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Daida A, Oana S, Nadkarni D, Espiritu BL, Edmonds BD, Stanecki C, Samuel AS, Rao LM, Rajaraman RR, Hussain SA, Matsumoto JH, Sankar R, Hannauer PS, Nariai H. Overnight EEG to Forecast Epilepsy Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Pediatr 2024:114217. [PMID: 39074735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the utility of long-term electroencephalogram (EEG) in forecasting epilepsy onset in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). STUDY DESIGN A single-institution, retrospective analysis of children with ASD, examining long-term overnight EEG recordings collected over a period of 15 years, was conducted. Clinical EEG findings, patient demographics, medical histories, and additional Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) data were examined. Predictors for the timing of epilepsy onset were evaluated using survival analysis and Cox regression. RESULTS Among 151 patients, 17.2% (n=26) developed unprovoked seizures (Sz group), while 82.8% (n=125) did not (non-Sz group). The Sz group displayed a higher percentage of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in their initial EEGs compared with the non-Sz group (46.2% vs. 20.0%, p=0.01). The Sz group also exhibited a greater frequency of slowing (42.3% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.01). The presence of IEDs or slowing predicted an earlier seizure onset, based on survival analysis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that the presence of any IEDs (HR 3.83, 95% CI 1.38-10.65, p=0.01) or any slowing (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.02-7.58, p=0.046 significantly increased the risk of developing unprovoked seizures. CONCLUSION Long-term EEGs are valuable for predicting future epilepsy in children with ASD. These findings can guide clinicians in early education and potential interventions for epilepsy prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuro Daida
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Shingo Oana
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Divya Nadkarni
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Beck L Espiritu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Benjamin D Edmonds
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Catherine Stanecki
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ahn S Samuel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lekha M Rao
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rajsekar R Rajaraman
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic, Torrance, CA
| | - Shaun A Hussain
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic, Torrance, CA
| | - Joyce H Matsumoto
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic, Torrance, CA
| | - Raman Sankar
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic, Torrance, CA
| | | | - Hiroki Nariai
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA; and Pediatric Minds Medical Clinic, Torrance, CA
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Jimenez-Gomez A, Nguyen MX, Gill JS. Understanding the role of AMPA receptors in autism: insights from circuit and synapse dysfunction. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304300. [PMID: 38352654 PMCID: PMC10861716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders represent a diverse etiological spectrum that converge on a syndrome characterized by discrepant deficits in developmental domains often highlighted by concerns in socialization, sensory integration, and autonomic functioning. Importantly, the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders have seen sharp increases since the syndrome was first described in the 1940s. The wide etiological spectrum and rising number of individuals being diagnosed with the condition lend urgency to capturing a more nuanced understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the autism spectrum disorders. The current review seeks to understand how the disruption of AMPA receptor (AMPAr)-mediated neurotransmission in the cerebro-cerebellar circuit, particularly in genetic autism related to SHANK3 or SYNGAP1 protein dysfunction function and autism associated with in utero exposure to the anti-seizure medications valproic acid and topiramate, may contribute to the disease presentation. Initially, a discussion contextualizing AMPAr signaling in the cerebro-cerebellar circuitry and microstructural circuit considerations is offered. Subsequently, a detailed review of the literature implicating mutations or deletions of SHANK3 and SYNGAP1 in disrupted AMPAr signaling reveals how bidirectional pathogenic modulation of this key circuit may contribute to autism. Finally, how pharmacological exposure may interact with this pathway, via increased risk of autism diagnosis with valproic acid and topiramate exposure and potential treatment of autism using AMPAr modulator perampanel, is discussed. Through the lens of the review, we will offer speculation on how neuromodulation may be used as a rational adjunct to therapy. Together, the present review seeks to synthesize the disparate considerations of circuit understanding, genetic etiology, and pharmacological modulation to understand the mechanistic interaction of this important and complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program, Department of Neurology, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, FL, United States
| | - Megan X. Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology & Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan & Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason S. Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology & Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan & Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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Kanemura H. Therapeutic Strategies in Children with Epilepsy: A Quality-of-Life-Related Perspective. J Clin Med 2024; 13:405. [PMID: 38256539 PMCID: PMC10816334 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Back ground: Children with epilepsy are affected by several factors, including clinical and social variables. Among these variables, cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, perceptions of stigma, and fatigue can lead to reductions in quality of life (QOL). Epileptic activities, including seizure severity, frequent seizures, and status epilepticus (SE), have been identified as important predictors of QOL. In addition, the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on electroencephalogram (EEG) may also be an important predictor of QOL, because IEDs can lead to cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances. Moreover, frequent seizures and/or IEDs may play a role in emotional mediators, such as stigma and fatigue, in childhood epilepsy. Seizure severity and/or IEDs are, therefore, important QOL-related factors in childhood epilepsy. Seizure severity as a QOL-related factor: Frontal lobe dysfunctions, such as cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, can result in reduced QOL for both the child and their family. Frontal and prefrontal lobe growth disturbances can be present during active-phase epilepsy in some children with neuropsychological impairments. Recovery from prefrontal lobe growth disturbances may depend on the active seizure period. Children with a shorter active seizure period can recover from disturbances in prefrontal lobe growth more rapidly. In contrast, recovery may be delayed in children with a longer active seizure period. Moreover, frequent seizures can lead to seizure-associated headaches, perceptions of self-stigma and parental stigma, and fatigue. Accordingly, severe seizures can lead to neuropsychological impairments in association with prefrontal lobe growth disturbances in children with epilepsy. EEG abnormalities as QOL-related factors: IEDs on EEG, representing persistent pathological neuronal discharges, may be associated with several pathological aspects. Frontal IEDs can be a risk factor for recurrent seizures, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbances, and they may also play a role as emotional mediators similar to stigma. In addition, behavioral disturbances may result in the presence of secondary bilateral synchrony (SBS) on EEG. Behavioral disturbances can be improved in association with a reduction in IEDs in children with frontal IEDs and SBS. Therefore, EEG abnormalities, such as frontal IEDs and SBS, can also lead to neuropsychological impairments in children with epilepsy. Therapeutic strategies in children with epilepsy: Seizure severity and IEDs on EEG may be associated with neuropsychological impairments, leading to QOL reduction. Therapeutic management may be desirable to reduce seizures and EEG abnormalities, such as frontal IEDs and SBS, as early as possible to improve QOL in children with epilepsy. During antiseizure medication (ASM) selection and adjustment, physicians should strategize the therapeutic approach to controlling seizures and suppressing EEG abnormalities in children with epilepsy. Among various ASMs, novel ASMs, such as levetiracetam and perampanel, may suppress both clinical seizures and IEDs on EEG; thus, these novel ASMs may represent an important addition to the treatments available for epileptic children presenting with frontal IEDs and SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kanemura
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura 285-8741, Chiba, Japan
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Scorrano G, Lattanzi S, Salpietro V, Giannini C, Chiarelli F, Matricardi S. The Cognitive and Behavioural Effects of Perampanel in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:372. [PMID: 38256507 PMCID: PMC10816822 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In children and adolescents with epilepsy, neurodevelopmental comorbidities can impair the quality of life more than seizures. The aim of this review was to evaluate the cognitive and behavioural effects of perampanel (PER) in the paediatric population. We performed a systematic search of the literature, selecting studies published in English including children and adolescents with epilepsy treated with PER. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were assessed through validated neuropsychological standardised scales. Eighteen studies involving 3563 paediatric patients were included. Perampanel did not impair general cognitive functions and visuospatial skills, whereas a slight improvement in verbal memory and a decline in attentional power were detected. In adolescents with refractory epilepsies, high doses and/or rapid titration of PER and an underlying psychiatric disorder were risk factors for developing or worsening psychiatric outcomes such as anger, aggressiveness, and irritability. Data on children and adolescents treated with new antiseizure medications are scant, and neuropsychiatric effects are tricky to be detected during developmental age. According to the currently available evidence, PER showed an overall favourable risk-benefit profile. Pharmacodynamics, co-administration of other antiseizure medications, and family and personal history of neuropsychiatric disorders should be considered before PER treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, 60020 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Cosimo Giannini
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (C.G.); (F.C.)
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Hoshino H, Miyasato Y, Handa T, Tomi Y, Kanemura H. Effect of Lacosamide on Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Pediatric Patients With Newly Diagnosed Focal Epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 147:1-8. [PMID: 37499552 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of lacosamide (LCM) on interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and evaluate the relationships between IEDs and seizure outcome in pediatric patients with focal epilepsy. METHODS Patient inclusion criteria included (1) newly diagnosed focal epilepsy with unknown etiology; and (2) electroencephalogram recorded twice (before and after starting LCM) under the same conditions. The difference between the highest number of IEDs over five successive minutes (IEDs/5 min) and the location of IEDs was determined. Seizure outcome was evaluated one year after achieving the maintenance dose of LCM. Responders were identified as showing a ≥50% reduction in the pre-LCM seizure frequency. RESULTS Of 22 patients, 10 showed an increase in IEDs/5 min after starting LCM. The median IEDs/5 min before and after starting LCM was not significantly different, at 1.5 (interquartile range: 0, 31.75) and 10.5 (0, 80.5), respectively. No relationship was identified between the difference in IEDs/5 min and seizure outcome. Patients with multiple regional or diffuse IEDs had significantly poorer seizure outcome compared with patients without those IEDs (P = 0.036 and P = 0.039, respectively). Of 10 patients with single regional IEDs, a tendency of IEDs to disappear was observed between patients with frontal and non-frontal IEDs. CONCLUSION The effects of LCM on the number of IEDs may be unrelated to seizure outcome. LCM may be ineffective at improving seizure outcomes in patients with multiple regional or diffuse IEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hoshino
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Miyasato
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Handa
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Ota, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Tomi
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Ota, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kanemura
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Chiba, Japan
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Perversi F, Costa C, Labate A, Lattanzi S, Liguori C, Maschio M, Meletti S, Nobili L, Operto FF, Romigi A, Russo E, Di Bonaventura C. The broad-spectrum activity of perampanel: state of the art and future perspective of AMPA antagonism beyond epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1182304. [PMID: 37483446 PMCID: PMC10359664 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1182304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter. Glutamatergic neurons primarily compose basic neuronal networks, especially in the cortex. An imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory activities may result in epilepsy or other neurological and psychiatric conditions. Among glutamate receptors, AMPA receptors are the predominant mediator of glutamate-induced excitatory neurotransmission and dictate synaptic efficiency and plasticity by their numbers and/or properties. Therefore, they appear to be a major drug target for modulating several brain functions. Perampanel (PER) is a highly selective, noncompetitive AMPA antagonist approved in several countries worldwide for treating different types of seizures in various epileptic conditions. However, recent data show that PER can potentially address many other conditions within epilepsy and beyond. From this perspective, this review aims to examine the new preclinical and clinical studies-especially those produced from 2017 onwards-on AMPA antagonism and PER in conditions such as mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, idiopathic and genetic generalized epilepsy, brain tumor-related epilepsy, status epilepticus, rare epileptic syndromes, stroke, sleep, epilepsy-related migraine, cognitive impairment, autism, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as provide suggestions on future research agenda aimed at probing the possibility of treating these conditions with PER and/or other AMPA receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Neurological Clinic, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Labate
- Neurophysiopatology and Movement Disorders Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudio Liguori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Epilepsy Center, Neurology Unit, University Hospital “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Maschio
- Center for Tumor-Related Epilepsy, UOSD Neuro-Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Meletti
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Romigi
- Sleep Medicine Center, Neurological Mediterranean Institute IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Psychology Faculty, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Roberts NS, Handy MJ, Ito Y, Hashimoto K, Jensen FE, Talos DM. Anti-seizure efficacy of perampanel in two established rodent models of early-life epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 143:109194. [PMID: 37119576 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Early-life seizures can be refractory to conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs) and can also result in chronic epilepsy and long-term behavioral and cognitive deficits. Treatments targeting age-specific mechanisms contributing to epilepsy would be of clinical benefit. One such target is the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subtype of excitatory glutamate receptor, which is upregulated in the developing brain. Perampanel is a non-competitive, selective AMPAR antagonist that is FDA-approved for focal onset seizures (FOS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTC) in children and adults. However, the efficacy of perampanel treatment in epilepsy patients younger than 4 years has been less documented. We thus tested the efficacy of perampanel in two early-life seizure models: (1) a rat model of hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures and (2) a mouse model of Dravet syndrome with hyperthermia-induced seizures. Pretreatment with perampanel conferred dose-dependent protection against early-life seizures in both experimental models. These findings suggest that AMPAR-mediated hyperexcitability could be involved in the pathophysiology of early-life seizures, which may be amenable to treatment with perampanel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Roberts
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcus J Handy
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yoshimasa Ito
- Formerly: Neurology Business Group, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hashimoto
- Deep Human Biology Learning, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Delia M Talos
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Watkins LV, O'Dwyer M, Shankar R. A review of the pharmacotherapeutic considerations for managing epilepsy in people with autism. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:841-851. [PMID: 35341433 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2055461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism, like other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), has a strong association with epilepsy. There are known common genetic pathways in both autism and epilepsy. There are also specific genetic syndromes associated with both complex epilepsy and the autism phenotype. AREAS COVERED This review explores the evidence for common genetic etiologies and pathophysiological pathways in relation to both epilepsy and autism. Autism with comorbid epilepsy are associated with a high prevalence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This paper discusses how this influences assessment, treatment, and outcomes. The evidence for the treatment of specific seizure types in the context of NDDs is also examined alongside clinical commentary. EXPERT OPINION Despite the strong association, there is a limited evidence base to support the efficacy and tolerability of anti-seizure medications specifically in autism, with no Level 1 evidence or National Guidance available. Autism and epilepsy should be approached under a NDD model with cautious introduction and titration of anti-seizure medication. Alongside this, there is evidence to support a move toward precision medicine in specific genetic syndromes such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and other genetic seizure disorders. The first-line treatments that should be considered for focal seizures include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance V Watkins
- Epilepsy Specialist Service Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Maire O'Dwyer
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Department of Intellectual Disability Neuropsychiatry, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK.,Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER) University of Plymouth Medical School, Truro, UK
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