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Pan E, Piazza MG, Kellogg RJ, Wisniewski S, Abel TJ. A survey of preferences and expectations for surgical interventions targeting atonic seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:2491-2495. [PMID: 38717604 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06397-6] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess preferences and outcome expectations for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and corpus callosotomy (CC) surgeries in the treatment of atonic seizure in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). METHODS A total of 260 surveys were collected from patients are caregivers of LGS patients via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). RESULTS Respondents reported an average acceptable atonic seizure reduction rate of 55.9% following VNS and 74.7% following CC. 21.3% (n = 50) were willing to be randomized. Respondents reported low willingness for randomization and a higher seizure reduction expectation with CC. CONCLUSION Our findings guide surgical approaches for clinicians to consider patient preference in order to design future studies comparing effectiveness between these two procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Pan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Fl 4, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martin G Piazza
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Fl 4, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Kellogg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Fl 4, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven Wisniewski
- Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Taylor J Abel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Fl 4, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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2
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Abdennadher M, Rohatgi P, Saxena A. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Epilepsy: An Overview of Technical and Surgical Method, Patient Selection, and Treatment Outcomes. Brain Sci 2024; 14:675. [PMID: 39061416 PMCID: PMC11275221 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide. One-third of people with epilepsy do not respond to medication and may benefit from surgery. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is the first neuromodulation therapy for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. This method is used in combination with anti-seizure medications in adults and in the pediatric population. VNS has also been demonstrated to have benefits for some epilepsy comorbidities, such as depression, and can be used in combination with other neuromodulation therapies in epilepsy. The authors present an overview of VNS physiology, patient selection, surgery and risks, neuromodulation therapy, and application to epilepsy comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Abdennadher
- Neurology Department, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pratik Rohatgi
- Neurosurgery Department, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Bonda D, Kelly KA, Boop S, Feroze AH, Randle SC, Bindschadler M, Marashly A, Owens J, Lockrow J, Bozarth X, Novotny E, Friedman S, Goldstein HE, Grannan BL, Durfy S, Ojemann JG, Ko AL, Hauptman JS. Deep Brain Stimulation of Bilateral Centromedian Thalamic Nuclei in Pediatric Patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: An Institutional Experience. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e631-e639. [PMID: 38403017 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical management of pediatric patients with nonlesional, drug-resistant epilepsy, including patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), remains a challenge given the lack of resective targets in most patients and shows seizure freedom rates <50% at 5 years. The efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) is less certain in children than in adults. This study examined clinical and seizure outcomes for pediatric patients with LGS undergoing DBS targeting of the centromedian thalamic nuclei (CMTN). METHODS An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis was performed of patients aged ≤19 years with clinical diagnosis of LGS undergoing bilateral DBS placement to the CMTN from 2020 to 2021 by a single surgeon. RESULTS Four females and 2 males aged 6-19 years were identified. Before surgery, each child experienced at least 6 years of refractory seizures; 4 children had experienced seizures since infancy. All took antiseizure medications at the time of surgery. Five children had previous placement of a vagus nerve stimulator and 2 had a previous corpus callosotomy. The mean length of stay after DBS was 2 days. No children experienced adverse neurologic effects from implantation; the mean follow-up time was 16.3 months. Four patients had >60% reduction in seizure frequency after surgery, 1 patient experienced 10% reduction, and 1 patient showed no change. No children reported worsening seizure symptoms after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our study contributes to the sparse literature describing CMTN DBS for children with drug-resistant epilepsy from LGS. Our results suggest that CMTN DBS is a safe and effective therapeutic modality that should be considered as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for this challenging patient population. Further studies with larger patient populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bonda
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine A Kelly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Scott Boop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abdullah H Feroze
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie C Randle
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mike Bindschadler
- Center for Respiratory Therapy and Biologics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ahmad Marashly
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Owens
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jason Lockrow
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xiuhua Bozarth
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Edward Novotny
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA; Neurosciences Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Seth Friedman
- Center for Respiratory Therapy and Biologics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hannah E Goldstein
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Neurosciences Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Benjamin L Grannan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon Durfy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Ojemann
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Neurosciences Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew L Ko
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jason S Hauptman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Neurosciences Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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4
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Al-Ramadhani R, Hect JL, Abel TJ. The changing landscape of palliative epilepsy surgery for Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1380423. [PMID: 38515452 PMCID: PMC10954786 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1380423] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy that typically leads to decreased quality of life and deleterious neurodevelopmental comorbidities from medically refractory seizures. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the development and availability of novel treatment strategies for Lennox Gastaut Syndrome patient to improve seizure. Recent advances in neuromodulation and minimally invasive magnetic resonance guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) have paved the way for new treatments strategies including deep brain stimulation (DBS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and MRgLITT corpus callosum ablation. These new strategies offer hope for children with drug-resistant generalized epilepsies, but important questions remain about the safety and effectiveness of these new approaches. In this review, we describe the opportunities presented by these new strategies and how each treatment strategy is currently being employed. Next, we will critically assess available evidence for these new approaches compared to traditional palliative epilepsy surgery approaches, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and open microsurgical corpus callosotomy (CC). Finally, we will describe future directions that would help define which of the available strategies should be employed and when.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba Al-Ramadhani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jasmine L. Hect
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Taylor J. Abel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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5
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Sharma A, Parfyonov M, Tiefenbach J, Hogue O, Nero N, Jehi L, Serletis D, Bingaman W, Gupta A, Rammo R. Predictors of therapeutic response following thalamic neuromodulation for drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Epilepsia 2024; 65:542-555. [PMID: 38265348 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
We sought to perform a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis to identify predictors of treatment response following thalamic neuromodulation in pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched, with no language or data restriction, to identify studies reporting seizure outcomes in pediatric populations following deep brain stimulation (DBS) or responsive neurostimulation (RNS) implantation in thalamic nuclei. Studies featuring individual participant data of patients with primary or secondary generalized drug-resistant epilepsy were included. Response to therapy was defined as >50% reduction in seizure frequency from baseline. Of 417 citations, 21 articles reporting on 88 participants were eligible. Mean age at implantation was 13.07 ± 3.49 years. Fifty (57%) patients underwent DBS, and 38 (43%) RNS. Sixty (68%) patients were implanted in centromedian nucleus and 23 (26%) in anterior thalamic nucleus, and five (6%) had both targets implanted. Seventy-four (84%) patients were implanted bilaterally. The median time to last follow-up was 12 months (interquartile range = 6.75-26.25). Sixty-nine percent of patients achieved response to treatment. Age, target, modality, and laterality had no significant association with response in univariate logistic regression. Until thalamic neuromodulation gains widespread approval for use in pediatric patients, data on efficacy will continue to be limited to small retrospective cohorts and case series. The inherent bias of these studies can be overcome by using individual participant data. Thalamic neuromodulation appears to be a safe and effective treatment for epilepsy. Larger, prolonged prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of DBS over RNS in this patient population where resection for curative intent is not a safe option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Sharma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Maksim Parfyonov
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jakov Tiefenbach
- Center for Neurologic Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Olivia Hogue
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Neil Nero
- Education Institute, Floyd D. Loop Alumni Library, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lara Jehi
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Demitre Serletis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - William Bingaman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard Rammo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Neurologic Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Hansen D, Shandley S, Olaya J, Hauptman J, Auguste K, Ostendorf AP, Depositario-Cabacar DF, Wong-Kisiel LC, Reddy SB, McCormack MJ, Gonzalez-Giraldo E, Sullivan J, Pradeep J, Singh RK, Romanowski EF, McNamara NA, Ciliberto MA, Tatachar P, Shrey DW, Karakas C, Karia S, Kheder A, Gedela S, Alexander A, Eschbach K, Bolton J, Marashly A, Wolf S, McGoldrick P, Nangia S, Grinspan Z, Coryell J, Samanta D, Armstrong D, Perry MS. A multi-center comparison of surgical techniques for corpus Callosotomy in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsia 2024; 65:422-429. [PMID: 38062633 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17853] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corpus callosotomy (CC) is used to reduce seizures, primarily in patients with generalized drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The invasive nature of the procedure contributes to underutilization despite its potential superiority to other palliative procedures. The goal of this study was to use a multi-institutional epilepsy surgery database to characterize the use of CC across participating centers. METHODS Data were acquired from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) Surgery Database, a prospective observational study collecting data on children 0-18 years referred for surgical evaluation of DRE across 22 U.S. pediatric epilepsy centers. Patient, epilepsy, and surgical characteristics were collected across multiple CC modalities. Outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS Eighty-three patients undergoing 85 CC procedures at 14 participating epilepsy centers met inclusion criteria. Mean age at seizure onset was 2.3 years (0-9.4); mean age for Phase I evaluation and surgical intervention were 9.45 (.1-20) and 10.46 (.2-20.6) years, respectively. Generalized seizure types were the most common (59%). Complete CC was performed in 88%. The majority of CC procedures (57%) were via open craniotomy, followed by laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT) (20%) and mini-craniotomy/endoscopic (mc/e) (22%). Mean operative times were significantly longer for LiTT, whereas mean estimated blood loss was greater in open cases. Complications occurred in 11 cases (13%) and differed significantly between surgical techniques (p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in length of postoperative stay across approaches. Mean follow-up was 12.8 months (range 1-39). Favorable Engel outcomes were experienced by 37 (78.7%) of the patients who underwent craniotomy, 10 (58.8%) with LiTT, and 12 (63.2%) with mc/e; these differences were not statistically significant. SIGNIFICANCE CC is an effective surgical modality for children with DRE. Regardless of surgical modality, complication rates are acceptable and seizure outcomes generally favorable. Newer, less-invasive, surgical approaches may lead to increased adoption of this efficacious therapeutic option for pediatric DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hansen
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Sabrina Shandley
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Joffre Olaya
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Jason Hauptman
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kurtis Auguste
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dewi F Depositario-Cabacar
- Center for Neuroscience, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lily C Wong-Kisiel
- Department of Neurology, Divisions of Child Neurology and Epilepsy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shilpa B Reddy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael J McCormack
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vanderbilt University, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez-Giraldo
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joseph Sullivan
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Javarayee Pradeep
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rani K Singh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin Fedak Romanowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nancy A McNamara
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael A Ciliberto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Priya Tatachar
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel W Shrey
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Cemal Karakas
- Department of Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Samir Karia
- Department of Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ammar Kheder
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Allyson Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Krista Eschbach
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ahmad Marashly
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Wolf
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Patricia McGoldrick
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Jason Coryell
- Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Oregon Health Science Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Debopam Samanta
- Department of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Dallas Armstrong
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - M Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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7
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Roth J, Bergman L, Weil AG, Brunette-Clement T, Weiner HL, Treiber JM, Shofty B, Cukiert A, Cukiert CM, Tripathi M, Sarat Chandra P, Bollo RJ, Machado HR, Santos MV, Gaillard WD, Oluigbo CO, Ibrahim GM, Jallo GI, Shimony N, O'Neill BR, Budke M, Pérez-Jiménez MÁ, Mangano FT, Iwasaki M, Iijima K, Gonzalez-Martinez J, Kawai K, Ishishita Y, Elbabaa SK, Bello-Espinosa L, Fallah A, Maniquis CAB, Ben-Zvi I, Tisdall M, Panigrahi M, Jayalakshmi S, Blount JP, Dorfmüller G, Bulteau C, Stone SS, Bolton J, Singhal A, Connolly M, Alsowat D, Alotaibi F, Ragheb J, Uliel-Sibony S. Added value of corpus callosotomy following vagus nerve stimulation in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A multicenter, multinational study. Epilepsia 2023; 64:3205-3212. [PMID: 37823366 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of epileptic encephalopathy, presenting during the first years of life, and is very resistant to treatment. Once medical therapy has failed, palliative surgeries such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or corpus callosotomy (CC) are considered. Although CC is more effective than VNS as the primary neurosurgical treatment for LGS-associated drop attacks, there are limited data regarding the added value of CC following VNS. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CC preceded by VNS. METHODS This multinational, multicenter retrospective study focuses on LGS children who underwent CC before the age of 18 years, following prior VNS, which failed to achieve satisfactory seizure control. Collected data included epilepsy characteristics, surgical details, epilepsy outcomes, and complications. The primary outcome of this study was a 50% reduction in drop attacks. RESULTS A total of 127 cases were reviewed (80 males). The median age at epilepsy onset was 6 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.12-22.75). The median age at VNS surgery was 7 years (IQR = 4-10), and CC was performed at a median age of 11 years (IQR = 8.76-15). The dominant seizure type was drop attacks (tonic or atonic) in 102 patients. Eighty-six patients underwent a single-stage complete CC, and 41 an anterior callosotomy. Ten patients who did not initially have a complete CC underwent a second surgery for completion of CC due to seizure persistence. Overall, there was at least a 50% reduction in drop attacks and other seizures in 83% and 60%, respectively. Permanent morbidity occurred in 1.5%, with no mortality. SIGNIFICANCE CC is vital in seizure control in children with LGS in whom VNS has failed. Surgical risks are low. A complete CC has a tendency toward better effectiveness than anterior CC for some seizure types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Roth
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lottem Bergman
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander G Weil
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre and University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tristan Brunette-Clement
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre and University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Treiber
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ben Shofty
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Arthur Cukiert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery Program, Clinica Cukiert, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristine Mella Cukiert
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Epilepsy Surgery Program, Clinica Cukiert, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Center of Excellence for Epilepsy and MEG, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Robert J Bollo
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Hélio Rubens Machado
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Center for Epilepsy Surgery in Children, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Volpon Santos
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - William D Gaillard
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Chima O Oluigbo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George I Jallo
- Institute for Brain Protection Sciences, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Nir Shimony
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Le Bonheur Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brent R O'Neill
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Marcelo Budke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Niño Jesus University Children's Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francesco T Mangano
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Masaki Iwasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiya Iijima
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kensuke Kawai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yohei Ishishita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Samer K Elbabaa
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Leon Pediatric Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Luis Bello-Espinosa
- Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy, Leon Pediatric Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Aria Fallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cassia A B Maniquis
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ido Ben-Zvi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martin Tisdall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manas Panigrahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sita Jayalakshmi
- Department of Neurology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jeffrey P Blount
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Georg Dorfmüller
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Scellig S Stone
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashutosh Singhal
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary Connolly
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daad Alsowat
- Neuroscience Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Alotaibi
- Neuroscience Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - John Ragheb
- Department of Surgery, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shimrit Uliel-Sibony
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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8
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Besag FMC, Vasey MJ, Chin RFM. Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1249-1268. [PMID: 37212330 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2215924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by multiple seizure types, generalized slow spike-and-wave complexes in the EEG, and cognitive impairment. Seizures in LGS are typically resistant to treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Tonic/atonic ('drop') seizures are of particular concern, due to their liability to cause physical injury. AREAS COVERED We summarize evidence for current and emerging ASMs for the treatment of seizures in LGS. The review focuses on findings from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RDBCTs). For ASMs for which no double-blind trials were identified, lower quality evidence was considered. Novel pharmacological agents currently undergoing investigation for the treatment of LGS are also briefly discussed. EXPERT OPINION Evidence from RDBCTs supports the use of cannabidiol, clobazam, felbamate, fenfluramine, lamotrigine, rufinamide, and topiramate as adjunct treatments for drop seizures. Percentage decreases in drop seizure frequency ranged from 68.3% with high-dose clobazam to 14.8% with topiramate. Valproate continues to be considered the first-line treatment, despite the absence of RDBCTs specifically in LGS. Most individuals with LGS will require treatment with multiple ASMs. Treatment decisions should be individualized and take into account adverse effects, comorbidities, general quality of life, and drug interactions, as well as individual efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Richard F M Chin
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Paediatric Neurosciences, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Shlobin NA, Hofmann K, Cohen NT, Koubeissi MZ, Gaillard WD, Oluigbo CO. Deep Brain Stimulation of the Centromedian Nucleus of the Thalamus for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Analysis. Neurosurgery 2023; 92:703-715. [PMID: 36700706 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood-onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CMN) has been utilized. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) analysis to characterize outcomes of DBS of CMN in LGS. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Articles were screened by title/abstract then full text. Included articles were reviewed for bibliographic, demographic, and outcome data. IPD were extracted from studies providing IPD for all patients. RESULTS Of 72 resultant articles, 10 studies (114 patients) were included. Six of 7 studies reporting the outcome of ≥50% seizure reduction indicated that ≥50% of patients achieved this, with improved functional ability. Seizure freedom rate was generally <10%. Six studies with 47 patients provided IPD. The mean ages at epilepsy onset and CMN DBS were 3.9 ± 4.5 years and 17.4 ± 8.8 years, respectively. Nineteen of 41 (46.3%) patients had positive MRI findings. Seizure types included atypical absence in 39 (83.0%) patients, generalized tonic-clonic in 32 (68.1%), tonic in 22 (46.8%), and atonic in 20 (42.6%). Thirty-eight (80.9%) patients experienced ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, and only 3 (6.4%) experienced seizure freedom. The mean seizure reduction was 62.9% ± 31.2% overall. Quality of life improved in 30/34 (88.2%) and was unchanged in the remainder (11.8%). The complication rate was 2/41 (4.9%). The mean length of follow-up was 19.8 ± 26.1 months (IQR: 4-18 months). CONCLUSION Limited data indicate that DBS of the CMN may be effective and safe for people with LGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine Hofmann
- Deparment of Neurosurgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nathan T Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mohamad Z Koubeissi
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - William D Gaillard
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Chima O Oluigbo
- Deparment of Neurosurgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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10
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Sadashiva N, Kadam R, Arimappamagan A, Rao MB, Mundlamuri RC, Raghavendra K, Asranna A, Viswanathan LG, Mariyappa N, Kulanthaivelu K, Mangalore S, Nagaraj C, Saini J, Bharath RD, Rajeswaran J, Mahadevan A, Satishchandra P, Sinha S. Corpus Callosotomy for Non-Localizing Drug Resistant Epilepsy with Drop Attacks. World Neurosurg 2023; 171:e57-e63. [PMID: 36435385 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.11.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corpus callosotomy (CC) is a surgical palliative procedure done for a selected group of patients with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) to stop drop attacks and prevent falls. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent CC for DRE with drop attacks at our center between 2015 and 2019. Clinical, imaging details and surgical findings were noted. Clinical outcomes and functional status were evaluated. RESULTS During the study period, 17 patients underwent corpus callosotomy (Male: Female 14:3). The mean age at surgery was 10.3 years (standard deviation - 5.85, interquartile range [IQR] = 6.5). The mean age at onset of seizure was 2.23 years (standard deviation - 3.42, IQR = 1.5). Preoperative seizure frequency ranged from 2 to 60 attacks per day (median: 20, IQR= 36). All patients had atonic seizures/drop attacks. One patient underwent anterior CC and 16 underwent complete CC. Three patients had complications in the postoperative period. The median follow-up was 26 months. All patients had cessation of drop attacks immediately following surgery. One patient with anterior CC had a recurrence of drop attacks for which she underwent completion CC. Another patient had recurrent drop attacks 3 years later and was found to have a residual callosal connection. Three patients had complete seizure freedom and 4 patients had a <50% reduction in seizure frequency. CONCLUSIONS Our study lends additional support to the efficacy of CC in patients with DRE, with the cessation of drop attacks. It also provided a reasonable reduction in seizure frequency. Complete CC led to better control of drop attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishanth Sadashiva
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Raju Kadam
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Arivazhagan Arimappamagan
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India.
| | - Malla Bhaskara Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Kenchaiah Raghavendra
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Ajay Asranna
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Narayanan Mariyappa
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Karthik Kulanthaivelu
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Sandhya Mangalore
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Chandana Nagaraj
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Jitender Saini
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Rose Dawn Bharath
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Jamuna Rajeswaran
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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11
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Hale AT, Barkley AS, Blount JP. Corpus Callosotomy Is a Safe and Effective Procedure for Medically Resistant Epilepsy. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2023; 48:355-369. [PMID: 37770691 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36785-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Corpus callosotomy (CC) is an effective surgical treatment for medically resistant generalized or multifocal epilepsy (MRE). The premise of CC extrapolates from the observation that the corpus callosum is the predominant commissural pathway that allows spread and synchroneity of epileptogenic activity between the hemispheres. Candidacy for CC is typically reserved for patients seeking palliative epilepsy treatment with the goal of reducing the frequency of drop attacks, although reduction of other seizure semiologies (absence, complex partial seizures, and tonic-clonic) has been observed. A reduction in morbidity affiliated with evolution of surgical techniques to perform CC has improved the safety profile of the procedure without necessarily sacrificing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Hale
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ariana S Barkley
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Blount
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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12
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Liu Q, Wu N, Liu C, Yu H, Sun Y, Wang Y, Yu G, Wang S, Ji T, Liu X, Jiang Y, Cai L. Pediatric epilepsy surgery in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome after viral encephalitis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1097535. [PMID: 36908602 PMCID: PMC9998939 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1097535] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyse the surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) secondary to viral encephalitis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of four patients with LGS secondary to viral encephalitis who underwent surgery at the pediatric epilepsy center of Peking University First Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Preoperative evaluations included a detailed history, long-term video electroencephalography (VEEG), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and a neuropsychological test. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months and then yearly. The surgical outcome was evaluated according to the Engel classification. Results Among the four children, the surgeries were right temporo-parieto-occipital disconnection (case 1), corpus callosotomy (case 2), left temporo-parieto-occipital disconnection (case 3), and left temporal lobectomy (case 4). The pathology was gliosis secondary to viral encephalitis. The median follow-up time was 4 years (3-5 years). At the last follow-up, one case had Engel I, two cases had Engel III, and one case had Engel IV. Conclusions Preliminary observations shows that surgical treatment may be challenging for patients with LGS secondary to viral encephalitis. However, suitable surgical candidacy and approaches have a significant impact on the prognosis of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Liu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guojing Yu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Taoyun Ji
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Cai
- Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Alonso-Singer P, Aguilar-Amat Prior MJ, Oliva-Navarro J, Massot-Tarrús A, Giráldez BG, Bermejo P, DeToledo-Heras M, Aledo-Serrano Á, Martínez-Cayuelas E, Tirado-Requero P, Velázquez-Fragua R, López-Sobrino G, Ojeda J. Perampanel as adjuvant treatment in epileptic encephalopathies: A multicenter study in routine clinical practice. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 134:108836. [PMID: 35870432 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a heterogeneous group of syndromes, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which are refractory to multiple therapies. Perampanel efficacy has been reported in LGS but further real-world evidence is needed in DEEs. METHODS A multicenter, retrospective, 1-year observational study in patients with DEEs on adjuvant perampanel treatment was conducted to assess perampanel safety and effectiveness in this type of patients in a real-world setting. Seizure types [focal onset seizures (FOS), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), tonic seizures (TS), atonic seizures (AtS), atypical absences (AA), and myoclonic seizures (MS)] and seizure clusters were divided in different frequency groups: daily, weekly, and monthly seizures, and absent or seizure freedom. Patients could have more than one seizure type. For each frequency group, group change and seizure freedom were analyzed. RESULTS Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with DEEs (45 males) of median age 22 [1-70] years were included. The most frequent DEEs were LGS (35.6%) and Lennox-like syndrome (37.9%). At baseline 20 patients had three to five types of seizures, 36 patients had two types of seizures and 31 patients had one predominant type of seizure. The mean number of seizure types per patient at baseline was 2.12 ± 0.97 which was reduced to 1.62 ± 0.91 at 12 months (p < 0.001). Overall, 51.7% of patients had a significant improvement in at least one seizure type. At baseline, 45 patients had GTCS, 42 FOS, 41 TS, 18 AA, 16 AtS, 11 MS, and 30 seizures clusters. Seizure freedom for each specific type at 12 months was significantly achieved by 35% of patients with GTCS (p < 0.001), 17% (p = 0.016) with TS and 37% with seizure clusters (p < 0.001). Patients achieved seizure freedom from other seizure types but with no statistical significance: 7% FOS-free, 28% AA-free, 6% Ats-free, and 18% MS-free. Regarding changes of group at 12 months, 22% of TS and 19% of FOS improved significantly to a group with lower seizure frequency (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively). In remaining groups (4% of GTCS, 11% of AA, 18% of Ats, 18% of MS, and 13% of seizure clusters), the improvement was not statistically significant. Twenty-nine patients discontinued perampanel: 18 (21%) due to AEs, 8 (9%) due to lack of efficacy, and 3 (3%) due to seizure worsening. Adverse events, mostly mild or moderate, were reported in 53% of patients, and irritability/mood changes (22%) and somnolence (17%) were the most frequent. CONCLUSION This is the first large-scale real-world study with perampanel across different seizure types in patients with DEEs. Perampanel was effective, especially in GTCS, TS, and FOS, as well as in seizure clusters. Perampanel was generally well-tolerated without unexpected AEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Alonso-Singer
- Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Andreu Massot-Tarrús
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, General University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz G Giráldez
- Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Bermejo
- Epilepsy Unit, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Ruber Internacional Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Joaquín Ojeda
- Neurology Unit, University Hospital Infanta Sofía, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Ferreira Soares D, Pires de Aguiar PH. Callosotomy vs Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Neuromodulation 2022; 26:518-528. [PMID: 35989160 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe drug-resistant epileptic syndrome. Palliative treatments such as corpus callosotomy (CC) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) have emerged as treatments to reduce the number of seizures in patients. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of CC and VNS in patients with LGS studied in the last 30 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and collected papers from PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovidsp, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library data bases. The articles analyzed were published between January 1990 and December 2020. Keywords were chosen based on internal and external validation in the PubMed data base (the analysis is available in the Supplementary Data Supplementary Appendix). Prospective or retrospective case reports (n ≥ 2), case series, cohort studies, or case-control studies involving patients with LGS were included in the analysis. We selected studies that had no age or sex restriction and that provided data on seizures before and after treatments. Studies not written in English, published without peer review, or not indexed in the data bases were excluded. Other exclusion criteria were the absence of seizure data and the impossibility of extracting this information from the studies. To analyze the results, we used the random-effects model based on the assessment of heterogeneity (I2 statistics) in two scenarios. In scenario 1, we assessed the incidence of patients with a seizure reduction ≥ 50%; in scenario 2, we assessed the incidence of patients with a seizure reduction > 0%. RESULTS Of the 7418 articles found using the keywords, 32 were considered eligible. Of these, 18 articles were on VNS (175 patients) and 14 on CC (107 patients). For scenario 1 (seizure reduction ≥ 50%), CC had an incidence of 65% (95% CI, 37%-94%), with an I2 value of 82.7%; VNS had an incidence of 34% (95% CI, 11%-57%), with an I2 value of 80.7%. For scenario 2 (seizure reduction > 0%), CC had an incidence of 80% (95% CI, 58%-100%), with an I2 value of 84.7%; VNS had an incidence of 64% (95% CI, 38%-89%), with an I2 value of 90.8%. There was an overlap of confidence intervals, with no statistical difference between the treatments in both scenarios. DISCUSSION Our analysis of LGS showed that the CC and VNS treatments are significantly beneficial to reducing seizures, without superiority between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi Ferreira Soares
- Department of Neurosurgery IAMSPE-State Government Employee Medical Assistance Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Neurosurgery, FMABC - ABC Medical School, Santo André, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar
- Department of Neurosurgery IAMSPE-State Government Employee Medical Assistance Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Neurosurgery, FMABC - ABC Medical School, Santo André, Brazil
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15
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An Italian consensus on the management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Seizure 2022; 101:134-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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16
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Surgical Treatment of Drug-Resistant Generalized Epilepsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:459-465. [PMID: 35713776 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize current evidence and recent developments in the surgical treatment of drug-resistant generalized epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS Current surgical treatments of drug-resistant generalized epilepsy include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and corpus callosotomy (CC). Neurostimulation with VNS and/or DBS has been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with generalized epilepsy. DBS for generalized epilepsy is primarily consisted of open-loop stimulation directed at the centromedian (CM) nucleus in the thalamus, though closed-loop stimulation and additional targets are being explored. CC can be effective in treating some seizure types and can be performed using traditional surgical techniques or with the less invasive methods of laser ablation and radiosurgery. This current literature supports the use of VNS, DBS and CC, alone or in combination, as palliative treatments of drug-resistant generalized epilepsy.
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17
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Zhang L, Wang J, Wang C. Efficacy and safety of antiseizure medication for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol 2022; 64:305-313. [PMID: 34590711 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare and rank the efficacy and safety of antiseizure medication (ASM) in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). METHOD We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of ASM for LGS compared with placebo or with each other. The efficacy and safety were reported in terms of an at least 50% monthly seizure frequency reduction in drop seizures, dropout, and serious adverse events. Outcomes were ranked according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS A total of eight RCTs with 1171 patients were included, involving six ASMs: lamotrigine, rufinamide, cannabidiol, topiramate, clobazam, and felbamate. The calculated SUCRA showed that rufinamide, cannabidiol, and topiramate had the highest probability of achieving a response; however, no significant differences were found among these treatments. Cannabidiol, topiramate, and rufinamide were more likely to result in dropouts; moreover, a significantly greater percentage of patients receiving cannabidiol experienced premature discontinuation as compared to placebo, clobazam, and lamotrigine. INTERPRETATION All ASMs showed a significantly higher response rate than placebo. SUCRA ranking demonstrated that rufinamide and cannabidiol are more efficacious than other treatments in reducing drop seizures. However, there was no significant difference between these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yancheng Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yancheng Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chengzhong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yancheng Maternal and Children's Health Hospital, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China
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18
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Corpus Callosotomy in the Modern Era: Origins, Efficacy, Technical Variations, Complications, and Indications. World Neurosurg 2022; 159:146-155. [PMID: 35033693 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Corpus callosotomy is among the oldest surgeries performed for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). First performed in 1940, various studies have since assessed its outcomes in various patient populations in addition to describing different extents of sectioning and emerging technologies (i.e. endoscopic, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and radiosurgery). In order to capture the current state and offer a reappraisal, we comprehensively review corpus callosotomy's origins, efficacy for various seizure types, technical variations, complications, and indications and compare the procedure to vagus nerve stimulation therapy which has similar indications. We consider corpus callosotomy to be a safe and efficacious procedure that should be considered by clinicians when appropriate. Furthermore, it can also play an important role in treating patients with DRE in low-to-middle-income countries where resources are limited.
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19
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Complete callosotomy in children with drop attacks; A retrospective monocentric study of 50 patients. Seizure 2022; 96:34-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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20
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Abel TJ, Remick M, Welch WC, Smith KJ. One-Year Cost-Effectiveness of Callosotomy Versus Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Drug-Resistant Seizures in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A Decision Analytic Model. Epilepsia Open 2021; 7:124-130. [PMID: 34890113 PMCID: PMC8886071 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Palliative epilepsy surgery via corpus callosotomy (CC) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is commonly employed for drug‐resistant seizures in Lennox‐Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). VNS is less effective at reducing seizures but has fewer adverse events, CC is more effective for seizure control, particularly atonic seizures, but can be associated with serious adverse events, and yet their relative cost‐effectiveness remains unknown. Methods To determine which option is most cost‐effective, a decision analytic model was developed to evaluate the risks and benefits of CC and VNS at 1 year based on costs in the United States. Our primary outcome measure was positive seizure outcomes, defined as >50% seizure reduction without procedural complications. Results CC had a 15% greater likelihood of a positive seizure outcome, but per patient costs were $68 147 more than VNS, or $451 952 per positive seizure outcome gained. One‐way sensitivity analyses demonstrate that probabilities of seizure freedom or reduction by VNS or CC and CC cost were most influential on results. When considering atonic seizures, CC had a 27% greater positive outcome likelihood than VNS, the same incremental cost, and cost $250 556 per positive seizure outcome gained. Significance This exploratory model suggests that VNS is more cost‐effective relative to CC at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Abel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Madison Remick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William C Welch
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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21
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Hatano K, Fujimoto A, Yamamoto T, Enoki H, Okanishi T. Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation following Corpus Callosotomy for Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111395. [PMID: 34827393 PMCID: PMC8615502 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111395] [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: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for residual seizures after corpus callosotomy (CC) has not yet been fully investigated. We hypothesized that seizure control would be improved by VNS after CC. The purpose of this study was to compare seizure frequency between patients with implantation of a VNS generator (post-VNS group) or without VNS (non-post-VNS group) following CC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent CC between January 2009 and May 2019 in our institution. We evaluated proportions of ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency (responders) and seizure reduction rate 1 and 2 years after VNS. To investigate factors related to responders, uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed regarding age, number of anti-seizure medications (ASMs), addition of novel ASMs (levetiracetam, lacosamide or perampanel), and post-VNS or non-post-VNS status. Results: Thirteen post-VNS patients and 24 non-post-VNS patients were analyzed in this study. Responder rate at 1 year after VNS differed significantly between the post-VNS group (53.9%) and non-post-VNS group (12.5%, p = 0.017). Number of ASMs at the time of CC and post-VNS were significantly associated with responders in univariate analyses (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.88, p = 0.025 and OR 8.2, 95%CI 1.6–41.6, p = 0.011, respectively), whereas age, sex, seizure frequency, and addition of novel ASMs were not. In multivariate analysis, the presence of VNS procedures after CC was the only factor favorably associated with responder status (OR 82.2, 95%CI 1.55–4355.7, p = 0.03). Conclusions: VNS therapy after CC may increase the proportion of responders independent of the addition of novel ASMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Hatano
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan; (K.H.); (T.Y.); (H.E.); (T.O.)
| | - Ayataka Fujimoto
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan; (K.H.); (T.Y.); (H.E.); (T.O.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-53-474-2222; Fax: +81-53-475-7596
| | - Takamichi Yamamoto
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan; (K.H.); (T.Y.); (H.E.); (T.O.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hideo Enoki
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan; (K.H.); (T.Y.); (H.E.); (T.O.)
| | - Tohru Okanishi
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Nakaku, Hamamatsu 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan; (K.H.); (T.Y.); (H.E.); (T.O.)
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22
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Rich CW, Fasano RE, Isbaine F, Saindane AM, Qiu D, Curry DJ, Gross RE, Willie JT. MRI-guided stereotactic laser corpus callosotomy for epilepsy: distinct methods and outcomes. J Neurosurg 2021; 135:770-782. [PMID: 33482642 DOI: 10.3171/2020.7.jns20498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several small series have described stereotactic MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for partial callosotomy of astatic and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures, especially in association with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Larger case series and comparison of distinct stereotactic methods for stereotactic laser corpus callosotomy (SLCC), however, are currently lacking. The objective of this study was to report seizure outcomes in a series of adult patients with epilepsy following anterior, posterior, and complete SLCC procedures and to compare the results achieved with a frameless stereotactic surgical robot versus direct MRI guidance frames. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed sequential adult epilepsy surgery patients who underwent SLCC procedures at a single institution. They describe workflows, stereotactic errors, percentage disconnection, hospitalization durations, adverse events, and seizure outcomes after performing anterior, posterior, and complete SLCC procedures using a frameless stereotactic surgical robot versus direct MRI guidance platforms. RESULTS Thirteen patients underwent 15 SLCC procedures. The median age at surgery was 29 years (range 20-49 years), the median duration of epilepsy was 21 years (range 9-48 years), and median postablation follow-up was 20 months (range 4-44 months). Ten patients underwent anterior SLCC with a median 73% (range 33%-80%) midsagittal length of callosum acutely ablated. Following anterior SLCC, 6 of 10 patients achieved meaningful (> 50%) reduction of target seizures. Four patients underwent posterior (completion) SLCC following prior anterior callosotomy, and 1 patient underwent complete SLCC as a single procedure; 3 of these 5 patients experienced meaningful reduction of target seizures. Overall, 8 of 10 patients in whom astatic seizures were targeted and treated by anterior and/or posterior SLCC experienced meaningful improvement. SLCC procedures with direct MRI guidance (n = 7) versus a frameless surgical robot (n = 8) yielded median radial accuracies of 1.1 mm (range 0.2-2.0 mm) versus 2.4 mm (range 0.6-6.1 mm; p = 0.0011). The most serious adverse event was a clinically significant intraparenchymal hemorrhage in a patient who underwent the robotic technique. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest reported series of SLCC for epilepsy to date. SLCC provides seizure outcomes comparable to open surgery outcomes reported in the literature. Direct MRI guidance is more accurate, which has the potential to reduce the risks of SLCC. Methodological advancements and larger studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amit M Saindane
- 4Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Deqiang Qiu
- 4Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Daniel J Curry
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; and
| | | | - Jon T Willie
- 3Neurosurgery, and
- 6Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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23
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Ung TH, Kahn L, Hirt L, Chatain G, Humes E, David-Gerecht P, Drees C, Thompson JA, Ojemann S, Abosch A. Using a Robotic-Assisted Approach for Stereotactic Laser Ablation Corpus Callosotomy: A Technical Report. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2021; 100:61-66. [PMID: 34515241 DOI: 10.1159/000518109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corpus callosotomy for medically intractable epilepsy is an effective ablative procedure traditionally achieved using either standard open craniotomy or with less-invasive approaches. Advances in robotic-assisted stereotactic guidance for neurosurgery can be applied for LITT for corpus callosotomy. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS Two patients were included in this study. One was a 25-year-old female patient with extensive bi-hemispheric malformations of cortical development and medically refractory epilepsy, and the other was an 18-year-old male with medically refractory epilepsy and atonic seizures, who underwent a complete corpus callosotomy using robotic-assisted stereotactic guidance for LITT. RESULTS Both patients underwent successful intended corpus callosotomy with volumetric analysis demonstrating a length disconnection of 74% and a volume disconnection of 55% for patient 1 and a length disconnection of 83% and a volume disconnection of 33% for patient 2. Postoperatively, both patients had clinical reductions in seizure. CONCLUSION Our experience demonstrates that robotic guidance systems can safely and effectively be adapted for minimally invasive LITT corpus callosotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy H Ung
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lora Kahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa Hirt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Gregoire Chatain
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth Humes
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Pamela David-Gerecht
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cornelia Drees
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John A Thompson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Steven Ojemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Aviva Abosch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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24
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Sharawat IK, Panda PK, Sihag RK, Panda P, Dawman L. Efficacy and safety of corpus callosotomy and ketogenic diet in children with Lennox Gastaut syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:2557-2566. [PMID: 33871716 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both corpus callosotomy (CC) and the ketogenic diet (KD) are commonly used in patients with Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), as a significant proportion of these patients develop pharmacoresistant epilepsy. But no systematic review has yet compared the efficacy and safety of these two measures. METHODS We conducted a systematic search on various databases to collating all available literature until 30th November 2020 with a primary objective to compare the efficacy of KD and CC in terms of the proportion of patients with complete seizure freedom, at least 75% and 50% reduction in seizure frequency at various time points after the institution of these modalities. We also attempted to compare the proportion and nature of adverse effects, impact on EEG, cognition, and behavior with these modalities. We only included original articles enrolling at least 10 patients with CC or KD for quantitative synthesis to determine a pooled estimate. We used a fixed or random effects model, depending on the degree of heterogeneity. RESULTS We selected 23 and 7 articles describing the efficacy of CC and KD in 436 and 185 LGS patients out of 217 search items, but none of the studies compared directly these two entities. The indirect comparison between the pooled estimate of all patients with individual modalities revealed more patients with CC had seizure freedom, at least 75% and 50% reduction in seizure frequency (p=0.0001, 0.01, and 0.04 respectively). The proportion of patients with adverse effects was also higher for CC patients (p=0.01), although the proportion with serious adverse effects was not significantly different between the two modalities. Patients selected for CC were older, had higher seizure burden, more lag time after the onset of seizures, and received more number of antiseizure medications previously. Due to the availability of limited data, a firm conclusion could not be determined regarding the effect on EEG, cognition, and behavior with CC and KD. CONCLUSION CC is more efficacious than KD in reducing seizure frequency in patients with LGS, although it has relatively more adverse effects during the immediate perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indar Kumar Sharawat
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
| | - Prateek Kumar Panda
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India.
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sihag
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
| | - Pragnya Panda
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India
| | - Lesa Dawman
- Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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25
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Jain P, Arya R. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Seizure Outcomes in Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurology 2021; 96:1041-1051. [PMID: 33849993 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We synthesized evidence for effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as adjuvant therapy in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) by obtaining pooled estimates for seizure outcomes and analyzing their determinants. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to July 2019 for original research on VNS in pediatric (≤18 years of age) epilepsy. The primary outcome was 50% responder rate (50% RR), the proportion of patients with ≥50% seizure reduction, at the last reported follow-up. Other outcomes included a 50% RR and proportion of seizure-free patients at additional reported time points. A random-effects meta-analysis with restricted maximum likelihood estimation was performed to obtain pooled effect estimates. Meta-regression using multiple linear models was performed to obtain determinants of seizure outcomes and sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 101 studies were included. The pooled prevalence estimates for a 50% RR and seizure freedom at last follow-up (mean 2.54 years) were 56.4% (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 52.4, 60.4) and 11.6% (95% CI 9.6, 13.9), respectively. Fewer antiseizure medications (ASMs) tried before VNS and later age at onset of seizures were associated with better seizure outcomes following VNS implantation. An effect of sex distribution of studies on long-term outcomes and a potential publication bias for short-term outcomes were also observed. CONCLUSION Pooled evidence supports possible effectiveness of VNS in pediatric DRE, although complete seizure freedom is less common. Early referral (fewer trials of ASMs) may be a modifiable factor for desirable seizure outcomes with VNS from a clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Jain
- From the Epilepsy Program (P.J.), Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Neurology (P.J.), Department of Pediatrics, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A.), Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; and Department of Pediatrics (R.A.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ravindra Arya
- From the Epilepsy Program (P.J.), Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Neurology (P.J.), Department of Pediatrics, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (R.A.), Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; and Department of Pediatrics (R.A.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
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26
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Dibué M, Greco T, Spoor JKH, Tahir Z, Specchio N, Hänggi D, Steiger H, Kamp MA. Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A meta-analysis. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 143:497-508. [PMID: 33188523 PMCID: PMC8049065 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is among the most severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathies. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy) in patients with LGS. Materials & Methods PubMed database was queried (January 1997 to September 2018) to identify publications reporting on the efficacy of VNS Therapy in patients with LGS, with or without safety findings. Primary endpoint of the meta‐analysis was the proportion of responders (≥50% reduction in seizure frequency). Random‐effects analysis was used to calculate weighted mean estimates and confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was evaluated by statistical tests including I2. Results Of 2752 citations reviewed, 17 articles (480 patients) were eligible including 10 retrospective studies and seven prospective studies. A random‐effects model produced a pooled proportion of 54% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 45%, 64%) of patients with LGS who responded to adjunctive VNS Therapy (p for heterogeneity <0.001, I2=72.9%). Per an exploratory analysis, the calculated incidence of serious adverse events associated with VNS Therapy was 9% (95% CI: 5%, 14%); the rate was higher than in long‐term efficacy studies of heterogeneous cohorts with drug‐resistant epilepsy and likely attributed to variable definitions of serious adverse events across studies. Conclusions The meta‐analysis of 480 patients with LGS suggests that 54% of patients responded to adjunctive VNS Therapy and that the treatment option was safe and well‐tolerated. The response in patients with LGS was comparable to heterogeneous drug‐resistant epilepsy populations. A clinical and surgical overview has been included to facilitate the use of VNS in LGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Dibué
- Department of Neurosurgery Medical Faculty Heinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
- Medical Affairs Europe Neuromodulation LivaNova Deutschland GmbH (a LivaNova PLC owned subsidiary) Munich Germany
| | - Teresa Greco
- Statistics and Data Management LIVANOVA ‐ SORIN Group Italia S.r.l (a LivaNova PLC owned subsidiary) Milano Italy
| | | | - Zubair Tahir
- Department of Neurosurgery Great Ormond Street Hospital London United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Roma RM Italy
| | - Daniel Hänggi
- Department of Neurosurgery Medical Faculty Heinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Hans‐Jakob Steiger
- Department of Neurosurgery Medical Faculty Heinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Marcel A. Kamp
- Department of Neurosurgery Medical Faculty Heinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
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27
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Closed-loop vagal nerve stimulation for intractable epilepsy: A single-center experience. Seizure 2021; 88:95-101. [PMID: 33839564 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A new class of heart-rate sensing, closed-loop vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) devices for refractory epilepsy may improve seizure control by using pre-ictal autonomic changes as an indicator for stimulation. We compared our experience with closed- versus open-loop stimulator implantation at a single institution. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive VNS implantations performed from 2004 to 2018. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to compare changes in seizure frequency and clinical outcomes (Engel score) with closed- versus open-loop devices. Covariates included age, duration of seizure history, prior epilepsy surgery, depression, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), tonic seizures, multiple seizure types, genetic etiology, and VNS settings. We examined early (9-month) and late (24-month) outcomes. RESULTS Seventy subjects received open-loop devices, and thirty-one received closed-loop devices. At a median of 8.5 months, there was a greater reduction of seizure frequency after use of closed-loop devices (median 75% [IQR 10-89%]) versus open-loop (50% [0-78%], p < 0.05), confirmed in multivariable analysis (odds ratio 2.72 [95% CI 1.02 - 7.4]). Similarly, Engel outcomes were better after closed-loop compared to open-loop confirmed in the multivariable analysis at the early timepoint (OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.09 - 0.69]). These differences did not persist at a median of 24.5 months. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective single-center study suggests the use of closed-loop VNS devices is associated with greater seizure reduction and more favorable clinical outcomes than open-loop devices at 9-months though not at 24-months. Expansion of this study to other centers is warranted to increase the generalizability of our study.
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28
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Thirunavu V, Du R, Wu JY, Berg AT, Lam SK. The role of surgery in the management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence. Epilepsia 2021; 62:888-907. [PMID: 33626200 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of childhood onset epilepsy in which patients require multiple medications and may be candidates for palliative surgical intervention. In this meta-analysis, we sought to evaluate the impact of palliative vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), corpus callosotomy (CC), and resective surgery (RS) by analyzing their impact on seizure control, antiepileptic drug (AED) usage, quality of life (QOL), behavior, cognition, prognostic factors, and complications. A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed to find articles that met the following criteria: (1) prospective/retrospective study with original data, (2) at least one LGS surgery patient aged less than 18 years, and (3) information on seizure frequency reduction (measured as percentage, Engel class, or qualitative comment). Seizures were analyzed quantitatively in a meta-analysis of proportions and a random-effects model, whereas other outcomes were analyzed qualitatively. Forty studies with 892 LGS patients met the selection criteria, with 19 reporting on CC, 17 on VNS, four on RS, two on RS + CC, one on CC + VNS, and one on deep brain stimulation. CC seizure reduction rate was 74.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 64.5%-83.7%), and VNS was 54.6% (95% CI = 42.9%-66.3%), which was significantly different (p < .001). RS seizure reduction was 88.9% (95% CI = 66.1%-99.7%). Many VNS patients reported alertness improvements, and most had no major complications. VNS was most effective for atonic/tonic seizures; higher stimulation settings correlated with better outcomes. CC patients reported moderate cognitive and QOL improvements; disconnection syndrome, transient weakness, and respiratory complications were noted. Greater callosotomy extent correlated with better outcomes. AED usage most often did not change after surgery. RS showed considerable QOL improvements for patients with localized seizure foci. In the reported literature, CC appeared to be more effective than VNS for seizure reduction. VNS may provide a similar or higher level of QOL improvement with lower aggregate risk of complications. Patient selection, anatomy, and seizure type will inform decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeth Thirunavu
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca Du
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joyce Y Wu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anne T Berg
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sandi K Lam
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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29
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Reyhani A, Özkara Ç. The unchanging face of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adulthood. Epilepsy Res 2021; 172:106575. [PMID: 33721709 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106575] [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: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathy characterized by the presence of multiple types of intractable seizures, cognitive impairment, and specific electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the electroclinical features of patients with LGS during adulthood. METHODS We retrospectively identified the medical records of 20 patients aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of LGS from 3896 patients with epilepsy. RESULTS Thirteen (65 %) patients were male. The mean age of the patients was 23.4 ± 7.1 (min-max; 18-43) years, and the mean follow-up period was 5.6 ± 4.5 (min-max; 1-14) years. The etiology was identified in 11 (55 %) patients. None of the patients achieved seizure freedom. The most prevalent seizure types were atypical absences in 14 (70 %) patients, tonic seizures in 13 (65 %) patients, and atonic seizures in 11 (55 %) patients. One (5 %) patient was diagnosed as having psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Mental retardation was reported in all patients and only half of them could walk independently. All patients had drug-resistant seizures and 16 (80 %) patients were on polytherapy. A vagus nerve stimulator was implanted into ten (50 %) patients and five reported 50-80 % seizure reduction. Ketogenic diet was administered to two (10 %) patients and epilepsy surgery was performed in two (10 %) patients with no significant benefit. CONCLUSIONS Paying attention to all factors of seizure outcomes, cognitive impairment, and ambulatory status, all patients were dependent on caregivers for daily living abilities. LGS has life-long persistence with poor outcomes, even during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Reyhani
- Health Sciences University, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, 34752, E5 Karayolu uzeri, Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Çiğdem Özkara
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 34098, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Ye VC, Mansouri A, Warsi NM, Ibrahim GM. Atonic seizures in children: a meta-analysis comparing corpus callosotomy to vagus nerve stimulation. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:259-267. [PMID: 32529546 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atonic seizures are associated with a particularly poor response to medical treatment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of corpus callosotomy (CC) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in the management of atonic seizures in the pediatric population. METHODS A literature search was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and recommendations, focusing on atonic seizures, CC, and VNS in pediatric populations. Pertinent clinical data were extracted and analyzed. Pooled effects between groups were calculated as standardized error (SE) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To assess for statistical significance, the Z-test was performed, using the pooled effect size (ES) and 95% CI for each intervention. RESULTS A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 24 studies encompassing 425 children treated with CC and 7 studies encompassing 108 children treated with VNS. Twenty-four studies were included in a meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of atonic seizure control in favor of CC (overall effect size (ES) 0.73, 95% CI 0.69-0.77 for CC, ES 0.4, 95% CI 0.28-0.51 for VNS, p = 0.003). There was a higher rate of complications requiring reoperation in the CC cohort (6.6% vs. 3.8%) and a 14% rate of symptomatic disconnection syndrome. CONCLUSIONS While both techniques are safe, CC provides a much higher chance of effectively managing this morbid seizure type albeit with a higher risk of re-operation and disconnection syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent C Ye
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alireza Mansouri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Nebras M Warsi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health Research Institute, Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a childhood-onset severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), is an entity that encompasses a heterogenous group of aetiologies, with no single genetic cause. It is characterised by multiple seizure types, an abnormal EEG with generalised slow spike and wave discharges and cognitive impairment, associated with high morbidity and profound effects on the quality of life of patients and their families. Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark and treatment is further complicated by its multiple morbidities, which evolve over the patient's lifetime. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current and future options for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS. Six treatments are specifically indicated as adjunct therapies for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS in the US: lamotrigine, clobazam, rufinamide, topiramate, felbamate and most recently cannabidiol. These therapies have demonstrated reductions in drop seizures in 15%-68% of patients across trials, with responder rates (≥ 50% reduction in drop seizures) of 37%-78%. Valproate is still the preferred first-line treatment, generally in combination with lamotrigine or clobazam. Other treatments frequently used off-label include the broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs (AED) levetiracetam, zonisamide and perampanel, while recent evidence from observational studies has indicated that a newer AED, the levetiracetam analogue brivaracetam, may be effective and well tolerated in LGS patients. Other treatments in clinical development include fenfluramine in late phase III, perampanel, soticlestat-OV953/TAK-953, carisbamate and ganaxolone. Non-pharmacologic interventions include the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation and surgical interventions; these are also expanding, with the potential for less invasive techniques for corpus callosotomy that have promise for reducing complications. However, despite these advancements, patients continue to experience a significant burden. Because LGS is not a single entity, tailoring of treatment is needed as opposed to a 'one size fits all' approach. Further research is needed into the underlying aetiologies and pathophysiology of LGS, together with advancements in treatments that encompass the spectrum of seizures associated with this complex syndrome.
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Tripathi M, Maskara P, Rangan VS, Mohindra S, De Salles AAF, Kumar N. Radiosurgical Corpus Callosotomy: A Review of Literature. World Neurosurg 2020; 145:323-333. [PMID: 32891831 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.08.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgical callosotomy is a procedure still under debate and to best a palliative treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Unlike microsurgery, radiosurgical callosotomy is an underpracticed treatment option, with no definite account of its safety and outcome profile. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and complication profile of radiosurgical callosotomy in the literature. METHODS PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ResearchGate were reviewed for radiosurgery and callosotomy in the English language following PRISMA guidelines. The patient profile, radiosurgical parameters (dose and isodose), target volume, extent of radiosurgery (anterior third, half, or posterior third callosotomy), and seizure outcome were evaluated. We evaluated the role of radiosurgery as a primary or secondary treatment modality after microsurgery. A literature review was performed to identify the evidence of radiosurgery. RESULTS We identified 7 studies detailing 12 patients of mean age 22.8 years (range, 4-58 years) and a mean of 18.9 years of illness (range, 5-37 years). Five series performed Gamma Knife radiosurgery and 2 performed LINAC radiosurgery. The spectrum of seizures ranged from atonic seizures/drop attack (83%), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (75%), complex partial seizures (67%), absence seizures (50%), myoclonic seizures (33%), to focal seizures (16%). Four patients suffered from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The average seizure frequency in 11 patients was 297/month (range, 20/day to 15/month). Three patients became free of drop attacks and 2 free of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and 1 became completely seizure free. The remaining patients continued to have seizures, albeit at a lower frequency. Complex partial seizures and myoclonic seizures were the least responsive seizure types to radiosurgical corpus callosotomy. All patients tolerated the procedure well. After radiosurgery, 3 patients developed symptomatic edema. The symptoms (headache, nausea, hemiparesis, and transient neurologic deficits) were controlled with a short course of steroids. Two patients needed redo radiosurgery (at the same target in 1 patient and complementary middle third callosotomy to previous anterior third callosotomy in another patient). There were no long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS Radiosurgery is a viable alternative to microsurgical callosotomy both as a primary and as a secondary treatment modality. It has a specific advantage of better neuropsychological outcomes with comparable seizure control. The neurosurgical community should adopt a more liberal approach with this indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Tripathi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Prasant Maskara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vasundhara S Rangan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sandeep Mohindra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Antonio A F De Salles
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Department of Radiotherapy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Kuzan-Fischer CM, Parker WE, Schwartz TH, Hoffman CE. Challenges of Epilepsy Surgery. World Neurosurg 2020; 139:762-774. [PMID: 32689697 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Though frequently effective in the management of medically refractory seizures, epilepsy surgery presents numerous challenges. Selection of the appropriate candidate patients who are likely to benefit from surgery is critical to achieving seizure freedom and avoiding neurocognitive morbidity. Identifying the seizure focus and mapping epileptogenic networks involves an interdisciplinary team dedicated to formulating a safe and effective surgical plan. Various strategies can be employed either to eliminate the epileptic focus or to modulate network activity, including resection of the focus with open surgery or laser interstitial thermal therapy; modulation of epileptogenic firing patterns with responsive neurostimulation, deep brain stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation; or non-invasive disconnection of epileptic circuits with focused ultrasound, which is also discussed in greater detail in the subsequent chapter in our series. We review several challenges of epilepsy surgery that must be thoughtfully addressed in order to ensure its success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Kuzan-Fischer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Whitney E Parker
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Theodore H Schwartz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caitlin E Hoffman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
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Tao JX, Satzer D, Issa NP, Collins J, Wu S, Rose S, Henry J, Santos de Lima F, Nordli D, Warnke PC. Stereotactic laser anterior corpus callosotomy for Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsia 2020; 61:1190-1200. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James X. Tao
- Department of Neurology University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - David Satzer
- Department of Neurosurgery University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - Naoum P. Issa
- Department of Neurology University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - John Collins
- Department of Radiology University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - Shasha Wu
- Department of Neurology University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - Sandra Rose
- Department of Neurology University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - Julia Henry
- Department of Pediatrics University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | | | - Douglas Nordli
- Department of Pediatrics University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
| | - Peter C. Warnke
- Department of Neurosurgery University of Chicago Chicago IL USA
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Vakharia VN, Sparks RE, Vos SB, Bezchlibnyk Y, Mehta AD, Willie JT, Wu C, Sharan A, Ourselin S, Duncan JS. Computer-assisted planning for minimally invasive anterior two-thirds laser corpus callosotomy: A feasibility study with probabilistic tractography validation. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 25:102174. [PMID: 31982679 PMCID: PMC6994706 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a novel minimally invasive technique for the treatment of epilepsy. We test computer assisted planning with LITT to disrupt seizure spread. Trajectory parameters and models were automatically generated from a single T1 image. Probabilistic tractography revealed comparable interhemispheric disconnection to blinded expert surgeons.
Background Anterior two-thirds corpus callosotomy is an effective palliative neurosurgical procedure for drug-refractory epilepsy that is most commonly used to treat drop-attacks. Laser interstitial thermal therapy is a novel stereotactic ablative technique that has been utilised as a minimally invasive alternative to resective and disconnective open neurosurgery. Case series have reported success in performing laser anterior two-thirds corpus callosotomy. Computer-assisted planning algorithms may help to automate and optimise multi-trajectory planning for this procedure. Objective To undertake a simulation-based feasibility study of computer-assisted corpus callostomy planning in comparison with expert manual plans in the same patients. Methods Ten patients were selected from a prospectively maintained database. Patients had previously undergone diffusion-weighted imaging and digital subtraction angiography as part of routine SEEG care. Computer-assisted planning was performed using the EpiNav™ platform and compared to manually planned trajectories from two independent blinded experts. Estimated ablation cavities were used in conjunction with probabilistic tractography to simulate the expected extent of interhemispheric disconnection. Results Computer-assisted planning resulted in significantly improved trajectory safety metrics (risk score and minimum distance to vasculature) compared to blinded external expert manual plans. Probabilistic tractography revealed residual interhemispheric connectivity in 1/10 cases following computer-assisted planning compared to 4/10 and 2/10 cases with manual planning. Conclusion Computer-assisted planning successfully generates multi-trajectory plans capable of LITT anterior two-thirds corpus callosotomy. Computer-assisted planning may provide a means of standardising trajectory planning and serves as a potential new tool for optimising trajectories. A prospective validation study is now required to determine if this translates into improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vejay N Vakharia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
| | - Rachel E Sparks
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sjoerd B Vos
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London, London, UK; Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yarema Bezchlibnyk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Ashesh D Mehta
- Northwell Health Neuroscience Institute, New York, United States
| | - Jon T Willie
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Chengyuan Wu
- Division of Epilepsy and Neuromodulation Neurosurgery, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
| | - Ashwini Sharan
- Division of Epilepsy and Neuromodulation Neurosurgery, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John S Duncan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
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Chan AY, Rolston JD, Lee B, Vadera S, Englot DJ. Rates and predictors of seizure outcome after corpus callosotomy for drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis. J Neurosurg 2019; 130:1193-1202. [PMID: 29999448 PMCID: PMC6274594 DOI: 10.3171/2017.12.jns172331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corpus callosotomy is a palliative surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy that reduces the severity and frequency of generalized seizures by disconnecting the two cerebral hemispheres. Unlike with resection, seizure outcomes remain poorly understood. The authors systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to investigate rates and predictors of complete seizure freedom and freedom from drop attacks after corpus callosotomy. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were queried for primary studies examining seizure outcomes after corpus callosotomy published over 30 years. Rates of complete seizure freedom or drop attack freedom were recorded. Variables showing a potential relationship to seizure outcome on preliminary analysis were subjected to formal meta-analysis. RESULTS The authors identified 1742 eligible patients from 58 included studies. Overall, the rates of complete seizure freedom and drop attack freedom after corpus callosotomy were 18.8% and 55.3%, respectively. Complete seizure freedom was significantly predicted by the presence of infantile spasms (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.13-13.23), normal MRI findings (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.75-12.25), and shorter epilepsy duration (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.23-5.38). Freedom from drop attacks was predicted by complete over partial callosotomy (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.07-7.83) and idiopathic over known epilepsy etiology (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.35-5.99). CONCLUSIONS The authors report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of seizure outcomes in both adults and children after corpus callosotomy for epilepsy. Approximately one-half of patients become free from drop attacks, and one-fifth achieve complete seizure freedom after surgery. Some predictors of favorable outcome differ from those in resective epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Y. Chan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - John D. Rolston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Brian Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Sumeet Vadera
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Dario J. Englot
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Neurosurgical approaches to pediatric epilepsy: Indications, techniques, and outcomes of common surgical procedures. Seizure 2018; 77:76-85. [PMID: 30473268 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.11.007] [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: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common pediatric neurological condition, and approximately one-third of children with epilepsy are refractory to medical management. For these children neurosurgery may be indicated, but operative success is dependent on complete delineation of the epileptogenic zone. In this review, surgical techniques for pediatric epilepsy are considered. First, potentially-curative operations are discussed and broadly divided into resections and disconnections. Then, two palliative approaches to seizure control are reviewed. Finally, future neurosurgical approaches to epilepsy are considered.
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Wheless JW, Gienapp AJ, Ryvlin P. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy update. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 88S:2-10. [PMID: 30017839 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately one-third have pharmacoresistant epilepsy, and of these, the majority are not candidates for epilepsy surgery. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been an option to treat pharmacoresistant seizures for 30 years. In this update, we will review the clinical data that support the device's efficacy in children, adolescents, and adults. We will also review its side-effect profile, quality of life and cost benefits, and the impact the device has on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We will then discuss candidate selection and provide guidance on dosing and future models. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy is an effective treatment for many seizure types and epilepsy syndromes with a predictable and benign side-effect profile that supports its role as the most commonly prescribed device to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy. "This article is part of the Supplement issue Neurostimulation for Epilepsy."
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Wheless
- Le Bonheur Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology Division, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
| | - Andrew J Gienapp
- Medical Education, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Phillippe Ryvlin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ozanne A, Verdinelli C, Olsson I, Edelvik A, H Graneheim U, Malmgren K. Callosotomy in children - Parental experiences reported at long-term follow-up. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 86:91-97. [PMID: 30153937 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Callosotomy is a palliative surgery method for selected individuals with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore parental experiences of the family's life situation before and long after their child had undergone callosotomy. Semistructured interviews of the parents of 12 children were analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis. Before surgery, parents felt that they lived in a chaotic bubble with an unbearable situation; their child had severe and frequent seizures and had to be looked after constantly. Most parents were both satisfied and dissatisfied with the given support and information. However, if the child did not improve after surgery, parents often felt that the information before surgery had not been adequate. After surgery, they found a glimpse of hope. They felt that the family got a new life; the reduced seizure severity led to a better life situation for the family. The support was described as both good and poor. The family life situation was complex, and even if they were partly satisfied with the support, it was still not enough. However, the life situation was also very stressful because of remaining seizures, behavioral problems, and sometimes, adverse effects of surgery. The families lived in disappointment and difficulty and had to fight for their rights. This indicates that these families need more information and social service coordination both before and long after surgery. They need not only tools to manage the child's disabilities but also substantial help to care for the child and to receive the social support they need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Ozanne
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, 405 30 Gothenburg,Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Verdinelli
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ingrid Olsson
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Edelvik
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ulla H Graneheim
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Malmgren
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Hachem LD, Wong SM, Ibrahim GM. The vagus afferent network: emerging role in translational connectomics. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E2. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.6.focus18216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is increasingly considered for the treatment of intractable epilepsy and holds potential for the management of a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. The emergence of the field of connectomics and the introduction of large-scale modeling of neural networks has helped elucidate the underlying neurobiology of VNS, which may be variably expressed in patient populations and related to responsiveness to stimulation. In this report, the authors outline current data on the underlying neural circuitry believed to be implicated in VNS responsiveness in what the authors term the “vagus afferent network.” The emerging role of biomarkers to predict treatment effect is further discussed and important avenues for future work are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen D. Hachem
- 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto
| | - Simeon M. Wong
- 2Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; and
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is one of the rare childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathies, characterized by multiple type seizure disorder, the typical pattern on electroencephalogram and intellectual disability. Tonic-type seizures are most commonly seen in these patients. Behavioral disturbances and cognitive decline are gradual-onset and last long after the first episode of epileptiform activity. In most cases, there is some identifiable cause that has led to the clinical presentation of the patient. Various pharmacological and surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and many more to come in the very near future to overcome the drug resistance and to avoid the patient forming a life-long dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Memoona Jahangir
- Internal Medicine, Punjab Medical College Allied Hospital Faisalabad, Faisalabad, PAK
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Tao JX, Issa NP, Wu S, Rose S, Collins J, Warnke PC. Interstitial Stereotactic Laser Anterior Corpus Callosotomy: A Report of 2 Cases with Operative Technique and Effectiveness. Neurosurgery 2018; 85:E569-E574. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCECorpus callosotomy is an effective palliative treatment for medically intractable Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) that disrupts the interhemispheric synchronization of epileptiform discharges. However, traditional open corpus callosotomy carries a significant risk of surgical complications associated with craniotomy and a parafalcine approach to the corpus callosum. Here, we report 2 cases of anterior corpus callosotomy using MRI-guided stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) as a minimally invasive technique for mitigating the risks of craniotomy while achieving favorable outcomes.CLINICAL PRESENTATIONTwo patients with medically intractable LGS underwent stereotactic laser anterior corpus callosotomy using a 2 laser-fiber approach. Ablation of 70%-80% of the corpus callosum was confirmed by postoperative MRI diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analysis. Marked reduction of epileptiform activity was observed in both patients during postoperative video-EEG studies as compared to preoperative video-EEG studies. Freedom from disabling seizures including drop attacks was achieved in 1 patient for 18 mo, and more than a 90% reduction of disabling seizures was achieved in the other patient for 7 mo with cognitive improvement and without surgical complications.CONCLUSIONThese early data demonstrate the technical feasibility, safety, and favorable outcomes of MRI-guided stereotactic laser anterior corpus callosotomy in patients with LGS, making it a potentially safe and effective alternative to traditional open corpus callosotomy and other stereotactic methods including radiofrequency ablation and radiosurgery due to the ability to monitor the ablation in real time with MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- James X Tao
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Naoum P Issa
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shasha Wu
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sandra Rose
- Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John Collins
- Department of Radiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Peter C Warnke
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Thiele EA, Marsh ED, French JA, Mazurkiewicz-Beldzinska M, Benbadis SR, Joshi C, Lyons PD, Taylor A, Roberts C, Sommerville K. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet 2018; 391:1085-1096. [PMID: 29395273 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 514] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare, severe form of epileptic encephalopathy, are frequently treatment resistant to available medications. No controlled studies have investigated the use of cannabidiol for patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We therefore assessed the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as an add-on anticonvulsant therapy in this population of patients. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done at 24 clinical sites in the USA, the Netherlands, and Poland, we investigated the efficacy of cannabidiol as add-on therapy for drop seizures in patients with treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Eligible patients (aged 2-55 years) had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, including a history of slow (<3 Hz) spike-and-wave patterns on electroencephalogram, evidence of more than one type of generalised seizure for at least 6 months, at least two drop seizures per week during the 4-week baseline period, and had not responded to treatment with at least two antiepileptic drugs. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using an interactive voice response system, stratified by age group, to receive 20 mg/kg oral cannabidiol daily or matched placebo for 14 weeks. All patients, caregivers, investigators, and individuals assessing data were masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in monthly frequency of drop seizures during the treatment period, analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had post-baseline efficacy data. All randomly assigned patients were included in the safety analyses. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02224690. FINDINGS Between April 28, 2015, and Oct 15, 2015, we randomly assigned 171 patients to receive cannabidiol (n=86) or placebo (n=85). 14 patients in the cannabidiol group and one in the placebo group discontinued study treatment; all randomly assigned patients received at least one dose of study treatment and had post-baseline efficacy data. The median percentage reduction in monthly drop seizure frequency from baseline was 43·9% (IQR -69·6 to -1·9) in the cannibidiol group and 21·8% (IQR -45·7 to 1·7) in the placebo group. The estimated median difference between the treatment groups was -17·21 (95% CI -30·32 to -4·09; p=0·0135) during the 14-week treatment period. Adverse events occurred in 74 (86%) of 86 patients in the cannabidiol group and 59 (69%) of 85 patients in the placebo group; most were mild or moderate. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea, somnolence, pyrexia, decreased appetite, and vomiting. 12 (14%) patients in the cannabidiol group and one (1%) patient in the placebo group withdrew from the study because of adverse events. One patient (1%) died in the cannabidiol group, but this was considered unrelated to treatment. INTERPRETATION Add-on cannabidiol is efficacious for the treatment of patients with drop seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and is generally well tolerated. The long-term efficacy and safety of cannabidiol is currently being assessed in the open-label extension of this trial. FUNDING GW Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Thiele
- Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline A French
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul D Lyons
- Winchester Neurological Consultants, Winchester, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Kenneth Sommerville
- Greenwich Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Liang JG, Kim NY, Ko A, Kim HD, Lee D. Changes in functional brain network topology after successful and unsuccessful corpus callosotomy for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3414. [PMID: 29467376 PMCID: PMC5821858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Corpus callosotomy (CC) is an effective palliative surgical treatment for patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). However, research on the long-term functional effects of CC is sparse. We aimed to investigate these effects and their associated clinical conditions over the two years after CC. Long-term clinical EEG recordings of 30 patients with LGS who had good and bad seizure outcome after CC were collected and retrospectively studied. It was found that CC caused brain network 'hubs' to shift from paramedian to lateral regions in the good-recovery group, which reorganized the brain network into a more homogeneous state. We also found increased local clustering coefficients in patients with bad outcomes and decreases, implying enhanced network integration, in patients with good outcomes. The small worldness of brain networks in patients with good outcomes increased in the two years after CC, whereas it decreased in patients with bad outcomes. The covariation of small-worldness with the rate of reduction in seizure frequency suggests that this can be used as an indicator of CC outcome. Local and global network changes during the long-term state might be associated with the postoperative recovery process and could serve as indicators for CC outcome and long-term LGS recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ge Liang
- RFIC Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Young Kim
- RFIC Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ara Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongpyo Lee
- Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Okanishi T, Fujimoto A, Nishimura M, Kanai S, Motoi H, Homma Y, Enoki H. Insufficient efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation for epileptic spasms and tonic spasms in children with refractory epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2017; 140:66-71. [PMID: 29287185 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) leads to palliation of refractory seizures. Epileptic spasms (ES) and tonic spasms (TS) appear in children with West syndrome and symptomatic generalized epilepsy. Both types of spasms are often characterized by truncal muscular contractions and ictal electroencephalography (EEG) findings comprising the contiguous phases: phase 1) 15-20 Hz, spindle-like fast activity (occur in 70%), 2) diffuse polyphasic δ/θ waves (100%), and 3) electrodecremental activity (70%). Here, we examined the effect of VNS on these spasms that are uniformly associated with the EEG and electromyogram changes. METHODS A consecutive series of 32 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria consisting of 1) medically refractory epilepsy, 2) VNS implantation between 2010 and 2015, 3) implantation of VNS before the age of 20 years, and 4) follow-up >2 years. From this cohort, 16 patients had spasms (ES/TS group), whereas the remaining 16 had partial seizures with or without secondary generalization (PS/SG group). We compared seizure outcomes between the two groups, and also determined the factors predicting these outcomes within the ES/TS group. RESULTS The outcomes after 2 years of implantation, defined using the McHugh classification, were as follows: II (for 2 patients), III (5), and V (9) in the ES/TS group; and I (3 patients), II (6), III (2), IV (1), and V (4) in the PS/SG group. The ES/TS group had significantly worse outcomes than the PS/SG group (p = 0.024, Mann-Whitney U test). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that shorter mean durations of ictal events were associated with better seizure outcomes following VNS implantation (p = 0.007). SIGNIFICANCE Only 13% of the patients in the ES/TS group had seizure reductions of greater than 50%. VNS was less effective for the treatment of patients with ES/TS than for those with PS/SG and those described in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Okanishi
- Department of Child Neurology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan.
| | - Ayataka Fujimoto
- Epilepsy and Neurosurgery, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Mitsuyo Nishimura
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Sotaro Kanai
- Department of Child Neurology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Motoi
- Department of Child Neurology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Homma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Seirei-Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Hideo Enoki
- Department of Child Neurology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
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Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is considered an epileptic encephalopathy and is defined by a triad of multiple drug-resistant seizure types, a specific EEG pattern showing bursts of slow spike-wave complexes or generalized paroxysmal fast activity, and intellectual disability. The prevalence of LGS is estimated between 1 and 2% of all patients with epilepsy. The etiology of LGS is often divided into two groups: identifiable (genetic-structural-metabolic) in 65 to 75% of the patients and LGS of unknown cause in others. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may be considered as secondary network epilepsy. The seizures in LGS are usually drug-resistant, and complete seizure control with resolution of intellectual and psychosocial dysfunction is often not achievable. Reduction in frequency of the most incapacitating seizures (e.g., drop attacks and tonic-clonic seizures) should be the major objective. Valproate, lamotrigine, and topiramate are considered to be the first-line drugs by many experts. Other effective antiepileptic drugs include levetiracetam, clobazam, rufinamide, and zonisamide. The ketogenic diet is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option. For patients with drug resistance, a further therapeutic option is surgical intervention. Corpus callosotomy is a palliative surgical procedure that aims at controlling the most injurious seizures. Finally, vagus nerve stimulation offers reasonable seizure improvement. The long-term outcome for patients with LGS is generally poor. This syndrome is often associated with long-term adverse effects on intellectual development, social functioning, and independent living.
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Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy associated with high morbidity and mortality. The peak period for manifestations of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is between ages 3 and 5 years, a time of critical brain development and corresponding vulnerability to the electroclinical dysfunction arising from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Diagnosis is based on a triad of symptoms: multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment, and slow spike-and-wave pattern on electroencephalography. In practice, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome presentation is diverse, and there may be a delay between initial symptoms and emergence of the full triad of clinical features. Additionally, differential diagnosis is complicated by the resemblance of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome to other forms of epilepsy and by the need for varied diagnostic techniques requiring specific clinical skills. Because diagnosis is complex and early intervention may lead to improved outcomes, clinicians should consider treatment when Lennox-Gastaut syndrome symptoms are present, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Resnick
- 1 Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Brain Institute, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.,2 Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Raj D Sheth
- 3 Mayo Clinic Florida-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.,4 Nemours Children's Specialty Care-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Cross JH, Auvin S, Falip M, Striano P, Arzimanoglou A. Expert Opinion on the Management of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment Algorithms and Practical Considerations. Front Neurol 2017; 8:505. [PMID: 29085326 PMCID: PMC5649136 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathy that is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by multiple seizure types, abnormal electroencephalographic features, and intellectual disability. Although intellectual disability and associated behavioral problems are characteristic of LGS, they are not necessarily present at its outset and are therefore not part of its diagnostic criteria. LGS is typically treated with a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, often in combination. Management and treatment decisions can be challenging, due to the multiple seizure types and comorbidities associated with the condition. A panel of five epileptologists met to discuss consensus recommendations for LGS management, based on the latest available evidence from literature review and clinical experience. Treatment algorithms were formulated. Current evidence favors the continued use of sodium valproate (VPA) as the first-line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed de novo LGS. If VPA is ineffective alone, evidence supports lamotrigine, or subsequently rufinamide, as adjunctive therapy. If seizure control remains inadequate, the choice of next adjunctive antiepileptic drug (AED) should be discussed with the patient/parent/caregiver/clinical team, as current evidence is limited. Non-pharmacological therapies, including resective surgery, the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, and callosotomy, should be considered for use alongside AED therapy from the outset of treatment. For patients with LGS that has evolved from another type of epilepsy who are already being treated with an AED other than VPA, VPA therapy should be considered if not trialed previously. Thereafter, the approach for a de novo patient should be followed. Where possible, no more than two AEDs should be used concomitantly. Patients with established LGS should undergo review by a neurologist specialized in epilepsy on at least an annual basis, including a thorough reassessment of their diagnosis and treatment plan. Clinicians should always be vigilant to the possibility of treatable etiologies and alert to the possibility that a patient’s diagnosis may change, since the seizure types and electroencephalographic features that characterize LGS evolve over time. To date, available treatments are unlikely to lead to seizure remission in the majority of patients and therefore the primary focus of treatment should always be optimization of learning, behavioral management, and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Helen Cross
- Clinical Neurosciences Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, ERN EpiCARE, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mercè Falip
- Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alexis Arzimanoglou
- Epilepsy Unit, Child Neurology Department, Hospital San Juan de Déu, ERN EpiCARE, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Paediatric Clinical Epileptology, Sleep Disorders and Functional Neurology, ERN EpiCARE, University Hospitals of Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France
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49
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Luat AF, Asano E, Kumar A, Chugani HT, Sood S. Corpus Callosotomy for Intractable Epilepsy Revisited: The Children's Hospital of Michigan Series. J Child Neurol 2017; 32:624-629. [PMID: 28511630 PMCID: PMC5436305 DOI: 10.1177/0883073817697847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Corpus callosotomy is a palliative procedure performed to reduce the severity of drug-resistant epilepsy. The authors assessed its efficacy on different seizure types in 20 subjects (age range 5-19 years); 8 with active vagus nerve stimulator. Fifteen had complete callosotomy, 3 had anterior 2/3, and 2 had anterior 2/3 followed later by complete callosotomy. Ten had endoscopic approach. In all, 65% had ≥ 50% reduction of generalized seizures leading to falls (atonic, tonic, myoclonic); 35% became seizure-free (follow-up period: 6 months to 9 years; mean 3 years). Seizure outcome distribution was better for generalized than for partial seizures ( P = .003). Endoscopic approach was as effective as transcranial approach. Seven subjects who failed vagus nerve stimulator therapy responded with ≥50% seizure reduction. Corpus callosotomy is an effective treatment for intractable generalized epilepsy leading to falls with significant seizure reduction or even elimination of seizures, in the majority of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee F Luat
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,2 Department of Neurology, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eishi Asano
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,2 Department of Neurology, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ajay Kumar
- 3 Department of Radiology, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Harry T Chugani
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,2 Department of Neurology, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,3 Department of Radiology, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,5 Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.,6 Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandeep Sood
- 4 Department of Neurosurgery, Detroit Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Ostendorf AP, Ng YT. Treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: therapeutic trends, challenges and future directions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:1131-1140. [PMID: 28461749 PMCID: PMC5404809 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s115996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe, childhood-onset electroclinical syndrome comprised of multiple seizure types, intellectual and behavioral disturbances and characteristic findings on electroencephalogram of slow spike and wave complexes and paroxysmal fast frequency activity. Profound morbidity often accompanies a common and severe seizure type, the drop attack. Seizures often remain refractory, or initial treatment efficacy fades. Few individuals are seizure free despite the development of multiple generations of antiseizure medications over decades and high-level evidence on several choices. Approved medications such as lamotrigine, topiramate, rufinamide, felbamate and clobazam have demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizure burden. Cannabidiol has emerged as a promising investigational therapy with vast social interest yet lacks a standard, approved formulation. Palliative surgical procedures, such as vagal nerve stimulation and corpus callosotomy may provide reduction in total seizures and drop attacks. Emerging evidence suggests that complete callosotomy provides greater improvement in seizures without additional side effects. Etiologies such as dysplasia or hypothalamic hamartoma may be amenable for focal resection and thus offer potential to reverse this devastating epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology Section, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Yu-Tze Ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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