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Danthine V, Cottin L, Berger A, Germany Morrison EI, Liberati G, Ferrao Santos S, Delbeke J, Nonclercq A, El Tahry R. Electroencephalogram synchronization measure as a predictive biomarker of Vagus nerve stimulation response in refractory epilepsy: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304115. [PMID: 38861500 PMCID: PMC11166337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There are currently no established biomarkers for predicting the therapeutic effectiveness of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Given that neural desynchronization is a pivotal mechanism underlying VNS action, EEG synchronization measures could potentially serve as predictive biomarkers of VNS response. Notably, an increased brain synchronization in delta band has been observed during sleep-potentially due to an activation of thalamocortical circuitry, and interictal epileptiform discharges are more frequently observed during sleep. Therefore, investigation of EEG synchronization metrics during sleep could provide a valuable insight into the excitatory-inhibitory balance in a pro-epileptogenic state, that could be pathological in patients exhibiting a poor response to VNS. A 19-channel-standard EEG system was used to collect data from 38 individuals with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE) who were candidates for VNS implantation. An EEG synchronization metric-the Weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI)-was extracted before VNS implantation and compared between sleep and wakefulness, and between responders (R) and non-responders (NR). In the delta band, a higher wPLI was found during wakefulness compared to sleep in NR only. However, in this band, no synchronization difference in any state was found between R and NR. During sleep and within the alpha band, a negative correlation was found between wPLI and the percentage of seizure reduction after VNS implantation. Overall, our results suggest that patients exhibiting a poor VNS efficacy may present a more pathological thalamocortical circuitry before VNS implantation. EEG synchronization measures could provide interesting insights into the prerequisites for responding to VNS, in order to avoid unnecessary implantations in patients showing a poor therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venethia Danthine
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Lise Cottin
- Bio- Electro- And Mechanical Systems (BEAMS), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Berger
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Sleep and Chronobiology Lab, GIGA-Cyclotron Research Center-in Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Enrique Ignacio Germany Morrison
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Giulia Liberati
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Psychology (IPSY), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Susana Ferrao Santos
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Jean Delbeke
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Antoine Nonclercq
- Bio- Electro- And Mechanical Systems (BEAMS), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Riëm El Tahry
- Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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Gouveia FV, Warsi NM, Suresh H, Matin R, Ibrahim GM. Neurostimulation treatments for epilepsy: Deep brain stimulation, responsive neurostimulation and vagus nerve stimulation. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00308. [PMID: 38177025 PMCID: PMC11103217 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.e00308] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and debilitating neurological disorder, and approximately one-third of affected individuals have ongoing seizures despite appropriate trials of two anti-seizure medications. This population with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) may benefit from neurostimulation approaches, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). In some patient populations, these techniques are FDA-approved for treating DRE. VNS is used as adjuvant therapy for children and adults. Acting via the vagus afferent network, VNS modulates thalamocortical circuits, reducing seizures in approximately 50 % of patients. RNS uses an adaptive (closed-loop) system that records intracranial EEG patterns to activate the stimulation at the appropriate time, being particularly well-suited to treat seizures arising within eloquent cortex. For DBS, the most promising therapeutic targets are the anterior and centromedian nuclei of the thalamus, with anterior nucleus DBS being used for treating focal and secondarily generalized forms of DRE and centromedian nucleus DBS being applied for treating generalized epilepsies such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Here, we discuss the indications, advantages and limitations of VNS, DBS and RNS in treating DRE and summarize the spatial distribution of neuroimaging observations related to epilepsy and stimulation using NeuroQuery and NeuroSynth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nebras M Warsi
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hrishikesh Suresh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rafi Matin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Qin X, Yuan Y, Yu H, Yao Y, Li L. Acute Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Preliminary Exploration via Stereoelectroencephalogram. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2024; 35:105-118. [PMID: 38000834 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2023.09.005] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
As the pathophysiological mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) causing individual differences in the vagal ascending network remains unclear, stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) provides a unique platform to explore the brain networks affected by VNS and helps to understand the anti-seizure mechanism of VNS more comprehensively. This study presents a preliminary exploration of the acute effect of VNS. SEEG signals were collected to assess the acute effect of VNS on neural synchronization in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, especially in epileptogenic networks. The results show that the better the efficacy of VNS, the wider the spread of desynchronization assessed by weighted phase lag index at a high frequency band caused by VNS. Future studies should focus on the association between the change in synchronization and the efficacy of VNS, exploring the possibility of synchronization as a biomarker for patient screening and parameter programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Qin
- Precision Medicine & Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China; National Engineering Research Center of Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Precision Medicine & Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China; National Engineering Research Center of Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Yu
- National Engineering Research Center of Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xiamen Humanity Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China; Surgery Division, Epilepsy Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Luming Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Furlanis GM, Favaro J, Bresolin N, Grioni D, Baro V, D’Amico A, Sartori S, Denaro L, Landi A. Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Refractory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Pediatric Case Series. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1589. [PMID: 38002548 PMCID: PMC10669853 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111589] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that is defined as refractory (RSE) when the seizure activity continues despite treatment with benzodiazepine and a second appropriate treatment. Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is an RSE that persists or recurs for ≥24 h. Few papers have reported the outcomes of pediatric patients affected by RSE and SRSE and treated with neuromodulation therapies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. We present our findings of pediatric patients treated with VNS for RSE/SRSE. METHODS We present a case series of seven consecutive pediatric patients treated with VNS for SRSE since 2012 by a single surgeon in Monza and Padua. A rapid titration was started soon after implantation. We considered electroclinical data before and after VNS implantation and at the last follow-up. RESULTS We achieved the resolution of SRSE in five out of seven patients in a mean time of two weeks. At the last follow-up, these patients had a significant reduction of seizure burden without any relapse of SE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Based on our limited findings, we discuss the potential role of VNS therapy in similar but distinct clinical contexts. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and RSE/SRSE, prompt VNS consideration is suggested, offering rapid responses and potentially reducing pharmacological load. Meanwhile, in NORSE/FIRES, we suggest early neuromodulation during the acute phase if standard treatments prove ineffective or not tolerated. This approach may leverage VNS's potential anti-inflammatory effects and neuromodulation, enhancing patient-specific treatments. Expanding case studies and prolonged follow-ups are recommended to strengthen these clinical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Melinda Furlanis
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Jacopo Favaro
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Nicola Bresolin
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Valentina Baro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Alberto D’Amico
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Luca Denaro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Landi
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
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Nurse ES, Dalic LJ, Clarke S, Cook M, Archer J. Deep learning for automated detection of generalized paroxysmal fast activity in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109418. [PMID: 37677902 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109418] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA) is a key electroencephalographic (EEG) feature of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Automated analysis of scalp EEG has been successful in detecting more typical abnormalities. Automatic detection of GPFA has been more challenging, due to its variability from patient to patient and similarity to normal brain rhythms. In this work, a deep learning model is investigated for detection of GPFA events and estimating their overall burden from scalp EEG. METHODS Data from 10 patients recorded during four ambulatory EEG monitoring sessions are used to generate and validate the model. All patients had confirmed LGS and were recruited into a trial for thalamic deep-brain stimulation therapy (ESTEL Trial). RESULTS The correlation coefficient between manual and model estimates of event counts was r2 = 0.87, and for total burden was r2 = 0.91. The average GPFA detection sensitivity was 0.876, with an average false-positive rate of 3.35 per minute. There was no significant difference found between patients with early or delayed deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment, or those with active vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the deep learning model was able to accurately detect GPFA and provide accurate estimates of the overall GPFA burden and electrographic event counts, albeit with a high false-positive rate. SIGNIFICANCE Automated GPFA detection may enable automated calculation of EEG biomarkers of burden of disease in LGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan S Nurse
- Seer Medical, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Linda J Dalic
- Department of Medicine (Austin Hospital), University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | | | - Mark Cook
- Department of Medicine (St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - John Archer
- Department of Medicine (Austin Hospital), University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Germany E, Teixeira I, Danthine V, Santalucia R, Cakiroglu I, Torres A, Verleysen M, Delbeke J, Nonclercq A, Tahry RE. Functional brain connectivity indexes derived from low-density EEG of pre-implanted patients as VNS outcome predictors. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:046039. [PMID: 37595607 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acf1cd] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective. In 1/3 of patients, anti-seizure medications may be insufficient, and resective surgery may be offered whenever the seizure onset is localized and situated in a non-eloquent brain region. When surgery is not feasible or fails, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy can be used as an add-on treatment to reduce seizure frequency and/or severity. However, screening tools or methods for predicting patient response to VNS and avoiding unnecessary implantation are unavailable, and confident biomarkers of clinical efficacy are unclear.Approach. To predict the response of patients to VNS, functional brain connectivity measures in combination with graph measures have been primarily used with respect to imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, but connectivity graph-based analysis based on electrophysiological signals such as electroencephalogram, have been barely explored. Although the study of the influence of VNS on functional connectivity is not new, this work is distinguished by using preimplantation low-density EEG data to analyze discriminative measures between responders and non-responder patients using functional connectivity and graph theory metrics.Main results. By calculating five functional brain connectivity indexes per frequency band upon partial directed coherence and direct transform function connectivity matrices in a population of 37 refractory epilepsy patients, we found significant differences (p< 0.05) between the global efficiency, average clustering coefficient, and modularity of responders and non-responders using the Mann-Whitney U test with Benjamini-Hochberg correction procedure and use of a false discovery rate of 5%.Significance. Our results indicate that these measures may potentially be used as biomarkers to predict responsiveness to VNS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Germany
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Igor Teixeira
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Inci Cakiroglu
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andres Torres
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jean Delbeke
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antoine Nonclercq
- Bio-Electro-and Mechanical Systems (BEAMS), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Riëm El Tahry
- IoNS, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Domenech P. Stimulation du nerf vague pour traiter l’épilepsie et la dépression résistante : vers une physiopathologie commune ? BULLETIN DE L'ACADÉMIE NATIONALE DE MÉDECINE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.banm.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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Ding Y, Guo K, Wang X, Chen M, Li X, Wu Y. Brain functional connectivity and network characteristics changes after vagus nerve stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220308. [PMID: 37719745 PMCID: PMC10500639 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to investigate the impact of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on the connectivity and small-world metrics of brain functional networks during seizure periods. Methods Ten refractory epilepsy patients underwent video encephalographic monitoring before and after VNS treatment. The 2-min electroencephalogram segment containing the ictal was selected for each participant, resulting in a total of 20 min of seizure data. The weighted phase lag index (wPLI) and small-world metrics were calculated for the whole frequency band and different frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma). Finally, the relevant metrics were statistically analyzed, and the false discovery rate was used to correct for differences after multiple comparisons. Results In the whole band, the wPLI was notably enhanced, and the network metrics, including degree (D), clustering coefficient (CC), and global efficiency (GE), increased, while characteristic path length (CPL) decreased (P < 0.01). In different frequency bands, the wPLI between the parieto-occipital and frontal regions was significantly strengthened in the delta and beta bands, while the wPLI within the frontal region and between the frontal and parieto-occipital regions were significantly reduced in the beta and gamma bands (P < 0.01). In the low-frequency band (<13 Hz), the small-world metrics demonstrated significantly increased CC, D, and GE, with a significantly decreased CPL, indicating a more efficient network organization. In contrast, in the gamma band, the GE decreased, and the CPL increased, suggesting a shift toward less efficient network organization. Conclusion VNS treatment can significantly change the wPLI and small-world metrics. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of VNS therapy on brain networks and provide objective indicators for evaluating the efficacy of VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunlin Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain–Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinjun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain–Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinxiao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuehui Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Qi R, Wang W, Xu Y, Shen Z, Geng X, Li N, Li J, Yu H. Development of localized interictal epileptiform discharges following vagus nerve stimulation for lennox-gastaut syndrome: a case report. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-022-00106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Lennox-gastaut syndrome (LGS) is an epileptic encephalopathy often associated with behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved effective for LGS treatment. Surgical resection is also an option for LGS patients with focal pathology, offering a high probability of seizure control. However, it is challenging to accurately localize the seizure focus.
Case presentation
The case presented here is a 19-year-old male with a 16-year history of epilepsy with comorbid severe cognitive and psychiatric disorders. He was diagnosed with LGS due to generalized slow spike-wave discharges and multiple seizure types. He was treated with VNS in 2017 at the age of 15. After that, the frequency of the short tonic seizures decreased from 4–5 times per day to 2–5 times per year, and the generalized tonic–clonic seizure pattern did not recur, which had a frequency of 2–4 times per month before the surgery. In 2019, the generalized abnormal interictal epileptiform discharges changed to be localized in the right frontal–temporal lobe at the age of 17 years (2019).
Conclusions
This case report suggested that the generalized epileptiform discharges evolve into localized discharges after VNS treatment, which may help reveal the primary seizure focus for resection surgery in patients with LGS.
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Coa R, La Cava SM, Baldazzi G, Polizzi L, Pinna G, Conti C, Defazio G, Pani D, Puligheddu M. Estimated EEG functional connectivity and aperiodic component induced by vagal nerve stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1030118. [PMID: 36504670 PMCID: PMC9728998 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1030118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) improves seizure frequency and quality of life in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Previous studies have evaluated the effect of VNS on functional connectivity using the phase lag index (PLI), but none has analyzed its effect on EEG aperiodic parameters (offset and exponent), which are highly conserved and related to physiological functions. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VNS on PLI and aperiodic parameters and infer whether these changes correlate with clinical responses in subjects with DRE. Materials and methods PLI, exponent, and offset were derived for each epoch (and each frequency band for PLI), on scalp-derived 64-channel EEG traces of 10 subjects with DRE, recorded before and 1 year after VNS. PLI, exponent, and offset were compared before and after VNS for each patient on a global basis, individual scalp regions, and channels and separately in responders and non-responders. A correlation analysis was performed between global changes in PLI and aperiodic parameters and clinical response. Results PLI (global and regional) decreased after VNS for gamma and delta bands and increased for an alpha band in responders, but it was not modified in non-responders. Aperiodic parameters after VNS showed an opposite trend in responders vs. non-responders: both were reduced in responders after VNS, but they were increased in non-responders. Changes in aperiodic parameters correlated with the clinical response. Conclusion This study explored the action of VNS therapy from a new perspective and identified EEG aperiodic parameters as a new and promising method to analyze the efficacy of neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Coa
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Coa
| | - Simone Maurizio La Cava
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Baldazzi
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Polizzi
- Regional Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Epilepsy, Neurology Unit, AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pinna
- SC Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, San Michele Hospital, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Conti
- SC Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, San Michele Hospital, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Regional Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Epilepsy, Neurology Unit, AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Danilo Pani
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Regional Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Epilepsy, Neurology Unit, AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Electroencephalogram and heart rate variability features as predictors of responsiveness to vagus nerve stimulation in patients with epilepsy: a systematic review. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2083-2090. [PMID: 36136103 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05653-x] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a mainstay treatment in people with medically refractive epilepsy with a growing interest to identify biomarkers that are predictive of VNS efficacy. In this review, we looked at electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters as potential biomarkers. METHODOLOGY A comprehensive search of several databases limited to the English language and excluding animal studies was conducted. Data was collected from studies that specifically reviewed preoperative EEG and HRV characteristics as predictive factors of VNS outcomes. RESULTS Ten out of 1078 collected studies were included in this review, of which EEG characteristics were reported in seven studies; HRV parameters were reported in two studies, and one study reported both. For EEG, studies reported a lower global rate of synchronization in alpha, delta, and gamma waves as predictors of the VNS response. The P300 wave, an evoked response on EEG, had conflicting results. Two studies reported high P300 wave amplitudes in nonresponders and low amplitudes in responders, whereas another study reported high P300 wave amplitudes in responders. For HRV, one study reported high-frequency power as the only parameter to be significantly lower in responders. In contrast, two studies from the same authors showed that HRV parameters were not different between responders and nonresponders. CONCLUSION HRV parameters and EEG characteristics including focal seizures and P300 wave have been reported as potential biomarkers for VNS outcomes in people with medically refractive epilepsy. However, the contradictory findings imply a need for validation through clinical trials.
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Carron R, Roncon P, Lagarde S, Dibué M, Zanello M, Bartolomei F. Latest Views on the Mechanisms of Action of Surgically Implanted Cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Epilepsy. Neuromodulation 2022; 26:498-506. [PMID: 36064522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.08.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is approved as an adjunctive treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Although there is a substantial amount of literature aiming at unraveling the mechanisms of action of VNS in epilepsy, it is still unclear how the cascade of events triggered by VNS leads to its antiepileptic effect. OBJECTIVE In this review, we integrated available peer-reviewed data on the effects of VNS in clinical and experimental research to identify those that are putatively responsible for its therapeutic effect. The topic of transcutaneous VNS will not be covered owing to the current lack of data supporting the differences and commonalities of its mechanisms of action in relation to invasive VNS. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN FINDINGS There is compelling evidence that the effect is obtained through the stimulation of large-diameter afferent myelinated fibers that project to the solitary tract nucleus, then to the parabrachial nucleus, which in turn alters the activity of the limbic system, thalamus, and cortex. VNS-induced catecholamine release from the locus coeruleus in the brainstem plays a pivotal role. Functional imaging studies tend to point toward a common vagal network that comes into play, made up of the amygdalo-hippocampal regions, left thalamus, and insular cortex. CONCLUSIONS Even though some crucial pieces are missing, neurochemical, molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological changes occur within the vagal afferent network at three main levels (the brainstem, the limbic system [amygdala and hippocampus], and the cortex). At this final level, VNS notably alters functional connectivity, which is known to be abnormally high within the epileptic zone and was shown to be significantly decreased by VNS in responders. The effect of crucial VNS parameters such as frequency or current amplitude on functional connectivity metrics is of utmost importance and requires further investigation.
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13
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Simula S, Daoud M, Ruffini G, Biagi MC, Bénar CG, Benquet P, Wendling F, Bartolomei F. Transcranial current stimulation in epilepsy: A systematic review of the fundamental and clinical aspects. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:909421. [PMID: 36090277 PMCID: PMC9453675 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.909421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transcranial electrical current stimulation (tES or tCS, as it is sometimes referred to) has been proposed as non-invasive therapy for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This technique, which includes direct current (tDCS) and alternating current (tACS) stimulation involves the application of weak currents across the cortex to change cortical excitability. Although clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of tES, its specific effects on epileptic brain activity are poorly understood. We sought to summarize the clinical and fundamental effects underlying the application of tES in epilepsy. Methods A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A database search was performed in PUBMED, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL for articles corresponding to the keywords “epilepsy AND (transcranial current stimulation OR transcranial electrical stimulation)”. Results A total of 56 studies were included in this review. Through these records, we show that tDCS and tACS epileptic patients are safe and clinically relevant techniques for epilepsy. Recent articles reported changes of functional connectivity in epileptic patients after tDCS. We argue that tDCS may act by affecting brain networks, rather than simply modifying local activity in the targeted area. To explain the mechanisms of tES, various cellular effects have been identified. Among them, reduced cell loss, mossy fiber sprouting, and hippocampal BDNF protein levels. Brain modeling and human studies highlight the influence of individual brain anatomy and physiology on the electric field distribution. Computational models may optimize the stimulation parameters and bring new therapeutic perspectives. Conclusion Both tDCS and tACS are promising techniques for epilepsy patients. Although the clinical effects of tDCS have been repeatedly assessed, only one clinical trial has involved a consistent number of epileptic patients and little knowledge is present about the clinical outcome of tACS. To fill this gap, multicenter studies on tES in epileptic patients are needed involving novel methods such as personalized stimulation protocols based on computational modeling. Furthermore, there is a need for more in vivo studies replicating the tES parameters applied in patients. Finally, there is a lack of clinical studies investigating changes in intracranial epileptiform discharges during tES application, which could clarify the nature of tES-related local and network dynamics in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Simula
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Maëva Daoud
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Fabrice Bartolomei
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14
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Vagal nerve stimulation cycles alter EEG connectivity in drug-resistant epileptic patients: a study with graph theory metrics. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 142:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.07.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Ma J, Wang Z, Cheng T, Hu Y, Qin X, Wang W, Yu G, Liu Q, Ji T, Xie H, Zha D, Wang S, Yang Z, Liu X, Cai L, Jiang Y, Hao H, Wang J, Li L, Wu Y. A prediction model integrating synchronization biomarkers and clinical features to identify responders to vagus nerve stimulation among pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1838-1848. [PMID: 35894770 PMCID: PMC9532924 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation therapy for children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). The efficacy of VNS is heterogeneous. A prediction model is needed to predict the efficacy before implantation. Methods We collected data from children with DRE who underwent VNS implantation and received regular programming for at least 1 year. Preoperative clinical information and scalp video electroencephalography (EEG) were available in 88 children. Synchronization features, including phase lag index (PLI), weighted phase lag index (wPLI), and phase‐locking value (PLV), were compared between responders and non‐responders. We further adapted a support vector machine (SVM) classifier selected from 25 clinical and 18 synchronization features to build a prediction model for efficacy in a discovery cohort (n = 70) and was tested in an independent validation cohort (n = 18). Results In the discovery cohort, the average interictal awake PLI in the high beta band was significantly higher in responders than non‐responders (p < 0.05). The SVM classifier generated from integrating both clinical and synchronization features had the best prediction efficacy, demonstrating an accuracy of 75.7%, precision of 80.8% and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) of 0.766 on 10‐fold cross‐validation. In the validation cohort, the prediction model demonstrated an accuracy of 61.1%. Conclusion This study established the first prediction model integrating clinical and baseline synchronization features for preoperative VNS responder screening among children with DRE. With further optimization of the model, we hope to provide an effective and convenient method for identifying responders before VNS implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyan Wang
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tungyang Cheng
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingbing Hu
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoya Qin
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guojing Yu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Taoyun Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Daqi Zha
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Cai
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Hao
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Luming Li
- National Engineering laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Precision Medicine & Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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16
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Bowles S, Hickman J, Peng X, Williamson WR, Huang R, Washington K, Donegan D, Welle CG. Vagus nerve stimulation drives selective circuit modulation through cholinergic reinforcement. Neuron 2022; 110:2867-2885.e7. [PMID: 35858623 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation therapy for a broad and expanding set of neurologic conditions. However, the mechanism through which VNS influences central nervous system circuitry is not well described, limiting therapeutic optimization. VNS leads to widespread brain activation, but the effects on behavior are remarkably specific, indicating plasticity unique to behaviorally engaged neural circuits. To understand how VNS can lead to specific circuit modulation, we leveraged genetic tools including optogenetics and in vivo calcium imaging in mice learning a skilled reach task. We find that VNS enhances skilled motor learning in healthy animals via a cholinergic reinforcement mechanism, producing a rapid consolidation of an expert reach trajectory. In primary motor cortex (M1), VNS drives precise temporal modulation of neurons that respond to behavioral outcome. This suggests that VNS may accelerate motor refinement in M1 via cholinergic signaling, opening new avenues for optimizing VNS to target specific disease-relevant circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Bowles
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jordan Hickman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Peng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - W Ryan Williamson
- IDEA Core, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rongchen Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kayden Washington
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Dane Donegan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Cristin G Welle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Kim D, Kim T, Hwang Y, Lee CY, Joo EY, Seo DW, Hong SB, Shon YM. Prediction of the Responsiveness to Vagus-Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy via Directed-Transfer-Function Analysis of Their Perioperative Scalp EEGs. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133695. [PMID: 35806980 PMCID: PMC9267399 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to compare directed transfer function (DTF), which is an effective connectivity analysis, derived from scalp EEGs between responder and nonresponder groups implanted with vagus-nerve stimulation (VNS). Twelve patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (six responders and six nonresponders) and ten controls were recruited. A good response to VNS was defined as a reduction of ≥50% in seizure frequency compared with the presurgical baseline. DTF was calculated in five frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and broadband) and seven grouped electrode regions (left and right frontal, temporal, parieto-occipital, and midline) in three different states (presurgical, stimulation-on, and stimulation-off states). Responders showed presurgical nodal strength close to the control group in both inflow and outflow, whereas nonresponders exhibited increased inward and outward connectivity measures. Nonresponders also had increased inward and outward connectivity measures in the various brain regions and various frequency bands assessed compared with the control group when the stimulation was on or off. Our study demonstrated that the presurgical DTF profiles of responders were different from those of nonresponders. Moreover, a presurgical normal DTF profile may predict good responsiveness to VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyeop Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07804, Korea;
| | - Taekyung Kim
- Department of Medical Device Management and Research, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAHIST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea;
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Yoonha Hwang
- Department of Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul 03312, Korea;
| | - Chae Young Lee
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (E.Y.J.); (D.-W.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Eun Yeon Joo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (E.Y.J.); (D.-W.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Dae-Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (E.Y.J.); (D.-W.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Seung Bong Hong
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (E.Y.J.); (D.-W.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Young-Min Shon
- Department of Medical Device Management and Research, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAHIST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea;
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.Y.L.); (E.Y.J.); (D.-W.S.); (S.B.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Smart Device-Driven Corticolimbic Plasticity in Cognitive–Emotional Restructuring of Space-Related Neuropsychiatric Disease and Injury. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020236. [PMID: 35207523 PMCID: PMC8875345 DOI: 10.3390/life12020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Escalating government and commercial efforts to plan and deploy viable manned near-to-deep solar system exploration and habitation over the coming decades now drives next-generation space medicine innovations. The application of cutting-edge precision medicine, such as brain stimulation techniques, provides powerful clinical and field/flight situation methods to selectively control vagal tone and neuroendocrine-modulated corticolimbic plasticity, which is affected by prolonged cosmic radiation exposure, social isolation or crowding, and weightlessness in constricted operational non-terran locales. Earth-based clinical research demonstrates that brain stimulation approaches may be combined with novel psychotherapeutic integrated memory structure rationales for the corrective reconsolidation of arousing or emotional experiences, autobiographical memories, semantic schema, and other cognitive structures to enhance neuropsychiatric patient outcomes. Such smart cotherapies or countermeasures, which exploit natural, pharmaceutical, and minimally invasive neuroprosthesis-driven nervous system activity, may optimize the cognitive-emotional restructuring of astronauts suffering from space-related neuropsychiatric disease and injury, including mood, affect, and anxiety symptoms of any potential severity and pathophysiology. An appreciation of improved neuropsychiatric healthcare through the merging of new or rediscovered smart theragnostic medical technologies, capable of rendering personalized neuroplasticity training and managed psychotherapeutic treatment protocols, will reveal deeper insights into the illness states experienced by astronauts. Future work in this area should emphasize the ethical role of telemedicine and/or digital clinicians to advance the (semi)autonomous, technology-assisted medical prophylaxis, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and compliance of astronauts for elevated health, safety, and performance in remote extreme space and extraterrestrial environments.
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19
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Broncel A, Bocian R, Konopacki J. Vagal Nerve Stimulation: The Effect on the Brain Oscillatory Field Potential. Neuroscience 2021; 483:127-138. [PMID: 34952159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.12.023] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
More than thirty years of medical treatment with the use of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown that this therapeutic procedure works in a number of homeostatic disturbances. Although the clinical usage of VNS has a long history, our knowledge about the central mechanisms underlying this treatment is still limited. In the present paper we review the effects of VNS on brain oscillations as a possible electrophysiological bio-marker of VNS efficacy. The review was prepared mainly on the basis of data delivered from clinical observations and the outcomes of electrophysiological experiments conducted on laboratory animals that are available in PubMed. We consciously did not focus on epileptiform activity understood as a pathologic oscillatory activity, which was widely discussed in the numerous previously published reviews. The main conclusion of the present paper is that further, well-designed experiments on laboratory animals are absolutely necessary to address the electrophysiological issues. These will fill a number of gaps in our present knowledge of the central mechanisms underlying VNS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Broncel
- Medical Technology Centre, Natolin 15, 92-701 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Renata Bocian
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, The University of Lodz, Pomorska St. No. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Jan Konopacki
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, The University of Lodz, Pomorska St. No. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
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20
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Ryvlin P, Rheims S, Hirsch LJ, Sokolov A, Jehi L. Neuromodulation in epilepsy: state-of-the-art approved therapies. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:1038-1047. [PMID: 34710360 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Three neuromodulation therapies have been appropriately tested and approved in refractory focal epilepsies: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT-DBS), and closed-loop responsive neurostimulation of the epileptogenic zone or zones. These therapies are primarily palliative. Only a few individuals have achieved complete freedom from seizures for more than 12 months with these therapies, whereas more than half have benefited from long-term reduction in seizure frequency of more than 50%. Implantation-related adverse events primarily include infection and pain at the implant site. Intracranial haemorrhage is a frequent adverse event for ANT-DBS and responsive neurostimulation. Other stimulation-specific side-effects are observed with VNS and ANT-DBS. Biomarkers to predict response to neuromodulation therapies are not available, and high-level evidence to aid decision making about when and for whom these therapies should be preferred over other antiepileptic treatments is scant. Future studies are thus needed to address these shortfalls in knowledge, approve other forms of neuromodulation, and develop personalised closed-loop therapies with embedded machine learning. Until then, neuromodulation could be considered for individuals with intractable seizures, ideally after the possibility of curative surgical treatment has been carefully assessed and ruled out or judged less appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Ryvlin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 1 University Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1028/CNRS UMR 5292 Epilepsy Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Lawrence J Hirsch
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arseny Sokolov
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lara Jehi
- Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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21
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Kunii N, Koizumi T, Kawai K, Shimada S, Saito N. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Amplifies Task-Induced Cerebral Blood Flow Increase. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:726087. [PMID: 34434098 PMCID: PMC8380847 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.726087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established palliative surgical treatment for refractory epilepsy. Recently, pairing VNS with rehabilitation received growing attention for their joint effect on neural plasticity. However, objective biological measurements proving the interaction between VNS effects and cortical recruitment are lacking. Studies reported that VNS induced little blood flow increase in the cerebral cortex. Objective This study tested the hypothesis that pairing VNS with a cognitive task amplifies task-induced cerebral blood flow (CBF). Methods This study included 21 patients implanted with vagus nerve stimulator to treat refractory epilepsy. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with sensors on the forehead measured CBF changes in the frontal cortices in response to VNS. Cerebral blood flow was measured when VNS was delivered during a resting state or a verbal fluency task. We analyzed the VNS effect on CBF in relation to stimulation intensity and clinical responsiveness. Results We observed no CBF change when VNS was delivered during rest, irrespective of stimulation intensity or responsiveness. Cerebral blood flow changed significantly when a verbal fluency task was paired with VNS in a stimulation intensity-dependent manner. Cerebral blood flow changes in the non-responders showed no intensity-dependency. Conclusion Our results could be an important biological proof of the interaction between VNS effects and cortical recruitment, supporting the validity of pairing VNS with rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kunii
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kawai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Seijiro Shimada
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation induces stabilizing modifications in large-scale functional brain networks: towards understanding the effects of taVNS in subjects with epilepsy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7906. [PMID: 33846432 PMCID: PMC8042037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique considered as a potential supplementary treatment option for subjects with refractory epilepsy. Its exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. We developed an examination schedule to probe for immediate taVNS-induced modifications of large-scale epileptic brain networks and accompanying changes of cognition and behaviour. In this prospective trial, we applied short-term (1 h) taVNS to 14 subjects with epilepsy during a continuous 3-h EEG recording which was embedded in two standardized neuropsychological assessments. From these EEG, we derived evolving epileptic brain networks and tracked important topological, robustness, and stability properties of networks over time. In the majority of investigated subjects, taVNS induced measurable and persisting modifications in network properties that point to a more resilient epileptic brain network without negatively impacting cognition, behaviour, or mood. The stimulation was well tolerated and the usability of the device was rated good. Short-term taVNS has a topology-modifying, robustness- and stability-enhancing immediate effect on large-scale epileptic brain networks. It has no detrimental effects on cognition and behaviour. Translation into clinical practice requires further studies to detail knowledge about the exact mechanisms by which taVNS prevents or inhibits seizures.
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23
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Lam J, Lee J, Liu CY, Lozano AM, Lee DJ. Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease: Tackling Circuit Dysfunction. Neuromodulation 2020; 24:171-186. [PMID: 33377280 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Treatments for Alzheimer's disease are urgently needed given its enormous human and economic costs and disappointing results of clinical trials targeting the primary amyloid and tau pathology. On the other hand, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has demonstrated success in other neurological and psychiatric disorders leading to great interest in DBS as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We review the literature on 1) circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and 2) DBS for Alzheimer's disease. Human and animal studies are reviewed individually. RESULTS There is accumulating evidence of neural circuit dysfunction at the structural, functional, electrophysiological, and neurotransmitter level. Recent evidence from humans and animals indicate that DBS has the potential to restore circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, similarly to other movement and psychiatric disorders, and may even slow or reverse the underlying disease pathophysiology. CONCLUSIONS DBS is an intriguing potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, targeting circuit dysfunction as a novel therapeutic target. However, further exploration of the basic disease pathology and underlying mechanisms of DBS is necessary to better understand how circuit dysfunction can be restored. Additionally, robust clinical data in the form of ongoing phase III clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of DBS as a viable treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Lam
- USC Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Justin Lee
- USC Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Charles Y Liu
- USC Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Darrin J Lee
- USC Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
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24
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Jaseja H. Elucidating the mechanism of therapeutic efficacy of vagal nerve stimulation in intractable epilepsy: An electroencephalographic analysis. Epilepsy Res 2020; 168:106368. [PMID: 32709463 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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25
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Sangare A, Marchi A, Pruvost-Robieux E, Soufflet C, Crepon B, Ramdani C, Chassoux F, Turak B, Landre E, Gavaret M. The Effectiveness of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Correlates with Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Induced Electroencephalography Desynchronization. Brain Connect 2020; 10:566-577. [PMID: 33073582 PMCID: PMC7757623 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: VNS is an adjunctive neuromodulation therapy for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy. The antiseizure effect of VNS is thought to be related to a diffuse modulation of functional connectivity but remains to be confirmed. Aim: To investigate electroencephalographic (EEG) metrics of functional connectivity in patients with drug-refractory epilepsy treated by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), between VNS-stimulated “ON” and nonstimulated “OFF” periods and between responder (R) and nonresponder (NR) patients. Methods: Scalp-EEG was performed for 35 patients treated by VNS, using 21 channels and 2 additional electrodes on the neck to detect the VNS stimulation. Patients were defined as VNS responders if a reduction of seizure frequency of ∼50% was documented. We analyzed the synchronization in EEG time series during “ON” and “OFF” periods of stimulation, using average phase lag index (PLI) in signal space and phase-locking value (PLV) between 10 sources. Based on graph theory, we computed brain network models and analyzed minimum spanning tree (MST) for responder and nonresponder patients. Results: Among 35 patients treated by VNS for a median time of 7 years (range 4 months to 22 years), 20 were R and 15 were NR. For responder patients, PLI during ON periods was significantly lower than that during OFF periods in delta (p = 0.009), theta (p = 0.02), and beta (p = 0.04) frequency bands. For nonresponder patients, there were no significant differences between ON and OFF periods. Moreover, variations of seizure frequency with VNS correlated with the PLI OFF/ON ratio in delta (p = 0.02), theta (p = 0.04), and beta (p = 0.03) frequency bands. Our results were confirmed using PLV in theta band (p < 0.05). No significant differences in MST were observed between R and NR patients. Conclusion: The correlation between VNS-induced interictal EEG time-series desynchronization and decrease in seizure frequency suggested that VNS therapeutic impact might be related to changes in interictal functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Sangare
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Angela Marchi
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Pruvost-Robieux
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Christine Soufflet
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Crepon
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Céline Ramdani
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Paris, France
| | - Francine Chassoux
- Neurosurgery and Epileptology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Baris Turak
- Neurosurgery and Epileptology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Landre
- Neurosurgery and Epileptology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Martine Gavaret
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1266, IPNP, Paris, France
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26
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Jaseja H, Gupta N, Goyal M. Electroencephalogram as a prospective predictive biomarker in epilepsy: Evidence from vagal nerve stimulation studies. Epilepsy Res 2020; 167:106439. [PMID: 32836150 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nipun Gupta
- Department of Medicine, MLB Medical College, Jhansi, India.
| | - Manish Goyal
- Department of Physiology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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27
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Workewych AM, Arski ON, Mithani K, Ibrahim GM. Biomarkers of seizure response to vagus nerve stimulation: A scoping review. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2069-2085. [PMID: 32862454 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a common procedure, seizure outcomes are heterogeneous, with few available means to preoperatively identify the ideal surgical candidate. Here, we perform a scoping review of the literature to identify biomarkers of VNS response in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Several databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, BIOSIS Previews, and Web of Science) were searched for all relevant articles that reported at least one biomarker of VNS response following implantation for intractable epilepsy. Patient demographics, seizure data, and details related to biomarkers were abstracted from all studies. From the 288 records screened, 28 articles reporting on 16 putative biomarkers were identified. These were grouped into four categories: network/connectomic-based biomarkers, electrophysiological signatures, structural findings on neuroimaging, and systemic assays. Differences in brain network organization, connectivity, and electrophysiological synchronicity demonstrated the most robust ability to identify VNS responders. Structural findings on neuroimaging yielded inconsistent associations with VNS responsiveness. With regard to systemic biomarkers, heart rate variability was shown to be an independent marker of VNS response, whereas inflammatory markers were not useful. There is an unmet need to preoperatively identify candidates who are likely to benefit from VNS. Several biomarkers demonstrate promise in predicting seizure responsiveness to VNS, particularly measures of brain network connectivity. Further efforts are required to validate existing biomarkers to inform clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Workewych
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivia N Arski
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karim Mithani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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28
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Zhu J, Xu C, Zhang X, Qiao L, Wang X, Zhang X, Yan X, Ni D, Yu T, Zhang G, Li Y. A resting-state functional MRI study on the effect of vagal nerve stimulation on spontaneous regional brain activity in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Behav Brain Res 2020; 392:112709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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Wang ZJ, Kim ES, Noh BH, Liang JG, Lee D, Hur YJ, Kim NY, Kim HD. Alteration in brain connectivity in patients with Dravet syndrome after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): exploration of its effectiveness using graph theory analysis with electroencephalography. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:036014. [PMID: 32380482 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab914f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a nonpharmacologic therapeutic option for patients who have pharmaco-resistant Dravet syndrome (DS). Plentiful efforts have been made for delivering VNS to DS patients, but its effectiveness still requires further verification. We investigated the effectiveness of the VNS treatment of DS patients using brain connectivity analysis with electroencephalography (EEG). APPROACH Twenty pharmaco-resistant DS patients were selected to undergo VNS implantation and classified into responder and non-responder groups after 24 months post-VNS. The effect of VNS between 6 months pre- and 6, 12, and 24 months post-VNS in all patients, responders, and non-responders on four different frequency categories of four brain parameters were compared using resting-state EEG. MAIN RESULTS In alpha and beta bands, all patients showed positive results for characteristic path length (CPL), global efficiency (GE), and transitivity after VNS treatment, and changes in betweenness centrality (BC) were not significant. The difference in transitivity between responders and non-responders is more pronounced than those in CPL and GE are, in both the alpha (p < 0.015) and beta (p < 0.001) bands. There was an obvious change in BC, especially in the alpha band, as the hubs tended to move from frontal lobe to parietal lobe for responders; however, there was no change for the non-responders. SIGNIFICANCE We investigated the alteration in brain connectivity of DS patients in alpha and beta bands during a long-term follow-up and found the responders have a decreased transitivity after the VNS treatment. Moreover, the hubs with high values in the alpha band tended to move from frontal lobe to parietal lobe for responders after VNS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ji Wang
- RFIC Center, Kwangwoon University, 447-1 Wolgye-Dong, Nowon-Ku, Seoul 139-701, Republic of Korea. These authors contributed equally to this work
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30
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Yokoyama R, Akiyama Y, Enatsu R, Suzuki H, Suzuki Y, Kanno A, Ochi S, Mikuni N. The Immediate Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Intractable Epilepsy: An Intra-operative Electrocorticographic Analysis. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2020; 60:244-251. [PMID: 32295979 PMCID: PMC7246227 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.oa.2019-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether and how vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) reduces the epileptogenic activity in the bilateral cerebral cortex in patients with intractable epilepsy. We analyzed the electrocorticograms (ECoGs) of five patients who underwent callosotomy due to intractable epilepsy even after VNS implantation. We recorded ECoGs and analyzed power spectrum in both VNS OFF and ON phases. We counted the number of spikes and electrodes with epileptic spikes, distinguishing unilaterally and bilaterally hemispherically spread spikes as synchronousness of the epileptic spikes in both VNS OFF and ON phases. There were 24.80 ± 35.55 and 7.20 ± 9.93 unilaterally spread spikes in the VNS OFF and ON phases, respectively (P = 0.157), and 35.8 ± 29.21 and 10.6 ± 13.50 bilaterally spread spikes in the VNS OFF and ON phases, respectively (P = 0.027). The number of electrodes with unilaterally and bilaterally spread spikes in the VNS OFF and ON phases was 3.84 ± 2.13 and 3.59 ± 1.82 (P = 0.415), and 8.20 ± 3.56 and 6.89 ± 2.89 (P = 0.026), respectively. The ECoG background power spectra recordings in the VNS OFF and ON phases were also analyzed. The spectral power tended to be greater in the high-frequency band at VNS ON phase than OFF phase. This study showed the reduction of epileptogenic spikes and spread areas of the spikes by VNS as immediate effects, electrophysiologically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rei Enatsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University
| | - Hime Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University
| | - Yuto Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University
| | - Aya Kanno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University
| | - Satoko Ochi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University
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Qin X, Lin S, Yuan Y, Wen J, Chen Q, Lu X, Sun Y, Wang F, Tian X, Jiang N, Liao J, Li L. Vagus nerve stimulation for pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by genetic mutations: Two cases. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2020.9040014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation therapy increasingly used for treating drug-resistant epilepsy. However, it remains to be determined which patients are best suited for the treatment, and it is difficult to predict the therapeutic effect before the implantation. Mutations in some genes could lead to epilepsy. Here we report two cases of pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy treated by VNS therapy: Patient 1 with ARX mutation achieved good outcomes; Patient 2 with the CDKL5 mutation did not show improvement. Additionally, the therapeutic impact of VNS on brain networks was investigated, hoping to provide some empirical evidence for a better understanding of the mechanism of VNS treatment.
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32
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Effect of short-term transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation on EEG activity in drug-resistant epilepsy. J Neurol Sci 2019; 400:90-96. [PMID: 30904691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) has antiepileptic effects in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). However, whether and how TNS is able to modulate the electroencephalogram (EEG) background activity in patients with DRE is still unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of short-term TNS on EEG background activity in DRE by qualitative and quantitative analyses. METHODS Twenty-nine DRE patients participated in the study. Twenty-two were randomly divided into a "sham-TNS" or "real-TNS" group; seven patients underwent stimulation of the median nerve (MNS) at the wrist. Real-TNS was delivered bilaterally to the infraorbital nerve (trains of 1-20 mA, 120 Hz, cyclic modality for 20 min). The sham-TNS protocol mimicked the real-TNS one but at a zero intensity. For MNS, the same parameters as real-TNS were used. EEG was continuously acquired for 40 min: 10' pre, 20' during and 10' post stimulation. EEG was visually inspected for interictal epileptiform discharge (IEDs) changes and processed by spectral analysis for changes in mean frequency and absolute power of each frequency band. RESULTS A significant increase of EEG absolute alpha power was observed during real-TNS compared with the sham-TNS (F34,680 = 1.748; p = 0.006). Conversely, no significant effects were noticed either for quantitative analysis of other frequency bands or for IEDs detection. MNS proved unable to modulate EEG activity. CONCLUSIONS Short-term TNS induces an acute and specific effect on background EEG of DRE by increasing the absolute alpha band power. EEG alpha rhythm enhancement may index a cortical functional inhibition and act as a seizure-preventing mechanism.
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33
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Brázdil M, Doležalová I, Koritáková E, Chládek J, Roman R, Pail M, Jurák P, Shaw DJ, Chrastina J. EEG Reactivity Predicts Individual Efficacy of Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Intractable Epileptics. Front Neurol 2019; 10:392. [PMID: 31118916 PMCID: PMC6507513 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a well-established non-pharmacological treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy. This study sought to develop a statistical model for prediction of VNS efficacy. We hypothesized that reactivity of the electroencephalogram (EEG) to external stimuli measured during routine preoperative evaluation differs between VNS responders and non-responders. Materials and Methods: Power spectral analyses were computed retrospectively on pre-operative EEG recordings from 60 epileptic patients with VNS. Thirty five responders and 25 non-responders were compared on the relative power values in four standard frequency bands and eight conditions of clinical assessment-eyes opening/closing, photic stimulation, and hyperventilation. Using logistic regression, groups of electrodes within anatomical areas identified as maximally discriminative by n leave-one-out iterations were used to classify patients. The reliability of the predictive model was verified with an independent data-set from 22 additional patients. Results: Power spectral analyses revealed significant differences in EEG reactivity between responders and non-responders; specifically, the dynamics of alpha and gamma activity strongly reflected VNS efficacy. Using individual EEG reactivity to develop and validate a predictive model, we discriminated between responders and non-responders with 86% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 90% specificity. Conclusion: We present a new statistical model with which EEG reactivity to external stimuli during routine presurgical evaluation can be seen as a promising avenue for the identification of patients with favorable VNS outcome. This novel method for the prediction of VNS efficacy might represent a breakthrough in the management of drug-resistant epilepsy, with wide-reaching medical and economic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Brázdil
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno Epilepsy Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia.,Behavioral and Social Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Irena Doležalová
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno Epilepsy Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eva Koritáková
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Chládek
- Behavioral and Social Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Institute of Scientific Instruments, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Robert Roman
- Behavioral and Social Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Pail
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno Epilepsy Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Jurák
- Institute of Scientific Instruments, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Daniel J Shaw
- Behavioral and Social Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Chrastina
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno Epilepsy Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
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Zilles D. Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Catatonia: A Hypothesis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:86. [PMID: 30873050 PMCID: PMC6402369 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Catatonia is a syndrome comprising psychomotor, behavioral, and autonomous symptoms which may occur in the context of severe schizophrenic, affective, and other mental disorders or medical conditions. Treatment options include high dose benzodiazepines (lorazepam) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with some evidence for the effectiveness of glutamate antagonists. However, due to a lack of randomized controlled studies in this severely ill population, evidence base is weak. Methods: On occasion of the case of a patient with treatment resistant catatonia in schizoaffective disorder, we developed the hypothesis of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) being a potential therapy for treatment resistant catatonia. Results: Based on a selective literature search, we found a remarkable overlap of the pathophysiology of catatonia on the one hand and the putative mechanisms of action of VNS on the other hand in several domains: functional brain imaging, involved neurotransmitter systems, clinical, and theoretical. We thus decided to use VNS as a single subject clinical trial. During the 1-year-follow-up, we observed a fluctuating, but ultimately marked improvement of both catatonic symptoms and general psychopathology. Conclusions: We assume there is a sufficient hypothetical corroboration for the potential effectiveness of VNS as a long-term treatment in predominantly catatonic syndromes. This hypothesis could be tested in proof-of-concept clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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35
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Markert MS, Fisher RS. Neuromodulation - Science and Practice in Epilepsy: Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation, and Responsive NeuroStimulation. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 19:17-29. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1554433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Markert
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert S. Fisher
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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36
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Yu R, Park HJ, Cho H, Ko A, Pae C, Oh MK, Kang HC, Kim HD, Park EK, Shim KW, Kim DS, Lee JS. Interregional metabolic connectivity of 2-deoxy-2[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography in vagus nerve stimulation for pediatric patients with epilepsy: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Epilepsia 2018; 59:2249-2259. [PMID: 30370541 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the recognition of epilepsy as a network disease that disrupts the organizing ability of resting-state brain networks, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may control epileptic seizures through modulation of functional connectivity. We evaluated preoperative 2-deoxy-2[18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in VNS-implanted pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy to analyze the metabolic connectivity of patients and its prognostic role in seizure control. METHODS Preoperative PET data of 66 VNS pediatric patients who were followed up for a minimum of 1 year after the procedure were collected for the study. Retrospective review of the patients' charts was performed, and five patients with inappropriate PET data or major health issues were excluded. We conducted an independent component analysis of FDG-PET to extract spatial metabolic components and their activities, which were used to perform cross-sectional metabolic network analysis. We divided the patients into VNS-effective and VNS-ineffective groups (VNS-effective group, ≥50% seizure reduction; VNS-ineffective group, <50% reduction) and compared metabolic connectivity differences between groups using a permutation test. RESULTS Thirty-four (55.7%) patients showed >50% seizure reduction from baseline frequency 1 year after VNS. A significant difference in metabolic connectivity evaluated by preoperative FDG-PET was noted between groups. Relative changes in glucose metabolism were strongly connected among the areas of brainstem, cingulate gyrus, cerebellum, bilateral insula, and putamen in patients with <50% seizure control after VNS. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that seizure outcome of VNS may be influenced by metabolic connectivity, which can be obtained from preoperative PET imaging. This study of metabolic connectivity analysis may contribute in further understanding of the mechanism of VNS in intractable seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Jeong Park
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojin Cho
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ara Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Chongwon Pae
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Maeng-Keun Oh
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon-Chul Kang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Park
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Won Shim
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Suk Kim
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Soo Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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37
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Lin LC, Ouyang CS, Chiang CT, Yang RC, Wu RC, Wu HC. Cumulative effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with partial refractory epilepsy and its association with phase lag index-A preliminary study. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 84:142-147. [PMID: 29800800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for alternative treatments for refractory epilepsy. We investigated the effect of two courses of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in nine patients with partial refractory epilepsy. A two-course treatment (1 month per course, with six sessions of stimulation per course within the first 2 weeks by 2-mA cathodal tDCS for 20 min) was administered to each patient. After the first course of tDCS, the average seizure frequency had decreased by 37.8 ± 21.9% compared with baseline (p = 0.001). After the second course, the average seizure frequency had decreased by 48.9 ± 31.2% compared with baseline (p = 0.002). Only seven of the nine patients maintained the same state of wakefulness in three electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. We analyzed the EEG recordings of these seven patients on day 0 immediately posttreatment and on days 4 and 9 in the first course of tDCS. When compared with baseline, no significant change in the number of epileptiform discharges was observed. The day 9 phase lag index (PLI) decreased in five patients with seizure reduction after tDCS but increased in two patients without seizure reduction after tDCS. A significant negative correlation was observed between the day 9 PLI of alpha band and first-course seizure reduction (R2 = 0.6515) (p = 0.028). The results revealed that tDCS may be considered as an alternative treatment option for patients with refractory epilepsy, and its effect might be cumulative after repeated stimulations and associated with a decrease in PLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Chang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Sen Ouyang
- Department of Information Engineering, I-Shou University, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Tai Chiang
- Department of Computer and Communication, National Pingtung University, Taiwan.
| | - Rei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
| | - Rong-Ching Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, I-Shou University, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
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Babajani-Feremi A, Noorizadeh N, Mudigoudar B, Wheless JW. Predicting seizure outcome of vagus nerve stimulation using MEG-based network topology. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 19:990-999. [PMID: 30003036 PMCID: PMC6039837 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a low-risk surgical option for patients with drug resistant epilepsy, although it is impossible to predict which patients may respond to VNS treatment. Resting-state magnetoencephalography (rs-MEG) connectivity analysis has been increasingly utilized to investigate the impact of epilepsy on brain networks and identify alteration of these networks after different treatments; however, there is no study to date utilizing this modality to predict the efficacy of VNS treatment. We investigated whether the rs-MEG network topology before VNS implantation can be used to predict efficacy of VNS treatment. Twenty-three patients with epilepsy who had MEG before VNS implantation were included in this study. We also included 89 healthy control subjects from the Human Connectome Project. Using the phase-locking value in the theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands as a measure of rs-MEG functional connectivity, we calculated three global graph measures: modularity, transitivity, and characteristic path length (CPL). Our results revealed that the rs-MEG graph measures were significantly heritable and had an overall good test-retest reliability, and thus these measures may be used as potential biomarkers of the network topology. We found that the modularity and transitivity in VNS responders were significantly larger and smaller, respectively, than those observed in VNS non-responders. We also observed that the modularity and transitivity in three frequency bands and CPL in delta and beta bands were significantly different in controls than those found in responders or non-responders, although the values of the graph measures in controls were closer to those of responders than non-responders. We used the modularity and transitivity as input features of a naïve Bayes classifier, and achieved an accuracy of 87% in classification of non-responders, responders, and controls. The results of this study revealed that MEG-based graph measures are reliable biomarkers, and that these measures may be used to predict seizure outcome of VNS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Babajani-Feremi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Negar Noorizadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Basanagoud Mudigoudar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James W Wheless
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
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Englot DJ, Rolston JD, Wright CW, Hassnain KH, Chang EF. Rates and Predictors of Seizure Freedom With Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Intractable Epilepsy. Neurosurgery 2017; 79:345-53. [PMID: 26645965 PMCID: PMC4884552 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation-based treatments have become increasingly important in epilepsy treatment. Most patients with epilepsy treated with neuromodulation do not achieve complete seizure freedom, and, therefore, previous studies of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy have focused instead on reduction of seizure frequency as a measure of treatment response. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate rates and predictors of seizure freedom with VNS. METHODS: We examined 5554 patients from the VNS therapy Patient Outcome Registry, and also performed a systematic review of the literature including 2869 patients across 78 studies. RESULTS: Registry data revealed a progressive increase over time in seizure freedom after VNS therapy. Overall, 49% of patients responded to VNS therapy 0 to 4 months after implantation (≥50% reduction seizure frequency), with 5.1% of patients becoming seizure-free, while 63% of patients were responders at 24 to 48 months, with 8.2% achieving seizure freedom. On multivariate analysis, seizure freedom was predicted by age of epilepsy onset >12 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-2.58), and predominantly generalized seizure type (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.82), while overall response to VNS was predicted by nonlesional epilepsy (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.81). Systematic literature review results were consistent with the registry analysis: At 0 to 4 months, 40.0% of patients had responded to VNS, with 2.6% becoming seizure-free, while at last follow-up, 60.1% of individuals were responders, with 8.0% achieving seizure freedom. CONCLUSION: Response and seizure freedom rates increase over time with VNS therapy, although complete seizure freedom is achieved in a small percentage of patients. ABBREVIATIONS: AED, antiepileptic drug VNS, vagus nerve stimulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario J Englot
- *UCSF Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, University of California, San Francisco, California; ‡Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California; §Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, Texas
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Bayasgalan B, Matsuhashi M, Fumuro T, Nohira H, Nakano N, Iida K, Katagiri M, Shimotake A, Matsumoto R, Kikuchi T, Kunieda T, Kato A, Takahashi R, Ikeda A. We could predict good responders to vagus nerve stimulation: A surrogate marker by slow cortical potential shift. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 128:1583-1589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Ravan M. Investigating the correlation between short-term effectiveness of VNS Therapy in reducing the severity of seizures and long-term responsiveness. Epilepsy Res 2017; 133:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Ravan M, Sabesan S, D'Cruz O. On Quantitative Biomarkers of VNS Therapy Using EEG and ECG Signals. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2017; 64:419-428. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2016.2554559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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43
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Martínez-Vargas D, Valdés-Cruz A, Magdaleno-Madrigal V, Fernández-Mas R, Almazán-Alvarado S. Effect of Electrical Stimulation of the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract on Electroencephalographic Spectral Power and the Sleep–Wake Cycle in Freely Moving Cats. Brain Stimul 2017; 10:116-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Bartolomei F, Bonini F, Vidal E, Trébuchon A, Lagarde S, Lambert I, McGonigal A, Scavarda D, Carron R, Benar CG. How does vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) change EEG brain functional connectivity? Epilepsy Res 2016; 126:141-6. [PMID: 27497814 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An effect of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on cortical synchronization has been postulated but remains to be verified. In this study we investigated the impact of VNS on functional connectivity (Fc) using direct intracerebral recordings (stereotactic EEG, SEEG). Five patients with epilepsy who underwent SEEG recordings during ongoing VNS therapy were investigated. Interdependencies between twenty-six selected bipolar SEEG channels were estimated by nonlinear regression analysis during ON and OF periods of stimulation. In comparison with OFF periods, the ON periods disclosed higher values for four patients (P1, P3, P4, P5) and lower values for one patient (P2). From thresholded graphs, we observed increased connections between several brain regions in P1 and P5 and decreased connections in P2. Finally, the only decreased Fc occurring during VNS corresponded to the responder patient, suggesting that therapeutic impact might be related to this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Bartolomei
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France.
| | - Francesca Bonini
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Elsa Vidal
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Agnes Trébuchon
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Stanislas Lagarde
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Isabelle Lambert
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Didier Scavarda
- AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Romain Carron
- AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurochirurgie Fonctionnelle, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Christian G Benar
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France
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Kros L, Eelkman Rooda OHJ, De Zeeuw CI, Hoebeek FE. Controlling Cerebellar Output to Treat Refractory Epilepsy. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:787-799. [PMID: 26602765 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Generalized epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures caused by oscillatory neuronal firing throughout thalamocortical networks. Current therapeutic approaches often intervene at the level of the thalamus or cerebral cortex to ameliorate seizures. We review here the therapeutic potential of cerebellar stimulation. The cerebellum forms a prominent ascending input to the thalamus and, whereas stimulation of the foliated cerebellar cortex exerts inconsistent results, stimulation of the centrally located cerebellar nuclei (CN) reliably stops generalized seizures in experimental models. Stimulation of this area indicates that the period of stimulation with respect to the phase of the oscillations in thalamocortical networks can optimize its effect, opening up the possibility of developing on-demand deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke Kros
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar H J Eelkman Rooda
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Dutch Academy for Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek E Hoebeek
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Bodin C, Aubert S, Daquin G, Carron R, Scavarda D, McGonigal A, Bartolomei F. Responders to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in refractory epilepsy have reduced interictal cortical synchronicity on scalp EEG. Epilepsy Res 2015; 113:98-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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47
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Conway CR, Colijn MA, Schachter SC. Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy and Depression. Brain Stimul 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118568323.ch17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Jaseja H. Expanding the therapeutic spectrum of anterior thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in intractable epilepsy: a postulation. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 43:46-7. [PMID: 25553391 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Jaseja
- Vellore EEG Center, Gwalior, 8, C-Block, Harishanker-puram, Lashkar, Gwalior 474002, MP, India.
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Fraschini M, Demuru M, Puligheddu M, Floridia S, Polizzi L, Maleci A, Bortolato M, Hillebrand A, Marrosu F. The re-organization of functional brain networks in pharmaco-resistant epileptic patients who respond to VNS. Neurosci Lett 2014; 580:153-7. [PMID: 25123446 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutic add-on treatment for patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. The mechanism of action is still largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that brain network topology during the inter-ictal period in epileptic patients deviates from normal configuration. In the present paper, we investigate the relationship between clinical improvement induced by VNS and alterations in brain network topology. We hypothesize that, as a consequence of the VNS add-on treatment, functional brain network architecture shifts back toward a more efficient configuration in patients responding to VNS. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from ten patients affected by pharmaco-resistant epilepsy were analyzed in the classical EEG frequency bands. The phase lag index (PLI) was used to estimate functional connectivity between EEG channels and the minimum spanning tree (MST) was computed in order to characterize VNS-induced alterations in network topology in a bias-free way. Our results revealed a clear network re-organization, in terms of MST modification, toward a more integrated architecture in patients responding to the VNS. In particular, the results show a significant interaction effect between benefit from VNS (responders/non-responders) and condition (pre/post VNS implantation) in the theta band. This finding suggests that the positive effect induced by VNS add-on treatment in epileptic patients is related to a clear network re-organization and that this network modification can reveal the long debated mechanism of action of VNS. Therefore, MST analysis could be useful in evaluating and monitoring the efficacy of VNS add-on treatment potentially in both epilepsy and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fraschini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica ed Elettronica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Demuru
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica ed Elettronica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Floridia
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica ed Elettronica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Polizzi
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Maleci
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Arjan Hillebrand
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and Magnetoencephalography Center, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francesco Marrosu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Tyrand R, Seeck M, Pollo C, Boëx C. Effects of amygdala–hippocampal stimulation on synchronization. Epilepsy Res 2014; 108:327-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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