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Pozzilli V, Haggiag S, Di Filippo M, Capone F, Di Lazzaro V, Tortorella C, Gasperini C, Prosperini L. Incidence and determinants of seizures in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:612-619. [PMID: 38383156 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seizures are reported to be more prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with the general population. Existing data predominantly originate from population-based studies, which introduce variability in methodologies and are vulnerable to selection and reporting biases. METHODS This meta-analysis aims to assess the incidence of seizures in patients participating in randomised clinical trials and to identify potential contributing factors. Data were extracted from 60 articles published from 1993 to 2022. The pooled effect size, representing the incidence rate of seizure events, was estimated using a random-effect model. Metaregression was employed to explore factors influencing the pooled effect size. RESULTS The meta-analysis included data from 53 535 patients and 120 seizure events in a median follow-up of 2 years. The pooled incidence rate of seizures was 68.0 per 100 000 patient-years, significantly higher than the general population rate of 34.6. Generalised tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type reported, although there was a high risk of misclassification for focal seizures with secondary generalisation. Disease progression, longer disease duration, higher disability levels and lower brain volume were associated with a higher incidence of seizures. Particularly, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators exhibited a 2.45-fold increased risk of seizures compared with placebo or comparators, with a risk difference of 20.5 events per 100 000 patient-years. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MS face a nearly twofold higher seizure risk compared with the general population. This risk appears to be associated not only with disease burden but also with S1PR modulators. Our findings underscore epilepsy as a significant comorbidity in MS and emphasise the necessity for further research into its triggers, preventive measures and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pozzilli
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Lazio, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Shalom Haggiag
- MS Centre, Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fioravante Capone
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Lazio, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Lazio, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- MS Centre, Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- MS Centre, Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Prosperini
- MS Centre, Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
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Sanchez M, Marone A, Silva WH, Marrodan M, Correale J. Clinical characteristics, course and prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis patients with epilepsy. A case control study: MS and epilepsy. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105422. [PMID: 38219299 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105422] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although more common than in the general population, seizures are an atypical manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) and their pathophysiology is not well understood. This study aims to examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, brain imaging findings and course of epilepsy, presenting in patients with MS. METHODS Observational retrospective study of MS patients evaluated at a single MS reference center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2011 and 2022, focusing on those who developed epilepsy (EMS). Clinical, demographic, and prognostic factors were evaluated and compared to a control group of non-epileptic MS patients (NEMS). To analyze specific epilepsy characteristics, a second control group of patients with non-lesional focal epilepsy (FNLE) was also included. RESULTS Twenty-five patients (18 women), were diagnosed with epilepsy, corresponding to a prevalence of 1.95%. Comparison of brain imaging characteristics between EMS and NEMS patients showed brain atrophy (32% vs 6.1%, p<0.01), as well as cortical (26% vs 4%, p=0.03) and juxtacortical lesions (84% vs 55%, p=0.05), were more frequent in EMS patients. However, after multivariate analysis, cortical atrophy was the only variable linked to a significant increase in risk of epilepsy (OR 24, 95%CI=2.3-200, p<0.01). No significant differences in clinical characteristics, disease activity, disability levels, response to disease modified treatment (DMT) or lack of DMT efficacy were observed between MS patients with or without epilepsy. Most patients received anti-seizure medication (ASM), and seizure control was better in EMS than in FNLE patients (92% vs 58%, p=0.022) with no differences found in drug resistance. We did not find predictors of seizure recurrence in the population studied. CONCLUSION We observed a lower prevalence of epilepsy in this group of MS patients, compared to other reported cohorts. Although epilepsy seems to have a benign course in MS patients, cortical atrophy appears to be an important contributor to the development of secondary epilepsy in MS patients. Further investigations will be necessary to identify risk factors or biomarkers predicting increased epilepsy risk in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abril Marone
- Departamento de Neurología, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter H Silva
- Departamento de Neurología, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Jorge Correale
- Departamento de Neurología, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Universidad de Buenos Aires/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Dang YL, Yong VT, Sharmin S, Perucca P, Kalincik T. Seizure risk in multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mult Scler 2023; 29:657-667. [PMID: 36802988 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231151400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis patients experience 3-6 times more seizures than the general population, but observations vary among studies. Seizure risk in disease-modifying therapy recipients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare seizure risk in multiple sclerosis patients receiving disease-modifying therapy versus placebo. METHODS MEDLINE(OVID), Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from database inception until August 2021. Phase 2-3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials reporting efficacy and safety data for disease-modifying therapies were included. Network meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using Bayesian random effects model for individual and pooled (by drug target) therapies. Main outcome was loge seizure risk ratios [95% credible intervals]. Sensitivity analysis included meta-analysis of non-zero-event studies. RESULTS A total of 1993 citations and 331 full-texts were screened. Fifty-six included studies (29,388 patients-disease-modifying therapy = 18,909; placebo = 10,479) reported 60 seizures (therapy = 41; placebo = 19). No individual therapy was associated with altered seizure risk ratio. Exceptions were daclizumab (-17.90 [-65.31; -0.65]) and rituximab (-24.86 [-82.71; -1.37]) trending toward lower risk ratio; cladribine (25.78 [0.94; 4.65]) and pegylated interferon-beta-1a (25.40 [0.78; 85.47]) trended toward higher risk ratio. Observations had wide credible intervals. Sensitivity analysis of 16 non-zero-event studies revealed no difference in risk ratio for pooled therapies (l0.32 [-0.94; 0.29]). CONCLUSION No evidence of association was found between disease-modifying therapy and seizure risk-this informs seizure management in multiple sclerosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yew Li Dang
- Department of Neurology, Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Melbourne Brain Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vivien Ty Yong
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand/Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sifat Sharmin
- CORe, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Neurology, Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Neuroimmunology Centre, Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/CORe, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Mahamud Z, Burman J, Zelano J. Temporal trends of epilepsy in multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:492-498. [PMID: 35852006 PMCID: PMC9795966 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epilepsy is associated with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to investigate whether the incidence of epilepsy in MS has been affected by the introduction of disease-modifying treatments (DMT) for MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 14,557 patients from the Swedish MS register with MS onset between 1991 and 2018. Incident diagnoses of epilepsy or any seizure were identified through cross-linkage with the National Patient Register. Next, yearly prevalence of epilepsy as well as 5- and 10 years incidence of epilepsy or any seizure for consecutive years of MS onset were estimated, the latter with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression was used to adjust the association between the year of MS onset and incidence of epilepsy for baseline variables. RESULTS Prevalence of epilepsy in the MS cohort increased from 0.34% in 1991 to 2.54% in 2018 (yearly odds: 1.26 [1.22, 1.29]). The 5 years incidence rate of epilepsy, ranging from 0.4% (95% CI 0.008-0.79%) to 1.3% (95% CI 0.71-1.89%), and the 10 years incidence rate of epilepsy, ranging from 1.1% (95% CI 0.31-1.88%) to 2.6% (95% CI 1.22-3.97%) showed no significant trends (p = .147 and p = .418, respectively). Similarly, no significant trends were found for the incidences of any seizure. The incidence trends of epilepsy remained not significant after adjusting for sex, MS onset type (relapsing or progressive onset), or age at MS onset. CONCLUSIONS Our findings do not support the hypothesis that the introduction of novel DMT for MS has reduced the incidence of epilepsy among MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamzam Mahamud
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of NeuroscienceUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineSahlgrenska academyGothenburg
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Li EC, Zheng Y, Cai MT, Lai QL, Fang GL, Du BQ, Shen CH, Zhang YX, Wu LJ, Ding MP. Seizures and epilepsy in multiple sclerosis, aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2173-2191. [PMID: 35652436 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seizure is one of the manifestations of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating diseases, which mainly include multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). "Acute symptomatic seizures secondary to MS / AQP4-NMOSD / MOGAD" occur in the acute phase of the diseases, and are more frequent in MOGAD. In contrast, recurrent non-provoked seizures, mainly attributed to "autoimmune-associated epilepsy", occur in the non-acute phase of the diseases. Seizures in MS / AQP4-NMOSD / MOGAD mostly have a focal-onset. MS patients with concomitant systemic infections, an earlier onset and a higher disease activity are more likely to have seizures, whereas factors such as higher MS severity, the presence of status epilepticus and cortical damage indicate a greater risk of developing epilepsy. In MOGAD, cerebral cortical encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like phenotypes (predominately ADEM and multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis) indicate a higher seizure risk. Multiple relapses with ADEM-like phenotypes predict epilepsy in pediatrics with MOGAD. Pathophysiologically, acute symptomatic seizures in MS are associated with neuronal hyperexcitability secondary to inflammation and demyelination. Chronic epilepsy in MS is largely due to gliosis, neuronal dysfunction and synaptic abnormalities. The mainstay of treatment for seizures secondary to MS / AQP4-NMOSD / MOGAD include immunotherapy along with antiseizure medications. This critical review discusses the most-updated evidence on epidemiology, clinical correlates, and inflammatory mechanisms underlying seizures and epilepsy in MS / AQP4-NMOSD / MOGAD. Treatment cautions including drug-drug interactions and the impact of treatments on the other are outlined. We also highlight pitfalls and challenges in managing such patients and future research perspectives to address unsolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Chuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Ting Cai
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Lun Lai
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gao-Li Fang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing-Qing Du
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin-Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mei-Ping Ding
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Villamar MF, Sarkis RA, Pennell P, Kohane I, Beaulieu-Jones BK. Severity of Epilepsy and Response to Antiseizure Medications in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of a Real-World Dataset. Neurol Clin Pract 2022; 12:e49-e57. [DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground and objectives:Epilepsy is an important comorbidity that affects outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unclear if seizure severity among individuals with coexistence of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy (MS+E) is higher than in those with other focal epilepsies. Our goal was to compare the overall severity of epilepsy in individuals with MS+E versus those with focal epilepsy without MS (E-MS) as defined by seizure-related healthcare utilization, frequency and duration of status epilepticus, and frequency of antiseizure medication (ASM) regimen changes.Methods:In this hypothesis-generating study, we analyzed a U.S. commercial nationwide de-identified claims dataset with > 86 million individuals between 1/1/2008 and 8/31/2019. Using validated algorithms, we identified adults with E-MS and those with MS+E. We compared the number and length of seizure-related hospital admissions, the number of claims and unique days with claims for status epilepticus, and the rates of ASM regimen changes between the MS+E and the E-MS groups.Results:During the study period, 66,708 individuals with E-MS and 537 with MS+E had ≥ 2 years of coverage after their initial diagnosis of epilepsy. There was no difference between the MS+E and E-MS groups in the percentage of individuals admitted for seizures and/or status epilepticus. However, MS+E with seizure-related admissions had more admissions and longer hospital stays than those with E-MS. MS+E who experienced status epilepticus had more unique days with status epilepticus claims compared to E-MS. MS+E were more likely to have ASM regimen changes in Year 2 after the initial diagnosis of epilepsy and had more ASM changes during Year 2 compared to E-MS. Among individuals with MS+E, there were no differences in our measures of seizure severity for those treated with sodium channel blockers/modulators versus other ASM classes.Discussion:This study supports the notion that individuals with MS+E can have more severe epilepsy than those with E-MS. Seizure severity among individuals with MS+E treated with sodium-channel blockers/modulators versus other ASM classes shows no significant differences.Classification of evidence:This study provides Class III evidence that individuals with MS+E can have more severe epilepsy than those with E-MS.
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Salimi Z, Tazi R, Hazim A, Bouknani N, Aasfara J. A Unique Case of Radiologically Isolated Syndrome Diagnosed During a Follow-up of Cytomegalovirus Meningoencephalitis. Cureus 2022; 14:e22191. [PMID: 35308714 PMCID: PMC8924854 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) refers to an entity in which an MRI of the brain, spine, or both demonstrates incidental white matter lesions that are characteristic of a demyelinating disease in morphology and location. High-risk RIS may require disease-modifying treatment (DMT). A complex interaction among genetic and environmental factors leads to self-reactive immune mechanisms, which are believed to have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases. Viruses are possible triggers to this mechanism. Unlike Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which is a well-known risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and MS remains uncertain, with some studies indicating a protective effect of CMV on autoimmune diseases. We report a unique case of RIS diagnosed during the follow-up of CMV meningoencephalitis in a patient who presented with generalized seizure onset.
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Mahamud Z, Håkansson S, Burman J, Zelano J. Retention of antiseizure medications for epilepsy in multiple sclerosis: A retrospective observational study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108034. [PMID: 34004524 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epilepsy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare, and longitudinal clinical studies evaluating treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs) are difficult to conduct. We instead designed a nationwide register study to estimate retention rates of ASMs prescribed as initial monotherapy for epilepsy in MS and investigated factors influencing their retention. METHODS multiple sclerosis patients with a first prescription of ASM for epilepsy were identified by cross-referencing the Swedish MS register with comprehensive national registers. One and five-year retention rates of ASMs were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional regression was employed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of discontinuation for different ASMs as well as for baseline predictors. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-nine MS patients were included. The most commonly prescribed ASMs were: carbamazepine (n = 38, 29.5%), lamotrigine (n = 33, 25.6%) and levetiracetam (n = 19, 14.7%). One-year retention rates (95% CI) were: lamotrigine 87.5% [76, 98.9], carbamazepine 60.5% [45, 76], levetiracetam 60.2% [37.2, 83.2], valproate 51.3% [23, 79.6] and phenytoin 44.4% [11.8, 77]. Fiveyear retention rates (95% CI) were: lamotrigine 74.4% [57.3, 91.5], carbamazepine 52.2% [34.9, 69.4], valproate 51.3% [23.1, 79.5] and phenytoin 14.8% [0, 40.9]. With carbamazepine as reference, lamotrigine was the only ASM that displayed a lower hazard of discontinuation, HR 0.41 [0.17, 0.99]. We could not identify any baseline factors that influenced the risk of discontinuation. CONCLUSION Lamotrigine displayed the lowest risk of discontinuation when prescribed as initial monotherapy for epilepsy in MS. Newer ASMs generally compared well to older ones, at least suggesting non-inferiority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamzam Mahamud
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Samuel Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Neuroinflammation: A Signature or a Cause of Epilepsy? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136981. [PMID: 34209535 PMCID: PMC8267969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy can be both a primary pathology and a secondary effect of many neurological conditions. Many papers show that neuroinflammation is a product of epilepsy, and that in pathological conditions characterized by neuroinflammation, there is a higher probability to develop epilepsy. However, the bidirectional mechanism of the reciprocal interaction between epilepsy and neuroinflammation remains to be fully understood. Here, we attempt to explore and discuss the relationship between epilepsy and inflammation in some paradigmatic neurological and systemic disorders associated with epilepsy. In particular, we have chosen one representative form of epilepsy for each one of its actual known etiologies. A better understanding of the mechanistic link between neuroinflammation and epilepsy would be important to improve subject-based therapies, both for prophylaxis and for the treatment of epilepsy.
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10
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Mirmosayyeb O, Shaygannejad V, Nehzat N, Mohammadi A, Ghajarzadeh M. Prevalence of Seizure/Epilepsy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Prev Med 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 34084311 PMCID: PMC8106278 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_75_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Seizure and epilepsy are among the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet different prevalence rates are reported for them in the previous studies. The goal of this systematic review is to estimate the pooled prevalence of seizure and epilepsy in patients with MS. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, google scholar, and gray literature including references from identified studies and conference abstracts published up to October 2019. The search strategy included the MeSH terms and text words as ((Epilepsies OR Seizure Disorder OR Seizure Disorders OR Awakening Epilepsy OR Epilepsy, Awakening OR Epilepsy, Cryptogenic OR Cryptogenic Epilepsies OR Cryptogenic Epilepsy OR Epilepsies, Cryptogenic OR epilepsy OR seizure) AND (Multiple Sclerosis OR Sclerosis, Multiple) OR Sclerosis, Disseminated) OR Disseminated Sclerosis) OR MS (Multiple Sclerosis)) OR Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating). Results The literature review resulted in 4860 articles; 2593 articles remained after eliminating the duplicates. For the final analysis, 39 articles were included, 9 of which were conference abstracts. The pooled prevalence of seizure in MS cases was 2%, 95% confidence interval (CI)(1%-3%) (I2 = 91.8%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of epilepsy in MS cases was 3%, 95% CI (2%-4%) (I2 = 92.9%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of epilepsy in Asia, Europe, and America was 6%, 3%, and 3%, respectively. The level of heterogeneity decreased after subgroup analysis in Asian and American subgroups. Meta-regression analysis showed continent is not a source of heterogeneity (coefficient = -0.007, P = 0.6). Conclusions The result of this systematic review shows that the pooled prevalence of seizure and epilepsy among MS patients is 2% and 3%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Mirmosayyeb
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Shaygannejad
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nasim Nehzat
- Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Mohammadi
- Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghajarzadeh
- Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Ooi S, Kalincik T, Perucca P, Monif M. The prevalence of epileptic seizures in multiple sclerosis in a large tertiary hospital in Australia. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:2055217321989767. [PMID: 33708413 PMCID: PMC7907940 DOI: 10.1177/2055217321989767] [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: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale To determine the prevalence of epileptic seizures in multiple sclerosis (MS) at an Australian tertiary hospital and to define their clinical features. Methods We retrospectively analysed adult patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital electronically identified to have ICD codes for MS and seizures and/or epilepsy between 1996 to 2019, utilising paper and electronic-based records. Results Of the 2,125 MS patients identified, 16 (0.75%) experienced epileptic seizures during a mean follow-up period of 12.9 years. Median age of MS diagnosis (SD) was 38 (9.3) years. Four patients had relapsing remitting MS (25%), 10 secondary progressive MS (63.5%), and 2 primary progressive MS (12.5%). More than two-thirds of patients had seizure onset following the diagnosis of MS, and the majority of these had advanced disease (approximate EDSS >6) at the time of seizure onset. Focal onset-seizures occurred in 87.5% of patients with seizures. Conclusion The estimated prevalence of seizures in our cohort was lower than in previous studies (0.75 vs 2-4%). In most cases, seizures occurred after the diagnosis of MS in the context of advanced disease. Further studies are required to determine if MS disease modifying treatments reduce the risk of seizures in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyi Ooi
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,CORe, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Horvath AA, Csernus EA, Lality S, Kaminski RM, Kamondi A. Inhibiting Epileptiform Activity in Cognitive Disorders: Possibilities for a Novel Therapeutic Approach. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:557416. [PMID: 33177974 PMCID: PMC7593384 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.557416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a common and seriously debilitating symptom of various mental and neurological disorders including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. In these conditions, high prevalence of epileptiform activity emerges as a common pathophysiological hallmark. Growing body of evidence suggests that this discrete but abnormal activity might have a long-term negative impact on cognitive performance due to neuronal circuitries' remodeling, altered sleep structure, pathological hippocampo-cortical coupling, and even progressive neuronal loss. In animal models, epileptiform activity was shown to enhance the formation of pathological amyloid and tau proteins that in turn trigger network hyperexcitability. Abolishing epileptiform discharges might slow down the cognitive deterioration. These findings might provide basis for therapeutic use of antiepileptic drugs in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders. The aim of our review is to describe the data on the prevalence of epileptiform activity in various cognitive disorders, to summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms of epileptic activity in relation to cognitive impairment, and to explore the utility of antiepileptic drugs in the therapy of cognitive disorders. We also propose future directions for drug development and novel therapeutic interventions targeting epileptiform discharges in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Attila Horvath
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Sara Lality
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal M. Kaminski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anita Kamondi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Mahamud Z, Burman J, Zelano J. Prognostic impact of epilepsy in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 38:101497. [PMID: 31726355 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of epilepsy, a disease generally associated with increased morbidity and mortality, is increased in multiple sclerosis (MS) but its impact on MS prognosis is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between acquired epilepsy and mortality in MS and to examine the occurrence of epilepsy as a stated cause of death in MS. To examine the association between acquired epilepsy and subsequent conversion to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). METHODS Using the Swedish MS register, we conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study including 10,383 patients with MS onset between 31/12/1991 and 31/12/2014, and with no history of epilepsy before MS onset. Data on epilepsy diagnosis and cause of death (COD) were extracted from comprehensive national registers. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of death stratified by MS course, and SPMS conversion after epilepsy diagnosis. The HRs were adjusted for age at MS onset and sex. RESULTS The adjusted HR of death after epilepsy diagnosis for unselected MS patients was 3.85 (95% CI: 2.53-5.85). Stratifying by disease course, the adjusted HR of death after epilepsy diagnosis in primary progressive MS was 2.28 (95% CI: 0.99-5.26) and in relapsing-onset MS (ROMS), 5.48 (95% CI: 3.33-9.04). Further subdivision of ROMS revealed the adjusted risk of death after epilepsy diagnosis in relapsing remitting MS to be 3.84 (95% CI: 1.57-9.42) and 6.66 (95% CI: 3.18-13.92) in SPMS. Epilepsy was the underlying COD in 4.55% of MS patients with epilepsy. The majority (50%) of MS patients with epilepsy had MS as their stated underlying COD. Adjusted HR of conversion to SPMS after epilepsy diagnosis was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.45-1.56). CONCLUSION Epilepsy in MS is associated with increased mortality although death from epilepsy is rare. Most MS patients with epilepsy died of MS, and epilepsy was most lethal when developed in SPMS. We thus suggest that development of epilepsy is a marker of severe MS. Despite this, we found no association between epilepsy and conversion to SPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamzam Mahamud
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Bustuchina Vlaicu M. Epilepsy in multiple sclerosis as a network disease. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 36:101390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Schorner A, Weissert R. Patients With Epileptic Seizures and Multiple Sclerosis in a Multiple Sclerosis Center in Southern Germany Between 2003-2015. Front Neurol 2019; 10:613. [PMID: 31244766 PMCID: PMC6563689 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: So far, many studies have shown that the risk of developing seizures and epilepsy is higher among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. However, the causal link between these two diseases is still unclear. In addition, it is not clearly understood whether and to what extent the manifestation of seizures and epilepsy in patients with MS affects the clinical course and the long-term prognosis of the disease. We aimed to retrospectively identify and describe patients with MS and with seizures and epilepsy which were seen at the Department of Neurology of the University of Regensburg in Germany between the years 2003-2015. Methods: With the help of the electronic documentation system of hospital admitted patients followed by scrutinizing medical records of patients with MS for evidence of seizures and epilepsy, we identified patients with MS and seizures or epilepsy. Results: We identified 22 individuals (1.74%) out of 1,267 patients with MS with seizures or epilepsy. 18 of these 22 individuals met criteria for epilepsy (1.42%). Nine MS patients (40.9%) suffered from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) whereas 11 MS patients (50.0%) showed a secondary progressive disease course (SPMS). Five of those (45.5%) converted from RRMS to SPMS before they acquired epilepsy. None of the identified patients with MS and seizures or epilepsy suffered from primary progressive MS (PPMS). Moreover, two MS patients (9.1%) had a history of seizures before MS onset. Seizures were of focal onset in 17 patients with MS (77.3%). Fourteen out of these 17 MS patients presented with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (82.4%). Five MS patients (22.7%) showed tonic clonic seizures of unknown onset. Status epilepticus was reported in three patients with MS (13%), for one patient the data was inconclusive. Conclusion: The occurrence of seizures and epilepsy was higher than in the general population, suggesting a causal relationship between both diseases. In most cases, seizures occurred after the first manifestation of MS. The high frequency of focal seizures supports the concept of cerebral lesions in patients with MS playing an important role in precipitation of seizures and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schorner
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Robert Weissert
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Langenbruch L, Krämer J, Güler S, Möddel G, Geßner S, Melzer N, Elger CE, Wiendl H, Budde T, Meuth SG, Kovac S. Seizures and epilepsy in multiple sclerosis: epidemiology and prognosis in a large tertiary referral center. J Neurol 2019; 266:1789-1795. [PMID: 31069528 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seizures and epilepsy may substantially add to the burden of disease in multiple sclerosis (MS), whereas the exact prevalence and prognosis of seizures and epilepsy in patients with MS remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and prognosis of seizures and epilepsy in MS. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 4078 MS patients from a single tertiary referral clinic. RESULTS After excluding 37 patients with unconfirmed MS and alternative seizure etiologies, we found seizures attributable to MS in 1.5% and epilepsy in 0.9% of patients. 40.4% of patients with a follow-up of at least twelve months experienced only a single seizure and 59.6% had recurring seizures. 39% of patients with recurrent seizures were considered drug-resistant, with 9.7% experiencing status epilepticus. Seizure recurrence after a first seizure depended significantly on the MS subtype and was seen more often if the first seizure occurred simultaneously with a MS relapse than in the absence of a relapse. CONCLUSION Our study shows a lower number of seizures and epilepsy in MS than previously reported. While a single seizure in MS usually has a good prognosis, relapse-associated seizures and established epilepsy in MS may not be as benign as previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Langenbruch
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sati Güler
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gabriel Möddel
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sophia Geßner
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian E Elger
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Beta Neurologie, Kompetenzzentrum für Epileptologie, Joseph-Schumpeter-Allee 15, 53277, Bonn, Germany.,Klinik für Neuropädiatrie, Charite, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Budde
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Straße 27a, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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