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Silva FDAE, P Morais J, Mira Coelho A. Evaluation of the Behavioral Effect of Psychostimulants in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study. Neuropediatrics 2024. [PMID: 39106875 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. In this context, patients are often treated with psychostimulants in an attempt to control behavioral symptoms. This study aims to understand the behavioral effects of psychostimulants in children with ASD and investigate if interictal epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram (EEG) can act as a modifying factor in this behavior. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with ASD who were being accompanied in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João and had previously done an EEG assessment answered a questionnaire regarding their behavioral response to psychostimulants. RESULTS In total, 47.4% of patients reported improved agitation, 56.1% enhanced concentration, and 8.8% improved sleep. Conversely, 28.1% experienced worsened agitation, 15.8% worsened concentration, and 17.5% worsened sleep. The remaining reported no alterations. The age of diagnosis correlated significantly with improved agitation, with a higher diagnosis age being associated with a higher probability of improvement. Extended-release methylphenidate and genetic variations were significantly associated with worsening of agitation. Regarding speech, 86% exhibited no changes, while 14% showed alterations, mostly, 87.5%, characterized as negative. For other behavioral alterations, 45.6% reported negative changes, 3.5% reported positive changes, and 50.9% reported no additional alterations. Female gender was significantly associated with other negative behavioral changes. A significant correlation was found between treatment duration and the probability of improvement in agitation, concentration, and other behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João P Morais
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alda Mira Coelho
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal
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2
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Capal JK, Jeste SS. Autism and Epilepsy. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:241-252. [PMID: 38423718 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.004] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Risk factors include the presence of developmental delay/intellectual disability, female sex, age, and an underlying genetic condition. Due to higher prevalence of epilepsy in ASD, it is important to have a high index of suspicion for seizures and refer to a neurologist if there are concerns. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with ASD but it becomes more high yield in children with epilepsy and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Shafali S Jeste
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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Mendez MA, Canitano R, Oakley B, San José-Cáceres A, Tinelli M, Knapp M, Cusack J, Parellada M, Violland P, Derk Plas JR, Murphy DGM, Quoidbach V, Arango C. Autism with co-occurring epilepsy care pathway in Europe. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e61. [PMID: 37470323 PMCID: PMC10486251 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism and epilepsy often occur together. Epilepsy and other associated conditions have a substantial impact on the well-being of autistic people and their families, reduce quality of life, and increase premature mortality. Despite this, there is a lack of studies investigating the care pathway of autistic children with co-occurring epilepsy in Europe. METHODS We analyzed the care pathway for autistic children with associated epilepsy in Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom from the perspective of caregivers (using a survey aimed at caregivers of autistic children 0-18 years old), the autistic community, and professionals, in order to identify major barriers preventing caregivers and autistic children from receiving timely screening and treatment of possible co-occurring epilepsy. RESULTS Across all three countries, an analysis of the current care pathway showed a lack of systematic screening of epilepsy in all autistic children, lack of treatment of co-occurring epilepsy, and inappropriate use of antiepileptic drugs. A major challenge is the lack of evidence-based harmonized guidelines for autism with co-occurring epilepsy in these countries. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show both heterogeneity and major gaps in the care pathway for autism with associated epilepsy and the great efforts that caregivers must make for timely screening, diagnosis, and adequate management of epilepsy in autistic children. We call for policy harmonization in Europe in order to improve the experiences and quality of life of autistic people and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Mendez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Canitano
- Department of Psychiatry, Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Bethany Oakley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
- AIMS-2-TRIALS Consortium
| | - Antonia San José-Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS Consortium
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michela Tinelli
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Mara Parellada
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS Consortium
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Declan G. M. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
- AIMS-2-TRIALS Consortium
| | | | - Celso Arango
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS Consortium
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Cano-Villagrasa A, Moya-Faz FJ, López-Zamora M. Relationship of epilepsy on the linguistic-cognitive profile of children with ASD: A systematic review of the literature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1101535. [PMID: 37063523 PMCID: PMC10092355 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe prevalence of comorbidity between epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the pediatric age increased significantly in recent years. The onset of epilepsy negatively influences the abilities of the user with ASD. Thus, epilepsy will be a disabling factor that will reduce the cognitive-linguistic skills of users with ASD. The main objective of this work is to review the current scientific literature and to compare the relationship of epilepsy on the development of cognitive and linguistic skills of children with ASD.MethodsIn this regard, a systematic search was carried out in the main sources (Medline, PubMed, WOS, ResearchGate and Google Scholar). 481 articles were identified, from which, after meeting the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 studies of relevance to the objectives of this work were selected.ResultsThe results reflect that, at a global level, epilepsy significantly influences the performance of cognitive- linguistic skills in people with ASD.DiscussionIn conclusion, epilepsy in the ASD population leads to a reduction in cognitive and linguistic abilities, which respond to the different types of epilepsy and their location, significantly impacting the quality of life and basic activities of daily living of the user with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos, Murcia, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
| | - Francisco José Moya-Faz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
- Francisco José Moya-Faz
| | - Miguel López-Zamora
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Miguel López-Zamora
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5
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EEG abnormalities and clinical phenotypes in pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108619. [PMID: 35303620 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) results have been reported in a high percentage of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in a clinical population of pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the differences in terms of the following phenotypic characteristics: adaptive behavior, executive functioning, severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder core symptoms, and comorbidity symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of 69 children who attended the Autism Spectrum Disorder early diagnosis program with electroencephalography and clinical diagnosis was performed. A battery of questionnaires was also made to parents to evaluate emotions, behavior, and functional skills for daily living. RESULTS Out of 69 pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, twenty nine (42%) had abnormalities in electroencephalography results. The group with abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography exhibited more impairment in executive functioning and social-relationship coexisting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The presence of an abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography in pre-school children with ASD already suggests a worse development in clinical features.
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Precenzano F, Parisi L, Lanzara V, Vetri L, Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Ruberto M, Messina G, Risoleo MC, Santoro C, Bitetti I, Marotta R. Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics and Therapeutic Implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56090419. [PMID: 32825169 PMCID: PMC7559692 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A large body of literature reports the higher prevalence of epilepsy in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to the general population. Similarly, several studies report an increased rate of Subclinical Electroencephalographic Abnormalities (SEAs) in seizure-free patients with ASD rather than healthy controls, although with varying percentages. SEAs include both several epileptiform discharges and different non-epileptiform electroencephalographic abnormalities. They are more frequently associated with lower intellectual functioning, more serious dysfunctional behaviors, and they are often sign of severer forms of autism. However, SEAs clinical implications remain controversial, and they could represent an epiphenomenon of the neurochemical alterations of autism etiology. This paper provides an overview of the major research findings with two main purposes: to better delineate the state-of-the-art about EEG abnormalities in ASD and to find evidence for or against appropriateness of SEAs pharmacological treatment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Precenzano
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Lucia Parisi
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Lanzara
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-328-643-4126
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Maria Ruberto
- Centro Pro Juventute Minerva SRL, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Risoleo
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Ilaria Bitetti
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Rosa Marotta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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Association of Autism Onset, Epilepsy, and Behavior in a Community of Adults with Autism and Severe Intellectual Disability. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10080486. [PMID: 32727070 PMCID: PMC7466106 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are hard to characterize due to their clinical heterogeneity. Whether epilepsy and other highly prevalent comorbidities may be related to specific subphenotypes such as regressive ASD (i.e., the onset of symptoms after a period of apparently typical development) is controversial and yet to be determined. Such discrepancies may be related to the fact that age, level of cognitive functioning, and environmental variables are often not taken into account. We considered a sample of 20 subjects (i) between 20 and 55 years of age, (ii) with severe/profound intellectual disability, (iii) living in the same rural context of a farm community. As a primary aim, we tested for the association between epilepsy and regressive ASD. Secondly, we explored differences in behavioral and pharmacological profiles related to the presence of each of these conditions, as worse behavioral profiles have been separately associated with both epilepsy and regressive ASD in previous studies. An initial trend was observed for associations between the presence of epilepsy and regressive ASD (odds ratio: 5.33; 95% CI: 0.62-45.41, p-value: 0.086). Secondly, subjects with either regressive ASD or epilepsy showed worse behavioral profiles (despite the higher pharmacotherapy they received). These preliminary results, which need to be further confirmed, suggest the presence of specific associations of different clinical conditions in subjects with rarely investigated phenotypes.
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Bruining H, Hardstone R, Juarez-Martinez EL, Sprengers J, Avramiea AE, Simpraga S, Houtman SJ, Poil SS, Dallares E, Palva S, Oranje B, Matias Palva J, Mansvelder HD, Linkenkaer-Hansen K. Measurement of excitation-inhibition ratio in autism spectrum disorder using critical brain dynamics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9195. [PMID: 32513931 PMCID: PMC7280527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) is a key principle for neuronal network organization and information processing. Consistent with this notion, excitation-inhibition imbalances are considered a pathophysiological mechanism in many brain disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, methods to measure E/I ratios in human brain networks are lacking. Here, we present a method to quantify a functional E/I ratio (fE/I) from neuronal oscillations, and validate it in healthy subjects and children with ASD. We define structural E/I ratio in an in silico neuronal network, investigate how it relates to power and long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) of the network's activity, and use these relationships to design the fE/I algorithm. Application of this algorithm to the EEGs of healthy adults showed that fE/I is balanced at the population level and is decreased through GABAergic enforcement. In children with ASD, we observed larger fE/I variability and stronger LRTC compared to typically developing children (TDC). Interestingly, visual grading for EEG abnormalities that are thought to reflect E/I imbalances revealed elevated fE/I and LRTC in ASD children with normal EEG compared to TDC or ASD with abnormal EEG. We speculate that our approach will help understand physiological heterogeneity also in other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilgo Bruining
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Hardstone
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Erika L Juarez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Sprengers
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur-Ervin Avramiea
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Simpraga
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- NBT Analytics BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon J Houtman
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eva Dallares
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Satu Palva
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bob Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Matias Palva
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, FIN-00029, Hus, Finland
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Capal JK, Macklin EA, Lu F, Barnes G. Factors Associated With Seizure Onset in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics 2020; 145:S117-S125. [PMID: 32238538 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-1895o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher prevalence of epilepsy compared with general populations. In this pilot study, we prospectively identified baseline risk factors for the development of seizures in individuals with ASD and also identified characteristics sensitive to seizure onset up to 6 years after enrollment in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network. METHODS Children with ASD and no history of seizures at baseline who either experienced onset of seizures after enrollment in the Autism Treatment Network or remained seizure free were included in the analysis. RESULTS Among 472 qualifying children, 22 (4.7%) experienced onset of seizures after enrollment. Individuals who developed seizures after enrollment exhibited lower scores at baseline on all domains of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, greater hyperactivity on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (25.4 ± 11.8 vs 19.2 ± 11.1; P = .018), and lower physical quality of life scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (60.1 ± 24.2 vs 76.0 ± 18.2; P < .001). Comparing change in scores from entry to call-back, adjusting for age, sex, length of follow-up, and baseline Vineland II composite score, individuals who developed seizures experienced declines in daily living skills (-8.38; 95% confidence interval -14.50 to -2.50; P = .005). Adjusting for baseline age, sex, and length of follow-up, baseline Vineland II composite score was predictive of seizure development (risk ratio = 0.95 per unit Vineland II composite score, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 0.99; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with ASD at risk for seizures exhibited changes in adaptive functioning and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eric A Macklin
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Frances Lu
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory Barnes
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Louisville Autism Center, Louisville, Kentucky
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Callari A, Miniati M. Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges when Psychiatric Disorders Occur in Neurological Diseases: A Narrative Review. CURRENT PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH AND REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573400515666190411142109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:Over the course of the 20th century, neurology and psychiatry diverged and became two separate disciplines. Subsequently, the continuous progress of neurosciences confused their boundaries. However, with ‘the splitting’ and ‘the lumping’ approaches, relevant difficulties remain in targeting clinical and therapeutic goals, when psychiatric signs and symptoms co-occur with neurological diseases.Objective:The study summarize current evidence on psychiatric signs and symptoms comorbid with neurological diseases, with the aim to provide information on diagnostic problems and available therapeutic options.Methods:Finding from searches of publications on ‘PsycInfo’, ‘Medline’, and ‘Science Direct’, from January 1993 to December 2018 (25 years) is summarized in a narrative manner on six main neurological areas: congenital neurological illnesses (n=16), dementias (n=15), basal ganglia diseases (n=30), epilepsy (n=22), strokes/focal brain injuries (n=29), and neurological neoplastic/paraneoplastic diseases (n=15).Results:Clinical phenotypes of psychiatric syndromes are frequently described in neurological studies. Little evidence is provided on the most adequate therapeutic approaches.Conclusion:Psychiatric syndromes in comorbidity with neurological diseases are heterogeneous and severe; evidence-based treatments are scarce. Despite a model supporting an equal approach between psychiatric and neurological syndromes, psychiatric syndromes in neurological diseases have been described, to a relevant degree, as less important, leading to a hierarchical primate of the neurological manifestations, and thus, in our opinion, limiting the systematic studies on psychopharmacological treatments in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Miniati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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11
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Salpekar JA, Mula M. Common psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy: How big of a problem is it? Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:293-297. [PMID: 30149996 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric illness and epilepsy commonly co-occur in adults and in children and adolescents. Theories of comorbidity are complex, but recurring associations between the conditions suggest overlap that is more than simple co-occurrence. Common underlying pathophysiology may imply that epilepsy itself may constituently include psychiatric symptoms. Conditions such as depression or cognitive difficulties commonly occur and in some cases, are considered to be associated with specific epilepsy characteristics such as localization or seizure type. Regardless of etiologic attributions to psychiatric comorbidity, it is clear today that treatment for epilepsy needs to target psychiatric illness. In many cases, quality-of-life improvements depend more upon addressing psychiatric symptoms than seizures themselves. This article is part of the Special Issue "Obstacles of Treatment of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Salpekar
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, USA.
| | - Marco Mula
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, United Kingdom; Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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EEG Abnormalities as a Neurophysiological Biomarker of Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Cohort Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2337-2347. [PMID: 30726535 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To date, the phenotypic significance of EEG abnormalities in patients with ASD is unclear. In a population affected by ASD we aimed to evaluate: the phenotypic characteristics; the prevalence of EEG abnormalities; the potential correlations between EEG abnormalities and behavioral and cognitive variables. Sixty-nine patients with ASD underwent cognitive or developmental testing, language assessment, and adaptive behavior skills evaluation as well as sleep/wake EEG recording. EEG abnormalities were found in 39.13% of patients. EEG abnormalities correlated with autism severity, hyperactivity, anger outbursts, aggression, negative or destructive behavior, motor stereotypies, intellectual disability, language impairment and self-harm. Our findings confirmed that EEG abnormalities are present in the ASD population and correlate with several associated phenotypic features.
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Belousova ED, Zavadenko NN. [Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders in children]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 118:80-85. [PMID: 30141793 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181185280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The problem of epilepsy comorbidity with autism spectrum disorders in children is discussed. The incidence data of autism spectrum disorders in epilepsy, epileptiform discharges on the EEG in autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy in autism spectrum disorders are reviewed. The following types of epilepsy and autism co-occurrence are discussed: both conditions are independent, have different causes and may co-occur by chance; epilepsy and autism are associated, both being independent consequences of the same genetic disorder or early cerebral damage; autism is caused by the epileptic process which interferes with the function of specific brain networks involved in the development of communication and social behavior; autism is a result of the withdrawal reaction in the epileptic child. The known genetic causes of epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders comorbidity are provided. The practical issues are discussed, in particular the rational indication of antiepileptic drugs to the children suffering autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Belousova
- N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow
| | - N N Zavadenko
- N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow
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Swatzyna RJ, Boutros NN, Genovese AC, MacInerney EK, Roark AJ, Kozlowski GP. Electroencephalogram (EEG) for children with autism spectrum disorder: evidential considerations for routine screening. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 28:615-624. [PMID: 30218395 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Routine electroencephalograms (EEG) are not recommended as a screen for epileptic discharges (EDs) in current practice guidelines for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a review of the research from the last three decades suggests that this practice should be reevaluated. The significant comorbidity between epilepsy and ASD, its shared biological pathways, risk for developmental regression, and cognitive challenges demand increased clinical investigation requiring a proactive approach. This review highlights and explains the need for screening EEGs for children with ASD. EEG would assist in differentiating EDs from core features of ASD and could be included in a comprehensive assessment. EEG also meets the demand for evidence-based precision medicine and focused care for the individual, especially when overlapping processes of development are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Swatzyna
- Electro-Neuro Analysis Research, Tarnow Center for Self-Management, 1001 West Loop South, Suite 215, Houston, TX, 77027, USA.
| | - Nash N Boutros
- Behavioral Neurology Division, The Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ann C Genovese
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Gerald P Kozlowski
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Saybrook University, Oakland, CA, USA
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Milovanovic M, Radivojevic V, Radosavljev-Kircanski J, Grujicic R, Toskovic O, Aleksić-Hil O, Pejovic-Milovancevic M. Epilepsy and interictal epileptiform activity in patients with autism spectrum disorders. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:45-52. [PMID: 30611007 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and subclinical epileptiform abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to investigate its effects on core autistic symptoms and adaptive behavior skills. METHODS Patients with diagnosis of ASD who met full criteria on Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were included in the study. Adaptive behavior skills were assessed by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II (VABS-II). Clinical assessment for epilepsy and video electroencephalography (EEG) (v-EEG) examinations during wakefulness and/or sleep were prospectively performed in all patients. RESULTS A total of 112 patients with diagnosis of ASD of mean age 6.58 ± 3.72 were included in the study. Based on clinical and v-EEG assessments, three groups of patients were defined: 1) patients with epilepsy (n = 17; 15.2%); 2) patients with epileptiform discharges in absence of clinical seizures (n = 14; 12.5%); 3) patients without epilepsy and without epileptiform discharges (n = 81; 72.3%). There were no significant differences between three groups of patients on ADI-R subscores. Speech development was also not significantly related to epilepsy. There was a slight tendency of the VABS-II motor skills score to be higher in the group of patients with autism without clinical diagnosis of epilepsy and without subclinical epileptiform discharges (p < 0.05) in comparison with the two other groups. According to this tendency, we might claim that patients with higher scores on motor skills could have 0.88 times lower odds for having epileptiform EEG activity. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, we were not able to detect differences in the ADI-R between the three populations with ASD, all with unknown etiology. Epilepsy, as well as subclinical epileptic discharges, showed small effects on Motor Skills in patients with autism, and had no effect on adaptive behavior Communication/Socialization/Daily Living Skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Milovanovic
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Toskovic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Milica Pejovic-Milovancevic
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Capal JK, Carosella C, Corbin E, Horn PS, Caine R, Manning-Courtney P. EEG endophenotypes in autism spectrum disorder. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 88:341-348. [PMID: 30340903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy is well-known. Abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) results have been reported in patients with ASD without a history of seizures. However, little is known about the relationship between abnormalities on EEG results and the core features of ASD. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the presence of epilepsy and/or abnormalities on EEG results and disease-associated impairments in young children with ASD. METHODS Data were collected from medical records at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) of patients with well-characterized ASD. Patients were subdivided into three groups: ASD without epilepsy but with abnormal EEG results, ASD without epilepsy and normal EEG results, and ASD with epilepsy. Developmental (Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL)), adaptive (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS)), behavioral (Child Behavior Checklist), and language (Preschool Language Scales (PLS)) assessments, along with birth and developmental histories, medications, and medical comorbidities were collected. Electroencephalography data were abstracted from reports and included presence, characterization, and location of abnormalities. RESULTS Analysis was performed on 443 patients with ASD. Seventy patients (15.8%) had epilepsy at the time of ASD diagnosis. Out of 372 patients with ASD and no epilepsy, 95 (25.5%) had an abnormal EEG result (67.4% epileptiform, 36.8% other abnormalities). Majority of epileptiform discharges were focal (83%) and most commonly seen in the left temporal region. The group with abnormal EEG results exhibited more impaired adaptive functioning when compared with the group with normal EEG results (p < 0.05). The group with abnormal EEG results was more similar to the group with epilepsy, differing only in expressive language (p < 0.01) and fine motor (p < 0.05) skills on the Mullen Scales. The group with epilepsy exhibited lower scores in all areas of developmental and adaptive functioning compared with the group with normal EEG results (p < 0.05). At the time of analysis, 13 patients (8 in the group with abnormal EEG results, 5 in the group with normal EEG results) developed epilepsy at a mean age of 10.5 years ± 3.3 years. CONCLUSIONS The presence of an abnormal EEG result or epilepsy in the setting of ASD suggests worse developmental and adaptive functioning. Further analysis will help to clarify associations and offer insight into treatment for this subpopulation without epilepsy but with abnormal EEG results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America.
| | - Christopher Carosella
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Elora Corbin
- Cook Children's Medical Center, 1500 S. Cooper Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States of America
| | - Paul S Horn
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Caine
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Patricia Manning-Courtney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America; Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The overlap of neuropsychiatric illness and developmental disability continues to be prominently recognized in clinical practice and in the academic literature. Theoretical and practical considerations may represent a frontier for understanding brain and behavior relationships. The purpose of this review is to explore this common relationship and report on recent literature that helps advance the larger fields of psychiatry and neurology. RECENT FINDINGS Overlap between developmental disability, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric illness may be more common than originally thought. Excessive excitatory neurotransmitter activity may be present in epilepsy and in autism spectrum disorder. Specific seizure types may be associated with features of developmental disabilities and neuropsychiatric conditions. SUMMARY Neuropsychiatric illness is common in epilepsy and more frequent in developmental disabilities than generally recognized. Seizure foci in the temporal lobe may play a significant role. Brain connectivity and specific neurotransmitter systems are active areas of investigation. Antiepileptic drugs may improve neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with developmental disability and epilepsy.
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EEG abnormalities and long term seizure outcome in high functioning autism. Acta Neurol Belg 2017; 117:729-732. [PMID: 28447214 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-017-0785-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Electroencephalographic abnormalities may occur in autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) even in the absence of clinical seizures. These abnormalities may vary from nonspecific changes to epileptiform abnormalities and are more common compared to the overall population. The level of intelligence is a significant risk factor for epilepsy in ASD. However, the relation between the functionality of the individuals with autism and the electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities, and the clinical significance of these abnormalities still remain relatively unclear. In this study we investigated the presence of EEG abnormalities in sixteen children diagnosed with high-functioning ASD. EEG recording was performed for at least 2 h and included at least 90 min of sleep activity. While none of the patients had clinical seizures, 5 patients (31.3%) were detected to have EEG abnormalities. Four of these were epileptiform (25%), and one patient developed seizure during follow-up. Our results support the fact that EEG abnormalities are observed at a higher rate also in ASD with a better functionality. The potential impact of EEG abnormalities on cognition and behavior, and the risk of epilepsy should be considered during long-term follow-up of these patients.
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