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Jha R, Blitz SE, Chua MMJ, Warren AEL, Lee JW, Rolston JD. Surgical management of status epilepticus: A systematic review. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:850-864. [PMID: 38456595 PMCID: PMC11145616 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12924] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Status Epilepticus (SE), unresponsive to medical management, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgical management is typically considered in these refractory cases. The best surgical approach for affected patients remains unclear; however, given the lack of controlled trials exploring the role of surgery. We performed a systematic review according to PRIMSA guidelines, including case reports and series describing surgical interventions for patients in SE. Cases (157 patients, median age 12.9 years) were followed for a median of 12 months. Patients were in SE for a median of 21 days before undergoing procedures including: focal resection (36.9%), functional hemispherectomy (21%), lobar resection (12.7%), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) (12.7%), deep brain stimulation (DBS) (6.4%), multiple subpial transection (MST) (3.8%), responsive neurostimulation (RNS) (1.9%), and cortical stimulator placement (1.27%), with 24 patients undergoing multiple procedures. Multiple SE semiologies were identified. 47.8% of patients had focal seizures, and 65% of patients had focal structural abnormalities on MRI. SE persisted for 36.8 ± 47.7 days prior to surgical intervention. SE terminated following surgery in 81.5%, terminated with additional adjuncts in 10.2%, continued in 1.9%, and was not specified in 6.4% of patients. Long-term seizure outcomes were favorable, with the majority improved and 51% seizure-free. Eight patients passed away in follow-up, of which three were in SE. Seizures emerging from one hemisphere were both more likely to immediately terminate (OR 4.7) and lead to long-term seizure-free status (OR 3.9) compared to nonunilateral seizures. No other predictors, including seizure focality, SE duration, or choice of surgical procedure, were predictors of SE termination. Surgical treatment of SE can be effective in terminating SE and leading to sustained seizure freedom, with many different procedures showing efficacy if matched appropriately with SE semiology and etiology. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Patients with persistent seizures (Status Epilepticus) that do not stop following medications can be treated effectively with surgery. Here, we systematically review the entirety of existing literature on surgery for treating status epilepticus to better identify how and when surgery is used and what patients do after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jha
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sarah E. Blitz
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Melissa M. J. Chua
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Aaron E. L. Warren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jong Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - John D. Rolston
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Furlanis GM, Favaro J, Bresolin N, Grioni D, Baro V, D’Amico A, Sartori S, Denaro L, Landi A. Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Refractory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Pediatric Case Series. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1589. [PMID: 38002548 PMCID: PMC10669853 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that is defined as refractory (RSE) when the seizure activity continues despite treatment with benzodiazepine and a second appropriate treatment. Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is an RSE that persists or recurs for ≥24 h. Few papers have reported the outcomes of pediatric patients affected by RSE and SRSE and treated with neuromodulation therapies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. We present our findings of pediatric patients treated with VNS for RSE/SRSE. METHODS We present a case series of seven consecutive pediatric patients treated with VNS for SRSE since 2012 by a single surgeon in Monza and Padua. A rapid titration was started soon after implantation. We considered electroclinical data before and after VNS implantation and at the last follow-up. RESULTS We achieved the resolution of SRSE in five out of seven patients in a mean time of two weeks. At the last follow-up, these patients had a significant reduction of seizure burden without any relapse of SE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Based on our limited findings, we discuss the potential role of VNS therapy in similar but distinct clinical contexts. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and RSE/SRSE, prompt VNS consideration is suggested, offering rapid responses and potentially reducing pharmacological load. Meanwhile, in NORSE/FIRES, we suggest early neuromodulation during the acute phase if standard treatments prove ineffective or not tolerated. This approach may leverage VNS's potential anti-inflammatory effects and neuromodulation, enhancing patient-specific treatments. Expanding case studies and prolonged follow-ups are recommended to strengthen these clinical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Melinda Furlanis
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Jacopo Favaro
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Nicola Bresolin
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Valentina Baro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Alberto D’Amico
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Luca Denaro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Landi
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
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Stavropoulos I, Pak HL, Alarcon G, Valentin A. Neuromodulation Techniques in Children with Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1527. [PMID: 38002487 PMCID: PMC10670094 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening condition and medical emergency which can have lifelong consequences, including neuronal death and alteration of neuronal networks, resulting in long-term neurologic and cognitive deficits in children. When standard pharmacological treatment for SE is not successful in controlling seizures, the condition evolves to refractory SE (rSE) and finally to super-refractory SE (srSE) if it exceeds 24 h despite using anaesthetics. In this systematic review, we present literature data on the potential uses of clinical neuromodulation techniques for the management of srSE in children, including electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. The evaluation of these techniques is limited by the small number of published paediatric cases (n = 25, one with two techniques) in peer-reviewed articles (n = 18). Although neuromodulation strategies have not been tested through randomised, prospective controlled clinical trials, this review presents the existing data and the potential benefits of neuromodulation therapy, suggesting that these techniques, when available, could be considered at earlier stages within the course of srSE intending to prevent long-term neurologic complications. Clinical trials aiming to establish whether early intervention can prevent long-term sequelae are necessary in order to establish the potential clinical value of neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of srSE in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Ho Lim Pak
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | - Gonzalo Alarcon
- Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK
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Furlanis GM, Fascetti Leon F, Bresolin N, Favaro J, Baro V, D'Amico A, Denaro L, Sartori S, Landi A. Aesthetic transaxillary subpectoral placement of vagus nerve stimulator in children and young adults: A technical note. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109419. [PMID: 37677901 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), refractory status epilepticus, and treatment-resistant depression. The lead is tunneled into the subcutaneous space and connected to the generator, which is usually implanted in a subcutaneous pocket below the clavicle. Surgical complications in the chest region include skin breakdown or infection. An alternative approach is to perform a subclavear subpectoral implantation. In our surgical series, we report a new aesthetic implantation method for VNS generators in children and young patients: the transaxillary subpectoral placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS From May 2021 to May 2023, 10 vagus nerve stimulation generators were placed subpectorally with a transaxillary approach by the authors. We considered operative time, surgical complications such as blood loss, infections, device migration, pain, and adverse events at follow-up. RESULTS In this surgical series, we reviewed all cases of subpectoral implantation of VNS generators in children and young adults at our institution in the last 2 years. All patients were treated with subpectoral Sentiva 1000 (Livanova PLC) insertion with axillary access by a neurosurgeon and a pediatric surgeon. The operative time was slightly longer compared to the traditional subcutaneous implant. All generators reported impedances within the optimal range. Blood loss was not significant and no other perioperative complications were reported. Patients and families were highly satisfied with the outcomes in terms of comfort and aesthetic results after surgery and at the last follow-up. No cases of infection occurred, and no malfunctions or displacements of the generator were registered at clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION The transaxillary subpectoral placement of theVNS generator is an aesthetic and anatomic approach, which provides several benefits to children and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Melinda Furlanis
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fascetti Leon
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Nicola Bresolin
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Jacopo Favaro
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Valentina Baro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Alberto D'Amico
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Luca Denaro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, Italy
| | - Andrea Landi
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, Italy
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Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Blood Inflammatory Markers in Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Pilot Study. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081133. [PMID: 36010024 PMCID: PMC9406968 DOI: 10.3390/children9081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Since one of the suggested mechanisms of action of VNS on epilepsy is the reduction of central inflammation, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of blood inflammatory markers in children considered for VNS surgery. Materials and methods: Five pediatric patients were studied. An extensive analysis of blood inflammatory markers was performed before surgery (T0) and six weeks after VNS implantation (T1). An epileptological outcome was obtained according to the McHugh score. Results: The variations of IgA, IgE, IgG, CD19, and PTX3 displayed a tendency toward a positive statistical correlation between T0 and T1. According to McHugh score, the patients were divided into Group 1 (i.e., Class I) and Group 2 (i.e., Classes II and III). IL-1β and PTX-3 tended to decrease more in Group 1, while TNF-α decreased in Group 2 (−56.65%) and slightly increased (+3.61%) in Group 1 at T1 without statistical correlation. Conclusions: The variation of IL-1β and PTX-3 seem to be related to a better outcome; thus, they do not reach statistical significance. A larger series of patients is needed to determine whether biochemical changes could relay with the clinical improvement of epilepsy.
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Luo T, Wang Y, Lu G, Zhou Y, Wang Y. Vagus nerve stimulation for super-refractory status epilepticus in febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome: a pediatric case report and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:1401-1404. [PMID: 34762158 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating epileptic encephalopathy with limited treatment options and unclear etiology. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an FDA-approved therapy for refractory epilepsy that has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of seizures. There is a growing interest in alternate non-pharmaceutical therapies for managing super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). We present a 29-month-old case, diagnosed with FIRES, whose seizures were successfully controlled by utilization of VNS after ineffective response to intensive pharmacotherapy and ketogenic diet treatment. The VNS was planted after 14 days of refractory seizure activity with a following rapid parameter titration for 42 days without evident side effect, which finally controlled the seizure in the acute phase. VNS may be a potential candidate for the treatment of SRSE in FIRES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Luo
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, No. 399, Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixue Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoping Lu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, No. 399, Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, No. 399, Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China.
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Stavropoulos I, Pak HL, Valentin A. Neuromodulation in Super-refractory Status Epilepticus. J Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 38:494-502. [PMID: 34261110 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Status epilepticus (SE) is a severe condition that needs immediate pharmacological treatment to tackle brain damage and related side effects. In approximately 20% of cases, the standard treatment for SE does not control seizures, and the condition evolves to refractory SE. If refractory status epilepticus lasts more than 24 hours despite the use of anesthetic treatment, the condition is redefined as super-refractory SE (srSE). sRSE is a destructive condition, potentially to cause severe brain damage. In this review, we discuss the clinical neuromodulation techniques for controlling srSE when conventional treatments have failed: electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. Data show that neuromodulation therapies can abort srSE in >80% of patients. However, no randomized, prospective, and controlled trials have been completed, and data are provided only by retrospective small case series and case reports with obvious inclination to publication bias. There is a need for further investigation into the use of neuromodulation techniques as an early treatment of srSE and to address whether an earlier intervention can prevent long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ho Lim Pak
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; and
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Robinson K, Platt S, Stewart G, Reno L, Barber R, Boozer L. Feasibility of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (gammaCore VET™) for the Treatment of Refractory Seizure Activity in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:569739. [PMID: 33195555 PMCID: PMC7524862 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.569739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic condition in dogs. Approximately 20–30% of those dogs are refractory to standard medical therapy and commonly experience side effects from antiepileptic drugs. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has been frequently used in human medicine as an adjunct seizure therapy with low incidence of adverse events. Canine studies are limited to invasive surgical implants with no non-invasive evaluations currently published. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of nVNS (gammaCore VET) as an adjunct treatment for refractory epilepsy in dogs. In total, 14 client-owned dogs completed the trial of either 8- or 16-week treatment periods during which they received 90–120 s stimulation three times per day in the region of the left cervical vagus nerve. Owners recorded seizure type (focal or generalized) and frequency as well as any adverse effects. Out of 14 dogs, nine achieved a reduction in seizure frequency and four were considered responders with a 50% or greater reduction in seizures from baseline to the final treatment period. However, there was no statistically significant difference in overall seizure frequency (p = 0.53) or percent change in seizure frequency between groups (p = 0.75). Adverse effects occurred in 25% of dogs originally enrolled, with reports of a hoarse bark and limb trembling, lethargy, behavioral changes, and an increase in seizure frequency. Non-invasive VNS was found to be safe and easy to administer with mild adverse events. It is considered a feasible treatment option as an adjunct therapy in refractory seizures and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Robinson
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Simon Platt
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Lisa Reno
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Renee Barber
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lindsay Boozer
- Friendship Hospital for Animals, Washington, DC, United States
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Specchio N, Ferretti A, Pietrafusa N, Trivisano M, Calabrese C, Carfì Pavia G, De Benedictis A, Marras CE, de Palma L, Vigevano F. Refractory Status Epilepticus in Genetic Epilepsy-Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation an Option? Front Neurol 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32595584 PMCID: PMC7303322 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE, SRSE) are severe conditions that can have long-term neurological consequences with high morbidity and mortality rates. The usefulness of vagus nerve-stimulation (VNS) implantation during RSE has been documented by anecdotal cases and in systematic reviews; however, the use of VNS in RSE has not been widely adopted. We successfully implanted VNS in two patients with genetic epilepsy admitted to hospital for SRSE; detailed descriptions of the clinical findings and VNS parameters are provided. Our patients were implanted 25 and 58 days after status epilepticus (SE) onset, and a stable remission of SE was observed from the seventh and tenth day after VNS implantation, respectively, without change in anti-seizure medication. We used a fast ramp-up of stimulation without evident side effects. Our results support the consideration of VNS implantation as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for SRSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Calabrese
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Carfì Pavia
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Benedictis
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Efisio Marras
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca de Palma
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
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Dibué-Adjei M, Brigo F, Yamamoto T, Vonck K, Trinka E. Vagus nerve stimulation in refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus - A systematic review. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:1101-1110. [PMID: 31126871 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is the persistence of status epilepticus despite second-line treatment. Super-refractory SE (SRSE) is characterized by ongoing status despite 48 h of anaesthetic treatment. Due to the high case fatality in RSE of 16-39%, off label treatments without strong evidence of efficacy in RSE are often administered. In single case-reports and small case series totalling 28 patients, acute implantation of VNS in RSE was associated with 76% and 26% success rate in generalized and focal RSE respectively. We performed an updated systematic review of the literature on efficacy of VNS in RSE/SRSE by including all reported patients. METHODS We systematically searched EMBASE, CENTRAL, Opengre.eu, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and PubMed databases to identify studies reporting the use of VNS for RSE and/or SRSE. We also searched conference abstracts from AES and ILAE meetings. RESULTS 45 patients were identified in total of which 38 were acute implantations of VNS in RSE/SRSE. Five cases had VNS implantation for epilepsia partialis continua, one for refractory electrical status epilepticus in sleep and one for acute encephalitis with refractory repetitive focal seizures. Acute VNS implantation was associated with cessation of RSE/SRSE in 74% (28/38) of acute cases. Cessation did not occur in 18% (7/38) of cases and four deaths were reported (11%); all of them due to the underlying disease and unlikely related to VNS implantation. Median duration of the RSE/SRSE episode pre and post VNS implantation was 18 days (range: 3-1680 days) and 8 days (range: 3-84 days) respectively. Positive outcomes occurred in 82% (31/38) of cases. CONCLUSION VNS can interrupt RSE and SRSE in 74% of patients; data originate from reported studies classified as level IV and the risk for reporting bias is high. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate acute VNS in RSE and SRSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Dibué-Adjei
- LivaNova Deutschland GmbH, LivaNova PLC-owned Subsidiary, Lindberghstraße 25, 80939, Munich, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy
| | - Takamichi Yamamoto
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kristl Vonck
- Brain Research Team, Department of Neurology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria; Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HTA, UMIT, Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
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