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Scotti-Degnan C, Riisen A, Flynn T. The role of psychology and neuropsychology in pediatric epilepsy surgery evaluation. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101592. [PMID: 38555234 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2024.101592] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological problems affecting 470,000 children in the United States. While most youth will achieve seizure freedom using medication, up to a third will continue to have seizures and are therefore considered to have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Children and adolescents with epilepsy are at higher risk of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional disorders. Youth with DRE are at even greater risk of behavioral and emotional problems impacting quality of life and may need to pursue surgical interventions, including resective surgery or device implantation. Due to advances in the evaluation of candidates and surgical options, epilepsy surgery is more effective and has become second-line treatment for youth with DRE. This paper highlights the importance of exploring, assessing, and treating psychological and neuropsychological factors throughout the three phases of the epilepsy surgery process and ways pediatricians can support youth and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinna Scotti-Degnan
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, United States.
| | - Amanda Riisen
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, United States.
| | - Thomas Flynn
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Section Chief, Neuropsychology & Assessment, United States.
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Apantaku GO, McDonald PJ, Aguiar M, Cabrera LY, Chiong W, Connolly MB, Hrincu V, Ibrahim GM, Kaal KJ, Lawson A, Naftel R, Racine E, Safari A, Harrison M, Illes J. Clinician preferences for neurotechnologies in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A discrete choice experiment. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2338-2349. [PMID: 35699675 PMCID: PMC9796345 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17328] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Novel and minimally invasive neurotechnologies offer the potential to reduce the burden of epilepsy while avoiding the risks of conventional resective surgery. Few neurotechnologies have been tested in randomized controlled trials with pediatric populations, leaving clinicians to face decisions about whether to recommend these treatments with insufficient evidence about the relevant risks and benefits. This study specifically explores the preferences of clinicians for treating pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) with novel neurotechnologies. METHODS A discrete-choice experiment (DCE) was designed to elicit the preferences of clinicians with experience in treating children with DRE using novel neurotechnological interventions. The preferences for six key attributes used when making treatment decisions (chances of clinically significant improvement in seizures, major and minor risks from intervention, availability of evidence, financial burden for the family, and access to the intervention) were estimated using a conditional logit model. The estimates from this model were then used to predict the adoption of existing novel neurotechnological interventions. RESULTS Sixty-eight clinicians completed the survey: 33 neurosurgeons, 28 neurologists, and 7 other clinicians. Most clinicians were working in the United States (74%), and the remainder (26%) in Canada. All attributes, apart from the nearest location with access to the intervention, influenced preferences significantly. The chance of clinically significant improvement in seizures was the most positive influence on clinician preferences, but low-quality evidence and a higher risk of major complications could offset these preferences. Of the existing neurotechnological interventions, vagus nerve stimulation was predicted to have the highest likelihood of adoption; deep brain stimulation had the lowest likelihood of adoption. SIGNIFICANCE The preferences of clinicians are drive primarily by the likelihood of achieving seizure freedom for their patients, but preferences for an intervention are largely eradicated if only low quality of evidence supporting the intervention is available. Until better evidence supporting the use of potentially effective, novel neurotechnologies becomes available, clinicians are likely to prefer more established treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory O. Apantaku
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Patrick J. McDonald
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Section of Neurosurgery, Department of SurgeryUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Magda Aguiar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Laura Y. Cabrera
- Department of Science and Mechanics, Center for Neural EngineeringPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA,Rock Ethics InstitutePennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Winston Chiong
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for NeurosciencesUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mary B. Connolly
- Division of Neurology, Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Viorica Hrincu
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick ChildrenUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - K. Julia Kaal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Ashley Lawson
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Robert Naftel
- Department of NeurosurgeryVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Eric Racine
- Pragmatic Health Ethics Research UnitInstitut de recherches cliniques de MontréalMontréalQuébecCanada,Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversité de MontréalMontréalQuébecCanada,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Abdollah Safari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome SciencesSt. Paul's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Localization of seizure onset zone with epilepsy propagation networks based on graph convolutional network. Biomed Signal Process Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.103489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hrincu V, McDonald PJ, Connolly MB, Harrison MJ, Ibrahim GM, Naftel RP, Chiong W, Alam A, Ribary U, Illes J. Choice and Trade-offs: Parent Decision Making for Neurotechnologies for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:943-949. [PMID: 34078159 PMCID: PMC8458226 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211015010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated factors that guide caregiver decision making and ethical trade-offs for advanced neurotechnologies used to treat children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Caregivers with affected children were recruited to semi-structured focus groups or interviews at one of 4 major epilepsy centers in Eastern and Western Canada and the USA (n = 22). Discussions were transcribed and qualitative analytic methods applied to examine values and priorities (eg, risks, benefits, adherence, invasiveness, reversibility) of caregivers pertaining to novel technologies to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Discussions revealed 3 major thematic branches for decision making: (1) features of the intervention-risks and benefits, with an emphasis on an aversion to perceived invasiveness; (2) decision drivers-trust in the clinical team, treatment costs; and (3) quality of available information about neurotechnological options. Overall, caregivers' definition of treatment success is more expansive than seizure freedom. The full involvement of their values and priorities must be considered in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Hrincu
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patrick J. McDonald
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary B. Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark J. Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P. Naftel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Winston Chiong
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Armaghan Alam
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Urs Ribary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Institute, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Judy Illes, CM, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner S124 Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5 CANADA, Tel: 604.822.0746
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Castagno S, D'Arco F, Tahir MZ, Battey H, Eltze C, Moeller F, Tisdall M. Seizure outcomes of large volume temporo-parieto-occipital and frontal surgery in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2021; 177:106769. [PMID: 34560348 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106769] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigate the seizure outcomes of temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) and frontal disconnections or resections in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in order to determine factors which may predict surgical results. METHODS Children with DRE, who underwent either TPO or frontal disconnection or resection at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children between 2000 and 2017, were identified from a prospectively collated operative database. Demographic data, age at surgery, type of surgery, scalp EEGs and operative histopathology were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was assessed to determine completeness of disconnection and presence of radiological lesion beyond the disconnection margins. Seizure outcome at 6, 12, and 24 months post-surgery was assessed using the Engel Scale (ES). Logistic regression was used to identify relationships between data variables and seizure outcome. RESULTS 46 children (males = 28, females = 18; age range 0.5-16.6 years) who underwent TPO (n = 32, including a re-do disconnection) or frontal disconnection or resection (n = 15) were identified. Patients in the TPO treatment group had more favourable seizure outcomes than those in the frontal treatment group (ES I-II in 56 %vs 47 % at 6 months, 52 % vs 46 % at 12 months). Presence of the lesion beyond disconnection boundaries and older age at the time of surgery were associated with poorer seizure outcome. Gender, surgery type, completeness of disconnection, scalp EEG findings and underlying pathology were not related to seizure outcome, but subgroup numbers were small. CONCLUSIONS Both TPO and frontal disconnection are effective treatments for selected children with posterior multi-lobar or diffuse frontal lobe epilepsy. Confinement of the MRI lesion within the disconnection margins and a younger age at surgery are associated with favourable seizure outcomes. Further studies are required to elucidate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felice D'Arco
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Department of Radiology, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - M Zubair Tahir
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Battey
- Imperial College London, Department of Mathematics, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Christin Eltze
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Department of Neurology, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Friederike Moeller
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Department of Neurology, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Tisdall
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
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Apantaku G, Aguiar M, Kaal KJ, McDonald PJ, Connolly MB, Hrincu V, Illes J, Harrison M. Understanding Attributes that Influence Physician and Caregiver Decisions About Neurotechnology for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Formative Qualitative Study to Support the Development of a Discrete Choice Experiment. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 15:219-232. [PMID: 34431073 PMCID: PMC8866382 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-021-00544-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study reports formative qualitative research used to analyze decision making regarding neurotechnological interventions for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy from the perspective of physicians and caregivers and the derivation of attributes for a discrete choice experiment. METHODS Purposive and convenience sampling was used to recruit physicians and caregivers. Physician focus group sessions were held at key national conferences in the USA and Canada. Caregivers were approached through clinics with established epilepsy surgery programs in the USA and Canada. Thematic analysis was used to identify critical features of decisions about treatment outcomes, procedural trade-offs, values, and concerns surrounding conventional and novel pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy interventions among physicians and caregivers. RESULTS The results highlight the presence of central attributes that are considered by both groups in decision making, such as "chances of seizure freedom", "risk", "availability of evidence", and "cost to families", as well as attributes that reflect important differences between groups. Physicians were focused on the specifics of treatment options, while caregivers thought more holistically, considering the overall well-being of their children. DISCUSSION The findings shaped the development of a discrete choice experiment to understand the likely uptake of different neurotechnologies. We identified differences in decision making and thus designed two discrete choice experiments to elicit preferences for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy treatments, one aimed at clinicians and one at caregivers. The variation we observed highlights the value of seeking to understand the influences at the point of clinical decision making and incorporating this information into care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory Apantaku
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, 4625-2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Magda Aguiar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, 4625-2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - K Julia Kaal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, 4625-2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Patrick J McDonald
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner, S124, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mary B Connolly
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Viorica Hrincu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner, S124, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner, S124, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, 4625-2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada. .,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Chandra PS, Doddamani R, Girishan S, Samala R, Agrawal M, Garg A, Ramanujam B, Tripathi M, Bal C, Nehra A, Tripathi M. Robotic thermocoagulative hemispherotomy: concept, feasibility, outcomes, and safety of a new "bloodless" technique. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021; 27:688-699. [PMID: 33799306 DOI: 10.3171/2020.10.peds20673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors present a new "bloodless" technique for minimally invasive robotic thermocoagulative hemispherotomy (ROTCH). Such a method is being described in the literature for the first time. METHODS A robotic system was used to plan five sets of different trajectories: anterior disconnection, middle disconnection, posterior disconnection, corpus callosotomy, and temporal stem and amygdalar disconnection. A special technique, called the "X" technique, allowed planar disconnection. Registration was performed with surface landmarks (n = 5) and bone fiducials (n = 1). Coregistration with O-arm images was performed one or two times to confirm the trajectories (once for middle disconnection, and once for disconnection of the temporal stem and amygdala or body of the corpus callosum). Impedance measured before ablation allowed for minor adjustments. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at 75°C-80°C for 60 seconds. Surgical procedures were performed with multiple twist drills. After removal of the electrode, glue was used to prevent CSF leak, and a single stitch was applied. Follow-up CT and MRI were immediately performed. RESULTS The pathologies included Rasmussen's encephalitis (n = 2), hemispheric cortical dysplasia (n = 2), posttraumatic encephalomalacia (n = 1), and perinatal insult (n = 1). The mean ± SD (range) age was 6.7 ± 3.6 years (5 months to 10.2 years), and the right side was affected in 4 patients. The mean ± SD seizure frequency was 7.4 ± 5.6 seizures per day (1 patient had epilepsia partialis continua). The mean ± SD number of trajectories was 15.3 ± 2.5, and the mean ± SD number of lesions was 108 ± 25.8. The mean ± SD maximum numbers of trajectories and lesions required for middle disconnection were 7.1 ± 1.7 and 57.5 ± 18.4, respectively. All but 1 patient had class 1 outcomes according to the International League Against Epilepsy Outcome Scale at a mean ± SD (range) follow-up of 13.5 ± 1.6 (12-16) months; the remaining patient had a class 2 outcome. The estimated blood loss was < 5 ml for all patients. Complications included repeat surgery (after 2 weeks) for a "skip" area (n = 1) and a small temporal hematoma (n = 1), which resolved. CONCLUSIONS ROTCH seems to be a safe, feasible, and bloodless procedure, with a very low morbidity rate and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sarat Chandra
- Departments of1Neurosurgery
- 6Center of Excellence for Epilepsy and MEG, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh Doddamani
- Departments of1Neurosurgery
- 6Center of Excellence for Epilepsy and MEG, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Manjari Tripathi
- 4Neurology, and
- 6Center of Excellence for Epilepsy and MEG, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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McDonald PJ, Hrincu V, Connolly MB, Harrison MJ, Ibrahim GM, Naftel RP, Chiong W, Udwadia F, Illes J. Novel Neurotechnological Interventions for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Physician Perspectives. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:222-229. [PMID: 33111593 PMCID: PMC7855396 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820966935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated factors that guide physicians' choices for minimally invasive and neuromodulatory interventions as alternatives to conventional surgery or medical management for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy. North American physicians were recruited to one of 4 focus groups at national conferences. Discussions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A pragmatic neuroethics framework was applied to interpret results. Discussions revealed 2 major thematic branches: (1) clinical decision making and (2) ethical considerations. Under clinical decision making, physicians emphasized scientific evidence and patient candidacy when assessing neurotechnologies for patients. Ongoing seizures without intervention was important for safety and neurodevelopment. Under ethical considerations, resource allocation, among other financial considerations for technology adoption, were considerable sources of pressure on decision making. Access to neurotechnology was a salient theme differentiating Canadian and American contexts. When assessing novel neurotechnological interventions for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy, physicians balance clinical and ethical factors to guide decision making and best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. McDonald
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Judy Illes, CM, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner S124, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 CANADA, Tel: 604.822.0746
| | - Viorica Hrincu
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary B. Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark J. Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P. Naftel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Winston Chiong
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Farhad Udwadia
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Judy Illes, CM, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner S124, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 CANADA, Tel: 604.822.0746
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Udwadia FR, McDonald PJ, Connolly MB, Hrincu V, Illes J. Youth Weigh In: Views on Advanced Neurotechnology for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:128-132. [PMID: 32942941 PMCID: PMC7775323 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820957810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy affects over 500,000 children in North America of whom 30% have drug-resistant epilepsy. Advancements with neurotechnologies show promising benefits, but the perceptions of these procedures by youth is unknown. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 10 youth in British Columbia, Canada who underwent procedures for drug-resistant epilepsy involving different forms of neurotechnology (subdural grids, vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation). Interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative qualitative method. RESULTS Four major thematic categories emerged from the interviews. Treatment values, impact of the disorder, personal context, and impact of neurotechnology. CONCLUSIONS Besides the predictable goal of seizure reduction, a desire for autonomy and the importance of trust in the medical team emerged as dominant values within the 4 thematic categories that were explicit to the use of new neurotechnologies for the management of drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad R Udwadia
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patrick J McDonald
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary B Connolly
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Viorica Hrincu
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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10
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Kaal KJ, Aguiar M, Harrison M, McDonald PJ, Illes J. The Clinical Research Landscape of Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Child Neurol 2020; 35:763-766. [PMID: 32546034 PMCID: PMC7483355 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820931255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the clinical research landscape of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) with a focus on neurotechnology. METHOD We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using the terms "epilepsy" and "drug resistant" for studies including participants age 0-17 years. Returns were grouped by intervention (eg, neurotechnological, drug). Key trial features such as age range, trial status and outcomes were compared across interventions. RESULTS We identified 101 registered trials with pediatric DRE patients. Thirty-two (32%) investigate neurotechnological interventions, devices, or diagnostic procedures; 13 (41%) are currently active. Among neurotechnology trials, 15 (46%) investigate vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, or deep brain stimulation; few are specific to children. Of the remaining 69 trials, 37 investigate a drug, 17 investigate a dietary therapy, and 15 investigate another intervention. Seizure frequency is the most frequent primary outcome measured in the trials identified. SIGNIFICANCE The landscape of registered trials pertaining to pediatric DRE reflects a lag between clinical research and clinical practice, and highlights the need for timely evidence before novel neurotechnological interventions are widely adopted into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Julia Kaal
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Magda Aguiar
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Patrick J. McDonald
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Davis P, Gaitanis J. Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Epilepsy: A Review of Current Approaches and Future Directions. Clin Ther 2020; 42:1140-1154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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12
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Hoppe C, Helmstaedter C. Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LiTT) in pediatric epilepsy surgery. Seizure 2020; 77:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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13
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Wilke M, Groeschel S, Lorenzen A, Rona S, Schuhmann MU, Ernemann U, Krägeloh‐Mann I. Clinical application of advanced MR methods in children: points to consider. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:1434-1455. [PMID: 30480038 PMCID: PMC6243383 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of both functional MRI and diffusion MR tractography prior to a neurosurgical operation is well established in adults, but less so in children, for several reasons. For this review, we have identified several aspects (task design, subject preparation, actual scanning session, data processing, interpretation of results, and decision-making) where pediatric peculiarities should be taken into account. Further, we not only systematically identify common issues, but also provide solutions, based on our experience as well as a review of the pertinent literature. The aim is to provide the clinician as well as the imaging scientist with information that helps to plan, conduct, and interpret such a clinically-indicated exam in a way that maximizes benefit for, and minimizes the burden on the individual child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Wilke
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental MedicineChildren's HospitalTuebingenGermany
- Children's Hospital and Department of NeuroradiologyExperimental Pediatric NeuroimagingTuebingenGermany
| | - Samuel Groeschel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental MedicineChildren's HospitalTuebingenGermany
- Children's Hospital and Department of NeuroradiologyExperimental Pediatric NeuroimagingTuebingenGermany
| | - Anna Lorenzen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental MedicineChildren's HospitalTuebingenGermany
- Children's Hospital and Department of NeuroradiologyExperimental Pediatric NeuroimagingTuebingenGermany
| | - Sabine Rona
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity HospitalTuebingenGermany
| | | | - Ulrike Ernemann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional NeuroradiologyUniversity HospitalUniversity of TübingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Ingeborg Krägeloh‐Mann
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental MedicineChildren's HospitalTuebingenGermany
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14
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Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LiTT) in epilepsy surgery. Seizure 2017; 48:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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15
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Abstract
In common with other stereotactic procedures, stereotactic laser thermocoagulation (SLT) promises gentle destruction of pathological tissue, which might become especially relevant for epilepsy surgery in the future. Compared to standard resection, no large craniotomy is necessary, cortical damage during access to deep-seated lesions can be avoided and interventions close to eloquent brain areas become possible. We describe the history and rationale of laser neurosurgery as well as the two available SLT systems (Visualase® and NeuroBlate®; CE marks pending). Both systems are coupled with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR thermometry, thereby increasing patient safety. We report the published clinical experiences with SLT in epilepsy surgery (altogether approximately 200 cases) with respect to complications, brain structural alterations, seizure outcome, neuropsychological findings and treatment costs. The rate of seizure-free patients seems to be slightly lower than for resection surgery. Due to the inadequate quality of studies, the neuropsychological superiority of SLT has not yet been unambiguously demonstrated.
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