1
|
Richard MA, Lupo PJ, Ehli EA, Sahin M, Krueger DA, Wu JY, Bebin EM, Au KS, Northrup H, Farach LS. Common epilepsy variants from the general population are not associated with epilepsy among individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63569. [PMID: 38366765 PMCID: PMC11060940 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Common genetic variants identified in the general population have been found to increase phenotypic risks among individuals with certain genetic conditions. Up to 90% of individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are affected by some type of epilepsy, yet the common variants contributing to epilepsy risk in the general population have not been evaluated in the context of TSC-associated epilepsy. Such knowledge is important to help uncover the underlying pathogenesis of epilepsy in TSC which is not fully understood, and critical as uncontrolled epilepsy is a major problem in this population. To evaluate common genetic modifiers of epilepsy, our study pooled phenotypic and genotypic data from 369 individuals with TSC to evaluate known and novel epilepsy common variants. We did not find evidence of enhanced genetic penetrance for known epilepsy variants identified across the largest genome-wide association studies of epilepsy in the general population, but identified support for novel common epilepsy variants in the context of TSC. Specifically, we have identified a novel signal in SLC7A1 that may be functionally involved in pathways relevant to TSC and epilepsy. Our study highlights the need for further evaluation of genetic modifiers in TSC to aid in further understanding of epilepsy in TSC and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Richard
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Erik A Ehli
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darcy A Krueger
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Joyce Y Wu
- Epilepsy Center, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Bebin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kit Sing Au
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laura S Farach
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bzeih W, Kbar M, Rihan O. Congenital single kidney in tuberous sclerosis complex (Bourneville disease). Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2158-2161. [PMID: 38576950 PMCID: PMC10990388 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001834] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bournevile disease is a rare global condition that presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse multisystemic involvement. Case presentation This report presents the case of a 14-year-old male with a medical history of congenital single kidney, heart rate abnormalities, Bournevile disease with cognitive deficits, brain lesions, and dermatological features. The patient presented with sudden onset renal angiolipomatosis, and the diagnosis was based on specific computed tomography (CT) findings. Despite having these complex medical conditions, the patient had never been admitted to the hospital since infancy, and treatment was limited to surveillance only. Clinical discussion Bourneville disease is a multisystemic disease that affects several organ systems within the human body and thus demands multidisciplinary approach in the treatment and follow-up options. Conclusion This case report highlights Bournevile disease in a patient with a congenital single kidney, a rare finding that further complicates the disease. It emphasises the importance of recognising and managing this condition to ensure appropriate care for affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Bzeih
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath
| | - Mohammad Kbar
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Curatolo P, Scheper M, Emberti Gialloreti L, Specchio N, Aronica E. Is tuberous sclerosis complex-associated autism a preventable and treatable disorder? World J Pediatr 2024; 20:40-53. [PMID: 37878130 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00762-2] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, causing overactivation of the mechanistic (previously referred to as mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in fetal life. The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in several brain processes leading to TSC-related epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre-natal or early post-natal diagnosis of TSC is now possible in a growing number of pre-symptomatic infants. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed for peer-reviewed publications published between January 2010 and April 2023 with the terms "tuberous sclerosis", "autism", or "autism spectrum disorder"," animal models", "preclinical studies", "neurobiology", and "treatment". RESULTS Prospective studies have highlighted that developmental trajectories in TSC infants who were later diagnosed with ASD already show motor, visual and social communication skills in the first year of life delays. Reliable genetic, cellular, electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers can identify pre-symptomatic TSC infants at high risk for having autism and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Preventing epilepsy or improving therapy for seizures associated with prompt and tailored treatment strategies for autism in a sensitive developmental time window could have the potential to mitigate autistic symptoms in infants with TSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Specchio N, Nabbout R, Aronica E, Auvin S, Benvenuto A, de Palma L, Feucht M, Jansen F, Kotulska K, Sarnat H, Lagae L, Jozwiak S, Curatolo P. Updated clinical recommendations for the management of tuberous sclerosis complex associated epilepsy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 47:25-34. [PMID: 37669572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.08.005] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), may experience a variety of seizure types in the first year of life, most often focal seizure sand epileptic spasms. Drug resistance is seen early in many patients, and the management of TSC associated epilepsy remain a major challenge for clinicians. In 2018 clinical recommendations for the management of TSC associated epilepsy were published by a panel of European experts. In the last five years considerable progress has been made in understanding the neurobiology of epileptogenesis and three interventional randomized controlled trials have changed the therapeutic approach for the management of TSC associated epilepsy. Pre-symptomatic treatment with vigabatrin may delay seizure onset, may reduce seizure severity and reduce the risk of epileptic encephalopathy. The efficacy of mTOR inhibition with adjunctive everolimus was documented in patients with TSC associated refractory seizures and cannabidiol could be another therapeutic option. Epilepsy surgery has significantly improved seizure outcome in selected patients and should be considered early in all patients with drug resistant epilepsy. There is a need to identify patients who may have a higher risk of developing epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the recent years significant progress has been made owing to the early identification of risk factors for the development of drug-resistant epilepsy. Better understanding of the mechanism underlying epileptogenesis may improve the management for TSC-related epilepsy. Developmental neurobiology and neuropathology give opportunities for the implementation of concepts related to clinical findings, and an early genetic diagnosis and use of EEG and MRI biomarkers may improve the development of pre-symptomatic and disease-modifying strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, INSERM U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Stephane Auvin
- APHP, Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Centre Epilepsies Rares, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France; Université Paris-Cité, INSERM NeuroDiderot, Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | | | - Luca de Palma
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Martha Feucht
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Floor Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Harvey Sarnat
- Department of Paediatrics (Neurology), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Neuropathology) and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (Owerko Centre), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Research Department, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, ERN EPICARE, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singh A, Hadjinicolaou A, Peters JM, Salussolia CL. Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:733-748. [PMID: 37041855 PMCID: PMC10083014 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s347327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Singh
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aristides Hadjinicolaou
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jurriaan M Peters
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine L Salussolia
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Catherine L Salussolia, 3 Blackfan Circle, Center for Life Sciences 14060, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +617-355-7970, Email
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tuberous sclerosis complex and epilepsy in infancy: prevention and early diagnosis. Arch Pediatr 2022; 29:5S8-5S13. [PMID: 36585069 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(22)00284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies showed that epilepsy represents a high burden in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), affecting 63 to 78% of the patients. Epilepsy will be refractory to medication in over 60% of cases in early presentations, and accompanied by intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders. The emerging experimental and clinical data suggest that the molecular and cellular changes triggered by seizures, particularly during the first weeks of life, can be limited by early action. Making any effort to avoid or delay epilepsy onset is a promising pathway to improve global outcome for TSC patients, although it is not possible to tidy up the specific roles of seizures, interictal abnormalities, and cortical abnormalities upon neurodevelopment. Early diagnosis of epilepsy can be made during a "symptomatic phase," shortly after the onset of seizures (focal seizures or spasms), revealing the TSC in a young infant. As soon as the diagnosis is made, a treatment with Vigabatrin is now recommended. The diagnosis of epilepsy can also be performed during a "presymptomatic phase", with the improvement of fetal and neonatal diagnosis of TSC. Recent studies demonstrated a significant delay of more than 3 months between the detection of EEG abnormalities and the first clinical seizures, which allows to consider a preventive treatment. Beside vigabatrin, mTOR inhibitors may have a place in this early management. The last recommendations about early detection and treatment of epilepsy in TSC will be detailed in this review. © 2022 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nabavi Nouri M, Zak M, Jain P, Whitney R. Epilepsy Management in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Existing and Evolving Therapies and Future Considerations. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 126:11-19. [PMID: 34740132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that affects multiple body systems. Disruption of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway results in abnormal cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell differentiation and migration in TSC. In the central nervous system, mTOR disruption is also believed to influence neuronal excitability and promote epileptogenesis. Epilepsy is the most common neurological manifestation of TSC and affects 80% to 90% of individuals with high rates of treatment resistance (up to 75%). The onset of epilepsy in the majority of individuals with TSC occurs before the age of two years, which is a critical time in neurodevelopment. Both medically refractory epilepsy and early-onset epilepsy are associated with intellectual disability in TSC, while seizure control and remission are associated with lower rates of cognitive impairment. Our current knowledge of the treatment of epilepsy in TSC has expanded immensely over the last decade. Several new therapies such as preemptive vigabatrin therapy in infants, cannabidiol, and mTOR inhibitors have emerged in recent years for the treatment of epilepsy in TSC. This review will provide clinicians with a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies available for the treatment of epilepsy related to TSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nabavi Nouri
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Zak
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ihnen SKZ, Capal JK, Horn PS, Griffith M, Sahin M, Martina Bebin E, Wu JY, Northrup H, Krueger DA. Epilepsy Is Heterogeneous in Early-Life Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 123:1-9. [PMID: 34343869 PMCID: PMC8487620 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) typically presents with early onset, multiple seizure types, and intractability. However, variability is observed among individuals. Here, detailed individual data on seizure characteristics collected prospectively during early life were used to define epilepsy profiles in this population. METHODS Children aged zero to 36 months were followed longitudinally. Caregivers kept daily seizure diaries, including onset and daily counts for each seizure type. Patients with >70% seizure diary completion and >365 diary days were included. Developmental outcomes at 36 months were compared between subgroups. RESULTS Epilepsy was seen in 124 of 156 (79%) participants. Seizure onset occurred from zero to 29.5 months; 93% had onset before age 12 months. Focal seizures and epileptic spasms were most common. Number of seizures (for median 897 days) ranged from 1 to 9128. Hierarchical clustering based on six metrics of seizure burden (age of onset, total seizures, ratio of seizure days to nonseizure days, seizures per seizure day, and worst seven- and 30-day stretches) revealed two distinct groups with broadly favorable and unfavorable epilepsy profiles. Subpopulations within each group showed clinically meaningful differences in seizure burden. Groups with higher seizure burden had worse developmental outcomes at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS Although epilepsy is highly prevalent in TSC, not all young children with TSC have the same epilepsy profile. At least two phenotypic subpopulations are discernible based on seizure burden. Early and aggressive treatments for epilepsy in TSC may be best leveraged by targeting specific subgroups based on phenotype severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Katie Z. Ihnen
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie K. Capal
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Paul S. Horn
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Molly Griffith
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology and F.M Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - E. Martina Bebin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Joyce Y. Wu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Darcy A. Krueger
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seizure outcome after epilepsy surgery in tuberous sclerosis complex: Results and analysis of predictors from a multicenter study. J Neurol Sci 2021; 427:117506. [PMID: 34087568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery is recommended in selected patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). However, reports on predictive factors of seizure outcome are variable. Here we report on seizure and cognitive outcome of 35 TSC patients who received surgery for refractory epilepsy in 7 Italian centers over a period of 22 years (1997-2019). The rate of seizure-free individuals at last follow-up (mean 7.5 years, range 1-21 years) was 51%. Patients with longer follow-up (≥10 years) had a lower rate of Engel I outcome (11.1%) than those who received surgery in the last 10 years (65.4%, p = 0.003). Factors associated with Engel II, III, IV outcome in our cohort included: high number of cortical tubers (≥5); presence of subependymal nodules (SENs); seizure onset before age 1 year; and multifocal interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) on electroencephalogram (EEG). A subset of patients evaluated with Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) showed developmental gains, in line with their developmental trajectories, but no improvement in standard scores after surgery was noted. Our study demonstrates that the rates of successful seizure outcome of epilepsy surgery in TSC have improved in the last 10 years. More than half of the patients achieved seizure freedom, and a high proportion of affected individuals experienced a reduction in seizure burden and in antiseizure medications. A comprehensive assessment after surgery should be performed in TSC patients to evaluate the overall neurodevelopmental outcome, as measures that are based only on seizure control do not adequately identify the benefits of surgery on global functioning in these patients.
Collapse
|