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Ranasinghe KMIU, Senanayake S, Gunasekara S, Garusinghe S, Attanayake D, Wanigasinghe J, Fernando S, Kudavidanage B, de Silva A, Suraweera C, Satharasinghe S, Karunanayaka S, Senanayake SJ, Gooneratne IK. Surgical Outcome of Pharmaco Refractory Epilepsy in the National Epilepsy Center of Sri Lanka. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:e494-e502. [PMID: 38310948 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.153] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Epilepsy Center (NEC) in Sri Lanka was established in 2017. Seizure outcome, effects on quality of life (QOL) and surgical complications among nonpediatric patients who underwent epilepsy surgery from October 2017 to February 2023 are described. METHODS Nineteen patients (≥14 years) underwent epilepsy surgery at the NEC. We used Engel classification and Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31) questionnaire to assess seizure outcome and QOL respectively. Surgical complications were categorized into neurological and complications related to surgery. RESULTS Nine female and 10 male patients underwent surgery (mean age 27.5 years (range 14-44 years). The mean follow-up duration was 10.5 months (range 6-55 months). Twelve patients underwent temporal lobe resections. At 6-months follow-up, 83.3% (10/12) had favorable seizure outcomes with Engel class I/II. At 1-year follow-up 6/8 patients (75.0%) and at 2-year follow-up, 5/7 patients (71.4%) had a favorable outcome. Seven patients had extra-temporal lobe surgeries and one defaulted. Seizure freedom was observed in 6/6 at 6 months, 3/3 at 1-year, and 2/2 at 2-year follow-up. Five patients (26.3%) experienced minor post-operative surgical site infection. Two (11.1%) had persistent quadrantanopia. Meaningful improvement in QOL (change in QOLIE-31 score ≥11.8) was observed irrespective of seizure outcome or type of surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy surgery is effective in developing countries. Seizure outcomes in our patients are comparable to those worldwide. Clinically important QOL improvement was observed in our series. This is the first published data on epilepsy surgery outcomes in nonpediatric patients from Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M I U Ranasinghe
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | - Sunethra Senanayake
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sudath Gunasekara
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sanjeewa Garusinghe
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepal Attanayake
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Sanjaya Fernando
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Bimal Kudavidanage
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Anil de Silva
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Chathurie Suraweera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Salika Karunanayaka
- Institution of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sameera Jayan Senanayake
- Health Services and System Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Bankole NDA, Dokponou YCH, De Koning R, Dalle DU, Kesici Ö, Egu C, Ikwuegbuenyi C, Adegboyega G, Yang Ooi SZ, Dada OE, Erhabor J, Mukambo E, Olobatoke TA, Takoutsing BD, Bandyopadhyay S. Epilepsy care and outcome in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2024; 15:8-15. [PMID: 38476408 PMCID: PMC10927051 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_527_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to systematically review, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information on the current state of medical and surgical management and outcomes of epilepsy in LMICs. Materials and Methods Systematic searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, World Health Organization Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online, WOS, and Scopus, covering the period from the inception of the databases to August 18th, 2021, focusing on studies reporting management and outcomes of epilepsy in LMICs. Results A total of 2298 unique studies were identified, of which, 48 were included (38035 cases). The mean age was 20.1 ± 19.26 years with a male predominance in 60.92% of cases. The type of seizure commonly reported in most of the studies was absence seizures (n = 8302, 21.82%); partial focal seizure (n = 3891, 10.23%); and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (n = 3545, 9.32%) which were the next most common types of seizures. Mesiotemporal epilepsy was less frequently reported (n = 87, 0.22%). Electroencephalogram was commonly used (n = 2516, 6.61%), followed by computed tomography scan (n = 1028, 2.70%), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 638, 1.67%), and video telemetry (n = 484, 1.27%) in the care of patients with seizures. Primary epilepsy was recorded in 582 patients (1.53%) whereas secondary epilepsy was present in 333 patients (0.87%). Carbamazepine was the most used anti-epileptic drug (n = 2121, 5.57%). Surgical treatment was required for 465 (1.22%) patients. Conclusion In LMICs, epilepsy is underreported. There is still a lack of adequate tools for the diagnosis of primary or secondary epilepsy as well as adequate access to medical management of those reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosaline De Koning
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - David Ulrich Dalle
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Özgür Kesici
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Chinedu Egu
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Gideon Adegboyega
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Olaoluwa E. Dada
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Joshua Erhabor
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Mukambo
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Berjo D. Takoutsing
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Soham Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Wilmshurst JM, Catsman-Berrevoets C, Gilbert DL, Nagarajan L, Samia P, Serdaroglu E, Triki C, Vidaurre J, Hameed B. Access to Pediatric Neurology Training and Services Worldwide: A Survey by the International Child Neurology Association. Neurology 2023; 101:798-808. [PMID: 37491325 PMCID: PMC10634651 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neurology is the medical subspecialty responsible for diagnosing and managing diseases and disorders of the nervous system in childhood and adolescence. In many, but not all, regions of the world, the discipline of pediatric neurology is recognized as a specialty or subspecialty of either neurology or pediatrics. Significant knowledge and competencies in this area are necessary to be effective in clinical practice. The need for this is driven by the high burden of disease from neurologic conditions in children and the effect on their families. As the first part of a multistaged project under the auspices of the International Child Neurology Association, in collaboration with key stakeholders, a survey was undertaken to establish which countries have practicing child neurologists. For those countries that have child neurologists, the survey established the number of practitioners and which countries have access to in-country child neurology training. Responses were obtained from 177 countries. Worldwide, there is a median of 0.07 and mean of 0.39 child neurologists per 100,000 population. The greatest deficits in child neurology specialists and access to training were evident in countries which fell under the World Bank rating of low-income country status (range of 0-0.008 child neurologists per 100,000 population). Seventy-three percent of low-income countries lack access to child neurologists: The majority are in the African and South-East Asia regions. For the population of 1.37 billion in the continent of Africa, there were 324 child neurologists, equating to a median of 0.01 per 100,000 population in comparison with a median of 0.59 child neurologists per 100,000 across high-income countries. Ninety-four countries had capacity to support in-country pediatric neurology training. Worldwide, there are inadequate numbers of child neurologists and a great need for increased training capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo M Wilmshurst
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London.
| | - Coriene Catsman-Berrevoets
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Donald L Gilbert
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Lakshmi Nagarajan
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Pauline Samia
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Esra Serdaroglu
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Chahnez Triki
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Jorge Vidaurre
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
| | - Biju Hameed
- From the Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Neurology (C.C.-B.), ErasmusMC / Sophia Childrens Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Neurology (D.L.G.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH; Department of Neurology (L.N.), Perth Children's Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (P.S.), Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Child Neurology (E.S.), Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; Child Neurology Department (C.T.), Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Pediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship (J.V.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University; and Department of Paediatric Neurology and Neurodisability (B.H.), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
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Nemathaga M, Maputle MS, Makhado L, Mashau NS. Diagnosis of Epilepsy by Traditional Healers and Its Implications on Management in the Selected Rural Communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces: A Qualitative Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:973-983. [PMID: 37096026 PMCID: PMC10122469 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s392479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which causes seizures and may be accompanied by loss of unconsciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. However, other types of epilepsy are only characterised by rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring into space. Many people living with epilepsy in rural communities consult traditional healers as their first line of treatment for epilepsy. Second preference is given to medical practitioners which causes unnecessary delay in the early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. This study aimed to explore how traditional healers diagnose epilepsy and its implications on management in the selected rural communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Methods A qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive and contextual designs was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to sample six villages in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Snowball sampling was used to sample twenty traditional healers. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews at the participant's homes. Data were analysed using Tesch's eight steps of open coding data analysis. Results This study found that traditional healers have varied beliefs and misconceptions regarding the causes and diagnosis of epilepsy, hence this greatly influencing the management. The misconceptions on the causes include a calling by ancestors, urine contents, snake in the stomach, contaminated digestive system and witchcraft. The management included using herbal plants, insects, foam excreted during seizures and urine of the person living with epilepsy. Recommendation It is recommended that for effective management of epilepsy, there should be coordination between traditional healing and western medicine. Future research should look at the integration of traditional medicine and western medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muofheni Nemathaga
- Department of Advanced Nursing, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Maria S Maputle
- Department of Advanced Nursing, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Correspondence: Maria S Maputle, Email
| | - Lufuno Makhado
- Department of Public Health, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
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Patel AA, Ciccone O, Nkole KL, Kalyelye P, Sham L, Kielian A, Berger T, Huff HV, Johnson HF, Sulu M, Mathews M, Mazumdar M. Development and Evaluation of a Pediatric Epilepsy Training Program for First Level Providers in Zambia. Glob Pediatr Health 2020; 7:2333794X20968718. [PMID: 33225022 PMCID: PMC7649896 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x20968718] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The developing world continues to face challenges in closing the large treatment gap for epilepsy, due to a high burden of disease and few experienced providers to manage the condition. Children with epilepsy are susceptible to higher rates of developmental impairments and refractory disease due to delays or absence of appropriate management as a result. We demonstrated that a structured education intervention on pediatric epilepsy can improve knowledge, confidence, and impact clinical practice of first level providers in Zambia. Methods. Three first-level facilities across Zambia were included. After initial pilot versions and revisions, the final course was implemented at each site. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge and confidence assessments were performed. Additionally, chart reviews were conducted prior to intervention and 4 months after completion of training at each site to assess change on management. Results. Twenty-three of the original 24 participants from all 3 sites completed the training; 48% clinical officers, 43% nurses, 9% other expertise. Of the 15 concepts tested by knowledge assessment, 12 showed trends in improvement, 7 of which were significant (P < .05). Chart reviews demonstrated significant improvement in documentation of seizure description (P = .008), seizure frequency (P = .00), and possible causes of seizures/epilepsy (P = .034). Discussion. Key elements of success to this program included hands on clinical skills building and case-based teaching, development of a program with direct and ongoing input from the target audience, and inclusion of assessments to monitor impact on clinical practice. Future studies looking at health outcomes are necessary to determine sustained impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana A Patel
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ornella Ciccone
- University Teaching Hospital- Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Prisca Kalyelye
- University Teaching Hospital- Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lauren Sham
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Agnieszka Kielian
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamar Berger
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hanalise V Huff
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah F Johnson
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mercy Sulu
- Arthur Davison Children's Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Manoj Mathews
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lusaka, Zambia.,Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Rice DR, Sakadi F, Tassiou NR, Vogel AC, Djibo Hamani AB, Bah AK, Garcia A, Patenaude BN, Fode Cisse A, Mateen FJ. Socioeconomic associations of poorly controlled epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea: cross-sectional study. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:813-823. [PMID: 32324940 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the socioeconomic factors associated with epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea. METHODS People living with epilepsy (PLWE) were prospectively recruited at Ignace Deen Hospital, Conakry, in 2018. An instrument exploring household assets as a measure of wealth was designed and administered. Multivariate logistic regression models with fixed effects were fitted to assess the associations of sociodemographic and microeconomic factors with self-reported frequency of seizures in the prior month and regular intake of antiseizure medications (ASMs). Participants were stratified by age group: children (<13 years), adolescents (13-21) and adults (>21). RESULTS A total of 285 participants (mean age 19.5 years; 129 females; 106 children, 72 adolescents, 107 adults, median household size 8) had an average of 4.2 seizures in the prior month. 64% were regularly taking ASMs. Direct costs of epilepsy were similar across income strata, averaging 60 USD/month in the lowest and 75 USD/month in the highest wealth quintiles (P = 0.42). The poorest PLWE were more likely to spend their money on traditional treatments (average 35USD/month) than on medical consultations (average 11 USD/month) (P = 0.01), whereas the wealthiest participants were not. Higher seizure frequency was associated with a lower household education level in adolescents and children (P = 0.028; P = 0.026) and with being male (P = 0.009) in children. Adolescents in higher-educated households were more likely to take ASMs (P = 0.004). Boys were more likely to regularly take ASMs than girls (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Targeted programming for children and adolescents in the households with the lowest education and for girls would help improve epilepsy care in Guinea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan R Rice
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Foksouna Sakadi
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Teaching Hospital, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
| | - Nana Rahma Tassiou
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Teaching Hospital, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
| | - Andre C Vogel
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Aissatou Kenda Bah
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Teaching Hospital, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
| | - Alex Garcia
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Bryan N Patenaude
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Abass Fode Cisse
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Teaching Hospital, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
| | - Farrah J Mateen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Buddhiraja R, Sharma S, Sharma S, Bansal RK, Setia RK, Bansal N, Chowdhury A, Goraya JS, Kaur S, Kaur M, Kalra S, Sander JW, Singh G. Epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary healthcare providers in an Indian district. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106899. [PMID: 32058300 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scaling up the involvement of primary care providers in epilepsy management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires an understanding of their epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). AIM The aim of the study was to document levels of knowledge about, attitudes towards, and practices regarding epilepsy among different ranks of primary healthcare providers in a North-Western Indian district. METHODS The survey included government medical officers (MOs), auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and accredited social health activists (ASHAs). They were administered a specially designed KAP questionnaire. Responses were analyzed according to rank. RESULTS The survey showed that nearly 10% of ANMs and almost a fifth of ASHAs had never heard about epilepsy. A quarter of MOs and over two-thirds of ANMs and ASHAs had never provided care to someone with epilepsy. There were significant differences in the levels of knowledge between the three groups of workers. CONCLUSIONS Closing the huge gaps in KAP by educating primary care and community health workers about epilepsy should be a priority before engaging them in the epilepsy care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Buddhiraja
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Sarit Sharma
- Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Suman Sharma
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Rajnder K Bansal
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Raj K Setia
- Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Ludhiana, India
| | - Namita Bansal
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Anuraag Chowdhury
- Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Jatinder S Goraya
- Department of Paediatrics, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Sukhpreet Kaur
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Shivani Kalra
- College of Nursing, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Josemir W Sander
- NIHR University College London Hospitals, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede 2103 SW, Netherlands
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Research & Development Unit, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom.
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Tucker L. Challenges and opportunities in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy in Africa: Perspectives from across the continent. J Neurol Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Patel AA, Wibecan L, Tembo O, Kalyelye P, Mathews M, Ciccone O. Improving paediatric epilepsy management at the first level of care: a pilot education intervention for clinical officers in Zambia. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029322. [PMID: 31345977 PMCID: PMC6661618 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people globally, with approximately 80% living in low/middle-income countries (LMIC), where access to specialist care is limited. In LMIC, primary health workers provide the majority of epilepsy care, despite limited training in this field. Recognising this knowledge gap among these providers is an essential component for closing the epilepsy treatment gap in these regions. SETTING In Zambia, the vast majority of healthcare is provided by clinical officers (COs), primary health providers with 3 years post-secondary general medical education, who predominantly work in first-level health centres around the country. PARTICIPANTS With cooperation from the Ministry of Health, a total of 10 COs from 4 surrounding first-level health centres around the capital city of Lusaka participated, with 9 completing the entire course. INTERVENTION COs were trained in a 3-week structured course on paediatric seizures and epilepsy, based on adapted evidence-based guidelines. RESULTS Preassessment and postassessment were conducted to assess the intervention. Following the course, there was improved overall knowledge about epilepsy (69% vs 81%, p<0.05), specifically knowledge regarding medication management and recognition of focal seizures (p<0.05), improved seizure history taking and appropriate medication titration (p<0.05). However, knowledge regarding provoked seizures, use of diagnostic studies and general aetiologies of epilepsy remained limited. CONCLUSIONS This pilot project demonstrated that a focused paediatric epilepsy training programme for COs can improve knowledge and confidence in management, and as such is a promising step for improving the large epilepsy treatment gap in children in Zambia. With feasibility demonstrated, future projects are needed to expand to more rural regions for more diverse and larger sample of primary health provider participants and encompass more case-based training and repetition of key concepts as well as methods to improve and assess long-term knowledge retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana A Patel
- Neurology, Division of Epilepsy & Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Paediatrics, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Leah Wibecan
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Owen Tembo
- Paediatric Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospitals Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Prisca Kalyelye
- Paediatric Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospitals Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Manoj Mathews
- Paediatrics, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ornella Ciccone
- Paediatrics, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Paediatric Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospitals Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
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Watila MM, Xiao F, Keezer MR, Miserocchi A, Winkler AS, McEvoy AW, Sander JW. Epilepsy surgery in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:311-326. [PMID: 30738248 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy surgery is an important treatment option for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgical procedures for epilepsy are underutilized worldwide, but it is far worse in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and it is less clear as to what extent people with drug-resistant epilepsy receive such treatment at all. Here, we review the existing evidence for the availability and outcome of epilepsy surgery in LMIC and discuss some challenges and priority. METHODS We used an accepted six-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews as a guide. We searched PubMed, Embase, Global Health Archives, Index Medicus for South East Asia Region (IMSEAR), Index Medicus for Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR), Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), African Journal Online (AJOL), and African Index Medicus (AIM) to identify the relevant literature. RESULTS We retrieved 148 articles on epilepsy surgery from 31 countries representing 22% of the 143 LMIC. Epilepsy surgery appears established in some of these centers in Asia and Latin America while some are in their embryonic stage reporting procedures in a small cohort performed mostly by motivated neurosurgeons. The commonest surgical procedure reported was temporal lobectomies. The postoperative seizure-free rates and quality of life (QOL) are comparable with those in the high-income countries (HIC). Some models have shown that epilepsy surgery can be performed within a resource-limited setting through collaboration with international partners and through the use of information and communications technology (ICT). The cost of surgery is a fraction of what is available in HIC. CONCLUSION This review has demonstrated the availability of epilepsy surgery in a few LMIC. The information available is inadequate to make any reasonable conclusion of its existence as routine practice. Collaborations with international partners can provide an opportunity to bring high-quality academic training and technological transfer directly to surgeons working in these regions and should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa M Watila
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Fenglai Xiao
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Epilepsy Society, Gerrards Cross, UK
| | - Mark R Keezer
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Hôpital Notre-Dame, Montréal, Québec H2L 4M1, Canada; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Anna Miserocchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Andrea S Winkler
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway; Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew W McEvoy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Netherlands.
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Diagnostic and treatment practices for psychogenic nonepileptic and epileptic seizures in Namibia. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 83:92-102. [PMID: 29665572 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Information about existing healthcare resources for the management of seizures in developing countries is lacking. These countries are often poorly equipped to deal with the immense burden of costs, mortality, stigma, seizure-related disability, and comorbidities presented by seizure disorders. This study aimed to contribute to the goals of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) by investigating the resources available for patients with seizure in Namibia. METHODS Two separate surveys on the diagnostic and treatment practices for epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) were administered to private healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in Namibia. RESULTS The findings are based on 50 responses from HCPs involved in the management of seizures. The responses indicate that HCPs have less confidence in their ability to manage PNES than ES. Psychological/psychiatric assessments are seldom utilized. Although HCPs engage in face-to-face communication of diagnoses, they seldom refer patients to additional sources of information. Healthcare practitioners follow up patients with ES more regularly than those with PNES. Healthcare practitioners indicated their willingness to collaborate and recognize the role of traditional health practitioners (THPs) in a supportive capacity when it comes to the management of seizures. Financial constraints, limited availability of specialized equipment, and lack of knowledge and awareness regarding seizure disorders among both HCPs and patients were mentioned as major obstacles in accessing healthcare services. CONCLUSION The findings of this study add to the current literature by demonstrating some of the particular characteristics of HCPs from a lower middle-income African country regarding the diagnosis and treatment of PNES and ES.
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