman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Casey H Halpern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Brenda Porter
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, United States of America
| | - Gerald A Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, United States of America.
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Sacino M, Huang SS, Alexander H, Fayed I, Keating RF, Oluigbo CO. An Initial Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery. Pediatr Neurosurg 2020; 55:141-148. [PMID: 32829333 DOI: 10.1159/000509329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a new technology that provides a clinically efficacious and minimally invasive alternative to conventional microsurgical resection. However, little data exist on how costs compare to traditional open surgery. The goal of this paper is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of MRgLITT in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent MRgLITT via the Visualase® thermal therapy system (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) between December 2013 and September 2017. Direct costs associated with preoperative, operative, and follow-up care were extracted. Benefit was calculated in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the cost-effectiveness was derived from the discounted total direct costs over QALY. Sensitivity analysis on 4 variables was utilized to assess the validity of our results. RESULTS Twelve consecutive pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy underwent MRgLITT procedures. At the last postoperative follow-up, 8 patients were seizure free (Engel I, 66.7%), 2 demonstrated significant improvement (Engel II, 16.7%), and 2 patients showed worthwhile improvement (Engel III, 16.7%). The average cumulative discounted QALY was 2.11 over the lifetime of a patient. Adjusting for inflation, MRgLITT procedures had a cost-effectiveness of USD 22,211 per QALY. Our sensitivity analysis of cost variables is robust and supports the procedure to be cost--effective. CONCLUSION Our data suggests that MRgLITT may be a cost-effective alternative to traditional surgical resection in pediatric epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Sacino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sean S Huang
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Hepzibha Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Islam Fayed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Robert F Keating
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Chima O Oluigbo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA, .,Department of Neurosurgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA,
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Milovanović JR, Janković SM, Milovanović D, Ružić Zečević D, Folić M, Kostić M, Ranković G, Stefanović S. Contemporary surgical management of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:23-40. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1676733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dragan Milovanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Marko Folić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Kostić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Goran Ranković
- Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Srđan Stefanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Elliott J, van Katwyk S, McCoy B, Clifford T, Potter BK, Skidmore B, Wells GA, Coyle D. Decision Models for Assessing the Cost Effectiveness of Treatments for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2019; 37:1261-1276. [PMID: 31201643 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-019-00816-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug-resistant epilepsy affects about one-third of children with epilepsy and is associated with high costs to the healthcare system, yet the cost effectiveness of most treatments is unclear. Use of cannabis-based products for epilepsy is increasing, and the cost effectiveness of such strategies relative to conventional pharmacologic treatments must be considered. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to identify economic evaluations of cannabis-based treatments for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy. We also sought to identify and appraise decision models that have been used in economic evaluations of pharmacologic treatments (i.e., antiepileptic drugs) in this population. METHODS Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library, as well as a targeted grey literature search, were undertaken (11 June 2018). Model-based full economic evaluations involving cannabis-based treatments or pharmacologic treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy in children were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion, and study quality was assessed by use of the Drummond and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklists. Study findings, as well as model characteristics, are narratively summarized. RESULTS Nine economic evaluations involving children with drug-resistant epilepsy were identified; however, none involved cannabis-based treatments. All studies involved pharmacologic treatments compared with other pharmacologic treatments or non-pharmacologic treatments (i.e., ketogenic diet, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation). Few studies have assessed the cost effectiveness of pharmacologic treatments in specific drug-resistant epilepsy syndromes, including Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Five included studies involved use of Markov models with a similar structure (i.e., health states based on seizure frequency relative to baseline). There was a wide range of methodological quality, and few studies fully addressed context-specific issues such as weight gain and treatment switching. CONCLUSION Whether cannabis-based treatments for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy represent good value for money has yet to be investigated. Economic evaluations of such treatments are needed and should address issues of particular importance in pediatric epilepsy, including weight gain over time, switching or discontinuation of treatments, effectiveness of interventions and comparators, and long-term effectiveness beyond the duration of available clinical studies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42018099591.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Elliott
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Sasha van Katwyk
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bláthnaid McCoy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tammy Clifford
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Beth K Potter
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - George A Wells
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Catchpool M, Dalziel K, Mahardya RTK, Harvey AS. Cost-effectiveness of epileptic surgery compared with medical treatment in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:253-259. [PMID: 31254845 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.04.004] [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: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy surgery is an alternative to continued antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to measure, model, and compare the medical costs and impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQL) of epilepsy surgery versus continued medical treatment with AEDs in children with DRE. METHODS A decision analytic model was created to estimate the cost-effectiveness of epilepsy surgery relative to continued medical treatment with AEDs. The model was based on costing and effectiveness data collected from 105 children with DRE who were operated on at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. The mean cost of conducting epilepsy surgery was AU$ 61,417 per person. Effectiveness of continued medical treatment was sourced from best available literature. In the absence of published utility values for pediatric patients with epilepsy and ethical approval to contact patients directly, HRQL was estimated by four clinicians using the Child Health Utility 9 Dimension (CHU9D). Outcome measures were seizure freedom and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS The costs over 7.6 years of follow-up were AU$ 219,297 for the surgical treatment group compared with AU$ 170,583 for the medical treatment group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for surgically vs medical treatment was AU$ 76,538 per additional patient attaining seizure freedom and AU$ 75,541 per additional QALY gained. CONCLUSION Epilepsy surgery resulted in a greater reduction of seizures and improvement in HRQL but was more expensive than continued medical treatment with AEDs. Including benefits outside of a healthcare perspective would likely lead to a more compelling cost-effective argument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Catchpool
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim Dalziel
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Rizki Tsalatshita Khair Mahardya
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A Simon Harvey
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Liu W, Tian S, Zhang J, Huang P, Wang T, Deng Y, Liu X, Miao F, Sun B, Zhan S. Utility of stereo-electroencephalography recording guided by magnetoencephalography in the surgical treatment of epilepsy patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging results. Int J Neurosci 2019; 129:1045-1052. [PMID: 31215295 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1634066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: It is challenging for neurosurgeons to perform surgeries on patients without detectable structural lesions. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to explore the outcome of stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) in suspicious areas guided by magnetoencephalography (MEG)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction in MRI-negative epilepsy patients. Methods: This study included 47 patients with negative-MRI epilepsy. Seizure outcome at 24 months was assessed using a modified Engel's classification. Accordingly, class I and II were considered favorable outcomes, whereas classes III and IV were unfavorable. Furthermore, patients were classified into a consistent group if the results of MEG and SEEG indicated the same area of the brain. The relationship between surgical outcome and the concordance of MEG and SEEG was analyzed. Results: A complete seizure-free condition was achieved in 22 (47%) patients. Sex, handedness, age and duration of illness were not significantly associated with seizure-free outcome (p = .187 [Pearson chi-squared test]). The number of patients with favorable outcome (Engle I and II) was as high as 68% at the time of follow-up. Furthermore, more seizure-free patients were found in the SEEG and MEG consistent group. Conclusions: SEEG is a valuable tool in the pre-evaluation for resective epilepsy surgery, particularly in negative-MRI epilepsy patients; MEG greatly facilitates localization for SEEG electrode implantation. However, none of these tools are absolutely sensitive and reliable; therefore, collecting as much information as possible is necessary to achieve satisfactory results in epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Shuaiwei Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yulei Deng
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Fei Miao
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Bomin Sun
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Shikun Zhan
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
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Fernández-Concepción O, López Jiménez M, Valencia-Calderón C, Calderón-Valdivieso A, Recasén-Linares A, Reyes-Haro L, Vásquez-Ham C. Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador. Neurologia 2018. [PMID: 29525400 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is sufficient evidence on the usefulness of surgery as a therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; however this treatment is underutilized, especially in developing countries. METHODS We describe the outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 27 paediatric patients at Hospital Baca Ortiz in Quito, Ecuador. Our analysis considered the following variables: reduction in seizure frequency, surgery outcome according to the Engel classification, improvement in quality of life, and serious complications due to surgery. RESULTS 21 corpus callosotomies and 6 resective surgeries were performed. The mean seizure frequency decreased from 465 per month before surgery to 37.2 per month thereafter (p<.001); quality of life scale scores increased from 12.6 to 37.2 (p<.001), and quality of life improved in 72.7% of patients. Regarding resective surgery, 2 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and one with posterior quadrant epilepsy achieved Engel class IA, and one patient undergoing hemispherotomy due to Rasmussen encephalitis achieved Engel class IIA. Two patients underwent surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma: one achieved Engel III and the other, Engel IA; however, the latter patient died in the medium term due to a postoperative complication. The other major complication was a case of hydrocephalus, which led to the death of a patient with refractory infantile spasms who underwent corpus callosotomy. CONCLUSIONS Favourable outcomes were observed in 92.5% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M López Jiménez
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Baca Ortiz, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - L Reyes-Haro
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Baca Ortiz, Quito, Ecuador
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Sacino MF, Huang SS, Keating RF, Gaillard WD, Oluigbo CO. An initial cost-effectiveness analysis of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in pediatric epilepsy surgery. Childs Nerv Syst 2018; 34:495-502. [PMID: 29159426 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-017-3658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have illustrated the clinical utility of the addition of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) to conventional microsurgical resection. While iMRI requires initial capital cost investment, long-term reduction in costly follow-up management and reoperation costs may prove economically efficacious. The objective of this study is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of iMRI utilization versus conventional microsurgical techniques in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) resection in pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric subjects who underwent surgical resection of FCD at the Children's National Health System between March 2005 and April 2015. Patients were assigned to one of three cohorts: iMRI-assisted resection, conventional resection with iMRI-assisted reoperation, or conventional resection. Direct costs included preoperative, operative, postoperative, long-term follow-up, and antiepileptic drug (AED) costs. The cost-effectiveness was calculated as the sum total of all direct medical costs over the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). We also performed sensitivity analysis on numerous variables to assess the validity of our results. RESULTS Fifty-six consecutive pediatric patients underwent resective surgery for medically intractable FCD. Ten patients underwent iMRI-assisted resection; 7 underwent conventional resection followed by iMRI-assisted reoperation; 39 patients underwent conventional microsurgical resection. Taken over the lifetime of the patient, the cumulative discounted QALY of patients in the iMRI-assisted resection cohort was about 2.91 years, versus 2.61 years in the conventional resection with iMRI-assisted reoperation cohort, and 1.76 years for the conventional resection cohort. Adjusting for inflation, iMRI-assisted surgeries have a cost-effectiveness ratio of $16,179 per QALY, versus $28,514 per QALY for the conventional resection with iMRI-assisted reoperation cohort, and $49,960 per QALY for the conventional resection cohort. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that no one single variable significantly altered cost-effectiveness across all three cohorts compared to the baseline results. CONCLUSION The addition of iMRI to conventional microsurgical techniques for resection of FCD in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy resulted in increased seizure freedom and reduction in long-term direct medical costs compared to conventional surgeries. Our data suggests that iMRI may be a cost-effective addition to the surgical armamentarium for epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Sacino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sean S Huang
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert F Keating
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William D Gaillard
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chima O Oluigbo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA.
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Patel A, Wang L, Gedela S. Health Care Utilization Following Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients From a Pediatric Accountable Care Organization. J Child Neurol 2018; 33:136-139. [PMID: 29172909 DOI: 10.1177/0883073817743639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation has been a therapy for epilepsy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients 4 and older and shown efficacy and safety in younger pediatric patients. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis utilizing Medicaid claims from an accountable care organization to measure the intervention of vagus nerve stimulation therapy in regard to unplanned health care utilization. Thirteen unique patients were included who had vagus nerve stimulation therapy who had at least 6 months of continuous enrollment in a managed Medicaid health plan. Comparison with 12 months of data before and after vagus nerve stimulation implantation was performed. RESULTS Patients had statistically significant fewer unplanned inpatient visits per patient per enrollment month after vagus nerve stimulation implantation. CONCLUSION Utilizing claims data, vagus nerve stimulation implantation demonstrates a reduction in unplanned hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Patel
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,2 Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- 3 Data Resource Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,2 Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Dwivedi R, Ramanujam B, Chandra PS, Sapra S, Gulati S, Kalaivani M, Garg A, Bal CS, Tripathi M, Dwivedi SN, Sagar R, Sarkar C, Tripathi M. Surgery for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children. N Engl J Med 2017; 377:1639-1647. [PMID: 29069568 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1615335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosurgical treatment may improve seizures in children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy, but additional data are needed from randomized trials. METHODS In this single-center trial, we randomly assigned 116 patients who were 18 years of age or younger with drug-resistant epilepsy to undergo brain surgery appropriate to the underlying cause of epilepsy along with appropriate medical therapy (surgery group, 57 patients) or to receive medical therapy alone (medical-therapy group, 59 patients). The patients in the medical-therapy group were assigned to a waiting list for surgery. The primary outcome was freedom from seizures at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the score on the Hague Seizure Severity scale, the Binet-Kamat intelligence quotient, the social quotient on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and scores on the Child Behavior Checklist and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. RESULTS At 12 months, freedom from seizures occurred in 44 patients (77%) in the surgery group and in 4 (7%) in the medical-therapy group (P<0.001). Between-group differences in the change from baseline to 12 months significantly favored surgery with respect to the score on the Hague Seizure Severity scale (difference, 19.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.8 to 23.1; P<0.001), on the Child Behavior Checklist (difference, 13.1; 95% CI, 10.7 to 15.6; P<0.001), on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (difference, 21.9; 95% CI, 16.4 to 27.6; P<0.001), and on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (difference, 4.7; 95% CI, 0.4 to 9.1; P=0.03), but not on the Binet-Kamat intelligence quotient (difference, 2.5; 95% CI, -0.1 to 5.1; P=0.06). Serious adverse events occurred in 19 patients (33%) in the surgery group, including hemiparesis in 15 (26%). CONCLUSIONS In this single-center trial, children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy who had undergone epilepsy surgery had a significantly higher rate of freedom from seizures and better scores with respect to behavior and quality of life than did those who continued medical therapy alone at 12 months. Surgery resulted in anticipated neurologic deficits related to the region of brain resection. (Funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research and others; Clinical Trial Registry-India number, CTRI/2010/091/000525 .).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Dwivedi
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhargavi Ramanujam
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - P Sarat Chandra
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Savita Sapra
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sheffali Gulati
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mani Kalaivani
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Garg
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandra S Bal
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhavi Tripathi
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sada N Dwivedi
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sagar
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- From the Departments of Neurology (R.D., B.R., Manjari Tripathi), Neurosurgery (P.S.C.), Pediatrics (S.S., S.G.), Biostatistics (M.K., S.N.D.), Neuro-Radiology (A.G.), Nuclear Medicine (C.S.B., Madhavi Tripathi), Psychiatry (R.S.), and Pathology (C.S.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Hidalgo ET, Weiner HL. Surgery for epileptogenic cerebral dysplasia in children. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:270-275. [PMID: 27730624 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New developments in diagnostic methods, technical improvements in the surgical field, and a better understanding of the effects of epilepsy on the developing brain are contributing to the general observation that more children with epilepsy are being treated surgically. Malformations of cortical development are the most common cause of seizures in pediatric surgical candidates, and the best predictor of seizure freedom after surgery appears to be the complete removal of the epileptogenic lesion. To achieve this goal in challenging cases, such as magnetic resonance imaging-negative or multifocal lesions, a staged approach with pre- and/or post-resective invasive electroencephalography monitoring has increasingly been used at a number of centers. As the experience with this approach has grown, and the risks and benefits are better understood, a larger number of patients with epilepsy have been identified as potential surgical candidates. In this review, a number of the recent developments in pediatric epilepsy surgery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Teresa Hidalgo
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Wijnen BFM, van Mastrigt GAPG, Evers SMAA, Gershuni O, Lambrechts DAJE, Majoie MHJM, Postulart D, Aldenkamp BAP, de Kinderen RJA. A systematic review of economic evaluations of treatments for patients with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2017; 58:706-726. [PMID: 28098939 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing number of treatment options and the high costs associated with epilepsy have fostered the development of economic evaluations in epilepsy. It is important to examine the availability and quality of these economic evaluations and to identify potential research gaps. As well as looking at both pharmacologic (antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]) and nonpharmacologic (e.g., epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation) therapies, this review examines the methodologic quality of the full economic evaluations included. Literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), Econlit, Web of Science, and CEA Registry. In addition, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane DARE and Cochrane Health Technology Assessment Databases were used. To identify relevant studies, predefined clinical search strategies were combined with a search filter designed to identify health economic studies. Specific search strategies were devised for the following topics: (1) AEDs, (2) patients with cognitive deficits, (3) elderly patients, (4) epilepsy surgery, (5) ketogenic diet, (6) vagus nerve stimulation, and (7) treatment of (non)convulsive status epilepticus. A total of 40 publications were included in this review, 29 (73%) of which were articles about pharmacologic interventions. Mean quality score of all articles on the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC)-extended was 81.8%, the lowest quality score being 21.05%, whereas five studies had a score of 100%. Looking at the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS), the average quality score was 77.0%, the lowest being 22.7%, and four studies rated as 100%. There was a substantial difference in methodology in all included articles, which hampered the attempt to combine information meaningfully. Overall, the methodologic quality was acceptable; however, some studies performed significantly worse than others. The heterogeneity between the studies stresses the need to define a reference case (e.g., how should an economic evaluation within epilepsy be performed) and to derive consensus on what constitutes "standard optimal care."
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben F M Wijnen
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine A P G van Mastrigt
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Gershuni
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle A J E Lambrechts
- Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Academic Center for Epileptology, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe & Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marian H J M Majoie
- Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Academic Center for Epileptology, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe & Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,MHENS School of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Debby Postulart
- Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Bert A P Aldenkamp
- Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Academic Center for Epileptology, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe & Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,MHENS School of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Behavioral Sciences, Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - Reina J A de Kinderen
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Berrigan P, Bardouille T, MacLellan M, Mohamed IS, Murthy M. Cost-utility analysis of magnetoencephalography used to inform intracranial electrode placement in patients with drug resistant epilepsy: a model based analysis. J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:938-945. [PMID: 27270644 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We estimated the cost-effectiveness of adding magnetoencephalography to a standard assessment for epilepsy surgery consisting of neuropsychology, magnetic resonance imagining, scalp electroencephalography, video electroencephalography and intracranial electroencephalography, in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement. METHODS We used Microsoft Excel (2007) to construct a decision model. Discounted costs and quality adjusted life years are aggregated to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to assess robustness of findings. RESULTS Our base case analysis yielded a result of $14 300 per quality adjusted life year gained. A total of 82.7% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis iterations resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios below $100 000 in 2014 Canadian dollars. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of Magnetoencephalography in the assessment for epilepsy surgery in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement is likely not cost saving but does represent a reasonable allocation of resources from a value for money perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Berrigan
- Centre for Clinical Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tim Bardouille
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Matt MacLellan
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ismail S Mohamed
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Manjari Murthy
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Cost-utility analysis of competing treatment strategies for drug-resistant epilepsy in children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 63:79-88. [PMID: 27591681 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of drug-resistant epilepsy in children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is challenging because of the multitude of treatment options, wide range of associated costs, and uncertainty of seizure outcomes. The most cost-effective approach for children whose epilepsy has failed to improve with first-line medical therapy is uncertain. METHODS A review of MEDLINE from 1990 to 2015 was conducted. A cost-utility analysis, from a third-party payer perspective, was performed for children with drug-resistant epilepsy that had failed to improve with 2 antiseizure drugs (ASDs) and that was amenable to resective epilepsy surgery, across a time-horizon of 5years. Four strategies were included: (1) resective epilepsy surgery, (2) vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation, (3) ketogenic diet, and (4) addition of a third ASD (specifically, carbamazepine). The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained was analyzed. RESULTS Given a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $100,000 per QALY, the addition of a third ASD ($6600 for a gain of 4.14 QALYs) was the most cost-effective treatment strategy. In a secondary analysis, if the child whose epilepsy had failed to improve with 3 ASDs, ketogenic diet, addition of a fourth ASD, and resective epilepsy surgery were incrementally cost-effective treatment strategies. Vagus nerve stimulator implantation was more expensive yet less effective than alternative strategies and should not be prioritized. CONCLUSIONS The addition of a third ASD is a universally cost-effective treatment option in the management of children with drug-resistant epilepsy that has failed to improve with 2 ASDs. For children whose epilepsy has failed to improve with 3 ASDs, the most cost-effective treatment depends on the health-care resources available reflected by the WTP.
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Seizure outcomes in nonresective epilepsy surgery: an update. Neurosurg Rev 2016; 40:181-194. [PMID: 27206422 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-016-0725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In approximately 30 % of patients with epilepsy, seizures are refractory to medical therapy, leading to significant morbidity and increased mortality. Substantial evidence has demonstrated the benefit of surgical resection in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, and in the present journal, we recently reviewed seizure outcomes in resective epilepsy surgery. However, not all patients are candidates for or amenable to open surgical resection for epilepsy. Fortunately, several nonresective surgical options are now available at various epilepsy centers, including novel therapies which have been pioneered in recent years. Ablative procedures such as stereotactic laser ablation and stereotactic radiosurgery offer minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery with relatively favorable seizure outcomes, particularly in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. For certain individuals who are not candidates for ablation or resection, palliative neuromodulation procedures such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, or responsive neurostimulation may result in a significant decrease in seizure frequency and improved quality of life. Finally, disconnection procedures such as multiple subpial transections and corpus callosotomy continue to play a role in select patients with an eloquent epileptogenic zone or intractable atonic seizures, respectively. Overall, open surgical resection remains the gold standard treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, although it is significantly underutilized. While nonresective epilepsy procedures have not replaced the need for resection, there is hope that these additional surgical options will increase the number of patients who receive treatment for this devastating disorder-particularly individuals who are not candidates for or who have failed resection.
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Strzelczyk A, Hamer HM. [Impact of early benefit assessment on patients with epilepsy in Germany: Current healthcare provision and therapeutic needs]. DER NERVENARZT 2016; 87:386-93. [PMID: 26927680 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-016-0087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases and represents a significant burden for patients, their families and society. In more than 75 % of patients anticonvulsant therapy consists of valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine or levetiracetam. There is a need for polytherapy in drug-refractory patients and they suffer from negative effects on quality of life and employment that is associated with high indirect costs. To allow a comprehensive treatment in this patient group, access to new anticonvulsants with novel modes of action is needed; however, all applications for new antiepileptic drugs failed to prove added benefits during the Pharmaceutical Market Restructuring Act (AMNOG) in Germany. One of the main reasons is the mandatory definition of a standard comparative therapy. It remains unclear whether there will be studies in the future which will fulfill the requirements of the current version of AMNOG. Observational studies after approval and marketing of new antiepileptic drugs could be better alternatives to prove added benefits for individual patients in the current German healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Strzelczyk
- Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Klinik für Neurologie, J.W. Goethe Universität, Schleusenweg 2-16, Haus 95, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland. .,Epilepsiezentrum Hessen, Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
| | - H M Hamer
- Epilepsiezentrum Erlangen, Klinik für Neurologie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen, Deutschland
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Rubinger L, Chan C, D'Arco F, Moineddin R, Muthaffar O, Rutka JT, Snead OC, Smith ML, Widjaja E. Change in presurgical diagnostic imaging evaluation affects subsequent pediatric epilepsy surgery outcome. Epilepsia 2015; 57:32-40. [PMID: 26715387 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since 2008, we have changed our presurgical diagnostic imaging evaluation for medically refractory focal epilepsy to include high-resolution epilepsy protocol on 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and combined magnetoencephalography and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in selected patients with normal or subtle changes on MRI or discordant diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the change in imaging practice on epilepsy surgery outcome in a tertiary pediatric epilepsy surgery center. METHODS The change in practice occurred in early 2008, and patients were classified based on old or new practice. The patient characteristics, surgical variables, and seizure-free surgical outcome were compared, and the trend in seizure-free outcome over time was assessed. RESULTS There was a trend for increased abnormal MRI (92% vs. 86%, respectively, p = 0.062), and increased utilization of FDG-PET (34% vs. 3% respectively, p < 0.001) with new relative to old practice. There were no statistically significant differences in invasive monitoring, location, and type of surgery and histology between the two periods (all p > 0.05). During the old practice, there was no statistically significant change in yearly trend of seizure-free outcome (odds ratio [OR] 0.960, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.875-1.053, p = 0.386). The change in practice in 2008 was associated with a significant improvement in seizure-free outcome (OR 1.535, 95% CI 1.100-2.142, p = 0.012). During the new practice, there was a significant positive trend in yearly seizure-free outcome (OR 1.219, 95% CI 1.053-1.411, p = 0.008), after adjusting for age at seizure onset, invasive monitoring, location and type of surgery, histology, MRI, magnetoencephalography, and FDG-PET. SIGNIFICANCE We have found an improvement in seizure-free surgical outcome following the change in imaging practice. This study highlights the importance of optimizing and improving presurgical diagnostic imaging evaluation to improve surgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Rubinger
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carol Chan
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felice D'Arco
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Osama Muthaffar
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - James T Rutka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bridging the Gap between Evidence and Practice for Adults with Medically Refractory Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Is a Change in Funding Policy Needed to Stimulate a Shift in Practice? EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015; 2015:675071. [PMID: 26770822 PMCID: PMC4685103 DOI: 10.1155/2015/675071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Surgery for medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) in adults has been shown to be effective but underutilized. Comprehensive health economic evaluations of surgery compared with continued medical management are limited. Policy changes may be necessary to influence practice shift. Methods. A critical review of the literature on health economic analyses for adults with MRE was conducted. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CRD, and EconLit databases were searched using relevant subject headings and keywords pertaining to adults, epilepsy, and health economic evaluations. The screening was conducted independently and in duplicate. Results. Four studies were identified (1 Canadian, 2 American, and 1 French). Two were cost-utility analyses and 2 were cost-effectiveness evaluations. Only one was conducted after the effectiveness of surgery was established through a randomized trial. All suggested surgery to be favorable in the medium to long term (7-8 years and beyond). The reduction of medication use was the major cost-saving parameter in favor of surgery. Conclusions. Although updated evaluations that are more generalizable across settings are necessary, surgery appears to be a favorable option from a health economic perspective. Given the limited success of knowledge translation endeavours, funder-level policy changes such as quality-based purchasing may be necessary to induce a shift in practice.
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