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Fayad C, Saad K, Kahwagi GJ, Hallit S, Griffin D, Abou-Khalil R, El-Hayek E. A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors related to first line drugs refractoriness in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300930. [PMID: 38593118 PMCID: PMC11003615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is a prevalent form of epileptic disorder, specifically categorized within the realm of Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE). Its hallmark features encompass unprovoked bilateral myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures that manifest during adolescence. While most JME patients respond favorably to anti-seizure medication (ASM), a subset experiences refractory JME, a condition where seizures persist despite rigorous ASM treatment, often termed "Drug-Resistant Epilepsy" (DRE). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of refractory JME, and further to identify socio-demographic, electrophysiological and clinical risk factors associated with its occurrence. Pinpointing these factors is crucial as it offers the potential to predict ASM responsiveness, enabling early interventions and tailored care strategies for patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Cochrane Handbook and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study evaluated outcomes post ASM treatment in JME cohorts by searching papers published up to September 2023 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Predefined inclusion criteria were met by 25 eligible studies, forming the basis for analysis. RESULTS A total of 22 potential risk factors for refractory JME were documented. Notably, robust risk factors for treatment resistance included Psychiatric Disorder (Odds Ratio (OR), 3.42 [2.54, 4.61] (95% Confidence Inverval (Cl)), Febrile Seizures (OR, 1.83 [1.14, 2.96] (95% Cl)), Alcohol Consumption (OR, 16.86 [1.94, 146.88] (95%Cl)), Aura (OR, 2.15 [1.04, 4.47] (95%Cl)), childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) evolving into JME (OR, 4.54 [1.61, 12.78] (95%CI)), occurrence of three seizure types (OR, 2.96 [1.96, 4.46] (95%CI)), and Focal EEG abnormalities (OR, 1.85 [1.13, 3.01] (95%Cl)). In addition, there were some non-significant risk factors for DRE because of noticeable heterogeneity. CONCLUSION In aggregate, over 36% of JME patients demonstrated drug resistance, with seven significant risk factors closely linked to this refractoriness. The interplay between these factors and whether they denote treatment non-response or heightened disease burden remains an open question and more studies would be required to fully examine their influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Fayad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Kely Saad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Georges-Junior Kahwagi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Darren Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Rony Abou-Khalil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Elissar El-Hayek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-Jounieh, Lebanon
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Nica A. Drug-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A literature review. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:271-289. [PMID: 38461125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.02.385] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The ILAE's Task Force on Nosology and Definitions revised in 2022 its definition of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), the most common idiopathic generalized epilepsy disorder, but this definition may well change again in the future. Although good drug response could almost be a diagnostic criterion for JME, drug resistance (DR) is observed in up to a third of patients. It is important to distinguish this from pseudoresistance, which is often linked to psychosocial problems or psychiatric comorbidities. After summarizing these aspects and the various definitions applied to JME, the present review lists the risk factors for DR-JME that have been identified in numerous studies and meta-analyses. The factors most often cited are absence seizures, young age at onset, and catamenial seizures. By contrast, photosensitivity seems to favor good treatment response, at least in female patients. Current hypotheses on DR mechanisms in JME are based on studies of either simple (e.g., cortical excitability) or more complex (e.g., anatomical and functional connectivity) neurophysiological markers, bearing in mind that JME is regarded as a neural network disease. This research has revealed correlations between the intensity of some markers and DR, and above all shed light on the role of these markers in associated neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in both patients and their siblings. Studies of neurotransmission have mainly pointed to impaired GABAergic inhibition. Genetic studies have generally been inconclusive. Increasing restrictions have been placed on the use of valproate, the standard antiseizure medication for this syndrome, owing to its teratogenic and developmental risks. Levetiracetam and lamotrigine are prescribed as alternatives, as is vagal nerve stimulation, and there are several other promising antiseizure drugs and neuromodulation methods. The development of better alternative treatments is continuing to take place alongside advances in our knowledge of JME, as we still have much to learn and understand.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nica
- Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Clinical Investigation Center 1414, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Signal and Image Processing Laboratory (LTSI), INSERM, Rennes University, Rennes, France.
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Lim SN, Wu T, Tseng WEJ, Chang CW, Hsieh HY, Cheng MY, Chiang HI, Lee CH, Lin WR, Liu CJ. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Seizure and Social Outcomes in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081197. [PMID: 37108031 PMCID: PMC10138449 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may not achieve seizure freedom despite optimal treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and social features of patients with JME, and to determine the factors associated with outcomes. We retrospectively identified 49 patients with JME (25 females, mean age 27.6 ± 8.9 years) who were assessed at the Epilepsy Centre of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. The patients were divided into two groups, those who were seizure-free and those with ongoing seizures according to their seizure outcome at the last follow-up for one year. Clinical features and social status were compared between these two groups. Twenty-four (49%) of the JME patients were seizure-free for at least one year, while 51% continued to experience seizures despite being treated with multiple ASMs. The presence of epileptiform discharges in the last electroencephalogram and seizures during sleep were significantly associated with worse seizure outcomes (p < 0.05). The patients who were seizure-free had a higher employment rate compared to those who continued to experience seizures (75% vs. 32%, p = 0.004). Despite receiving ASM treatment, a considerable proportion of the patients with JME continued to have seizures. Moreover, poor seizure control was associated with a lower employment rate, which may lead to negative socioeconomic consequences related to JME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Na Lim
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tony Wu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Johnny Tseng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yao Hsieh
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yun Cheng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-I Chiang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lee
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jing Liu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Neurophysiology of Juvenile and Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy. J Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 40:100-108. [PMID: 36735458 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Myoclonus can be epileptic or nonepileptic. Epileptic myoclonus has been defined in clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroanatomical terms. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is typically considered to be an adolescent-onset idiopathic generalized epilepsy with a combination of myoclonic, generalized tonic-clonic, and absence seizures and normal cognitive status that responds well to anti-seizure medications but requires lifelong treatment. EEG shows generalized epileptiform discharges and photosensitivity. Recent observations indicate that the clinical picture of JME is heterogeneous and a number of neuropsychological and imaging studies have shown structural and functional abnormalities in the frontal lobes and thalamus. Advances in neurophysiology and imaging suggest that JME may not be a truly generalized epilepsy, in that restricted cortical and subcortical networks appear to be involved rather than the entire brain. Some patients with JME may be refractory to anti-seizure medications and attempts have been made to identify neurophysiological biomarkers predicting resistance. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy is a syndrome with multiple specific causes. It is distinct from JME because of the occurrence of progressive neurologic dysfunction in addition to myoclonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizures but may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from JME or misdiagnosed as drug-resistant JME. This article provides an overview of progressive myoclonic epilepsy and focuses on the clinical and neurophysiological findings in the two most commonly recognized forms of progressive myoclonic epilepsy-Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1) and Lafora disease (EPM2). A variety of neurophysiological tests can be used to distinguish between JME and progressive myoclonic epilepsy and between EPM1 and EPM2.
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Stevelink R, Al-Toma D, Jansen FE, Lamberink HJ, Asadi-Pooya AA, Farazdaghi M, Cação G, Jayalakshmi S, Patil A, Özkara Ç, Aydın Ş, Gesche J, Beier CP, Stephen LJ, Brodie MJ, Unnithan G, Radhakrishnan A, Höfler J, Trinka E, Krause R, Irelli EC, Di Bonaventura C, Szaflarski JP, Hernández-Vanegas LE, Moya-Alfaro ML, Zhang Y, Zhou D, Pietrafusa N, Specchio N, Japaridze G, Beniczky S, Janmohamed M, Kwan P, Syvertsen M, Selmer KK, Vorderwülbecke BJ, Holtkamp M, Viswanathan LG, Sinha S, Baykan B, Altindag E, von Podewils F, Schulz J, Seneviratne U, Viloria-Alebesque A, Karakis I, D'Souza WJ, Sander JW, Koeleman BP, Otte WM, Braun KP. Individualised prediction of drug resistance and seizure recurrence after medication withdrawal in people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 53:101732. [PMID: 36467455 PMCID: PMC9716332 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A third of people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) are drug-resistant. Three-quarters have a seizure relapse when attempting to withdraw anti-seizure medication (ASM) after achieving seizure-freedom. It is currently impossible to predict who is likely to become drug-resistant and safely withdraw treatment. We aimed to identify predictors of drug resistance and seizure recurrence to allow for individualised prediction of treatment outcomes in people with JME. METHODS We performed an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis based on a systematic search in EMBASE and PubMed - last updated on March 11, 2021 - including prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting on treatment outcomes of people diagnosed with JME and available seizure outcome data after a minimum one-year follow-up. We invited authors to share standardised IPD to identify predictors of drug resistance using multivariable logistic regression. We excluded pseudo-resistant individuals. A subset who attempted to withdraw ASM was included in a multivariable proportional hazards analysis on seizure recurrence after ASM withdrawal. The study was registered at the Open Science Framework (OSF; https://osf.io/b9zjc/). FINDINGS Our search yielded 1641 articles; 53 were eligible, of which the authors of 24 studies agreed to collaborate by sharing IPD. Using data from 2518 people with JME, we found nine independent predictors of drug resistance: three seizure types, psychiatric comorbidities, catamenial epilepsy, epileptiform focality, ethnicity, history of CAE, family history of epilepsy, status epilepticus, and febrile seizures. Internal-external cross-validation of our multivariable model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0·70 (95%CI 0·68-0·72). Recurrence of seizures after ASM withdrawal (n = 368) was predicted by an earlier age at the start of withdrawal, shorter seizure-free interval and more currently used ASMs, resulting in an average internal-external cross-validation concordance-statistic of 0·70 (95%CI 0·68-0·73). INTERPRETATION We were able to predict and validate clinically relevant personalised treatment outcomes for people with JME. Individualised predictions are accessible as nomograms and web-based tools. FUNDING MING fonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Stevelink
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
- Corresponding author. Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Dania Al-Toma
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Floor E. Jansen
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Herm J. Lamberink
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Ali A. Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, 909 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Mohsen Farazdaghi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gonçalo Cação
- Department of Neurology, Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho, Estrada de Santa Luzia, Viana do Castelo, 4904-858, Portugal
| | - Sita Jayalakshmi
- Department of Neurology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, 500003, India
| | - Anuja Patil
- Department of Neurology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Minister Road, Secunderabad, 500003, India
| | - Çiğdem Özkara
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Kocamustafapaşa caddesi, Istanbul, 34098, Turkey
| | - Şenay Aydın
- Department of Neurology, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Belgrat Kapı yolu, Istanbul, 34020, Turkey
| | - Joanna Gesche
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, 5000, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Christoph P. Beier
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, 5000, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Linda J. Stephen
- Epilepsy Unit, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Martin J. Brodie
- Epilepsy Unit, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Gopeekrishnan Unnithan
- Department of Neurology, R. Madhavan Nayar Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy Care, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Chalakkuzhi, Medical College Road, Trivandrum, 695011, India
| | - Ashalatha Radhakrishnan
- Department of Neurology, R. Madhavan Nayar Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy Care, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Chalakkuzhi, Medical College Road, Trivandrum, 695011, India
| | - Julia Höfler
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Ignaz-Harrer Straße 79, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Ignaz-Harrer Straße 79, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, Hellbrunner Straße 34, Salzburg, 3100, Austria
- Department of Public Health, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, Hall in Tirol, 6060, Austria
| | - Roland Krause
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Ave du Swing, Belvaux, 4367, Luxembourg
| | | | - Emanuele Cerulli Irelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Epilepsy Unit, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Epilepsy Unit, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Jerzy P. Szaflarski
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurobiology, UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Laura E. Hernández-Vanegas
- Department of Clinical Research, Epilepsy Clinic, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Mexico, 14269, Mexico
| | - Monica L. Moya-Alfaro
- Department of Clinical Research, Epilepsy Clinic, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Mexico, 14269, Mexico
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 4, Rome, 00165, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio, 4, Rome, 00165, Italy
| | - Giorgi Japaridze
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neuropsychology, 83/11 Vazha-Pshavela Ave., Tbilisi, 186, Georgia
| | - Sándor Beniczky
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Danish Epilepsy Centre, Filadelfia, Visby Allé 5, Dianalund, 4293, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark
| | - Mubeen Janmohamed
- Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marte Syvertsen
- Department of Neurology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Dronninggata 28, Drammen, 3004, Norway
| | - Kaja K. Selmer
- National Centre for Epilepsy & Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, G. F. Henriksens vei 29, Sandvika, 1337, Norway
| | - Bernd J. Vorderwülbecke
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | | | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Betül Baykan
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Cad, Istanbul, 34390, Turkey
| | - Ebru Altindag
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Abide-i Hürriyet Cad, Istanbul, 34381, Turkey
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Udaya Seneviratne
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, 55 Victoria Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Alejandro Viloria-Alebesque
- Department of Neurology, Hospital General de la Defensa, Vía Ibérica 1, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Ioannis Karakis
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Office 335, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Wendyl J. D'Souza
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, 55 Victoria Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Josemir W. Sander
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, 610000, China
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 7, Heemstede, Netherlands
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Bobby P.C. Koeleman
- Department of Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Willem M. Otte
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Kees P.J. Braun
- Department of Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, European Reference Network EpiCARE, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, Netherlands
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Pietrafusa N, La Neve A, de Palma L, Boero G, Luisi C, Vigevano F, Specchio N. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Long-term prognosis and risk factors. Brain Dev 2021; 43:688-697. [PMID: 33781581 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our goal was to investigate the long-term clinical course of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) in a cohort of patients and to identify prognostic factors for refractoriness and seizure relapse after anti-seizure medications (ASMs) withdrawal. A literature review is also presented to consolidate and compare our findings with the previously reported cases. METHODS We retrospectively studied a series of patients diagnosed with JME with 15 years or more of evolution. We collected clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging data from patients who met defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Study involved 61 patients (65.5% female) with mean age at study of 37.6 years, and mean age at its outset of 14.8 years. Median follow-up was 31.0 years (mean 28.9, range 15-53). They presented more frequently with a combination of myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) (65.6%). Sixty-five percent of patients (n = 40) had a 5-year terminal remission with a mean age at last seizure of 27.4 years. Thirty-two percent of seizure-free patients (n = 13) withdrew ASMs: 6 out of 13 had a recurrence of the seizures while 7 remained seizure-free (mean age at ASMs withdrawal 21.0 versus 35.7 years, p < 0.05). In the multivariate model, a high GTCS frequency at onset (p = 0.026) was a prognostic factor of drug resistance. CONCLUSION JME is often regarded as a benign epileptic syndrome, although a quarter of the individuals have refractory epilepsy. The possibility of withdrawing ASMs in patients who have been free of seizures over an extended time seems feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pietrafusa
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Luca de Palma
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Boero
- Complex Structure of Neurology, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
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Levetiracetam monotherapy in children with epilepsy: Experience from a tertiary pediatric neurology center. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107745. [PMID: 33508749 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Levetiracetam (LEV) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug with high efficacy and tolerability in children and adults with epilepsy. We aimed to retrospectively assess the long-term efficacy, tolerability, and safety of LEV monotherapy in children with epilepsy. METHODS All patients who received LEV monotherapy at the Ankara University Children Hospital between January 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated. This retrospective pediatric cohort study determined the efficacy and safety of LEV monotherapy in 281 outpatients with epilepsy. RESULTS There were 281 patients, 50.5% female, aged 5 months to 18 years with a mean age of 9 years. Of these, 48% of patients had idiopathic epilepsy, 40.6% had symptomatic epilepsy, and 11,4% had cryptogenic/genetic epilepsy. Primary generalized seizures occurred in 61.6% of patients, focal seizures in 19.6%, both generalized and focal seizures in 15,3%, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures in 2.5%, and undefined type of seizure in 1.1%. A total of 22.8% patients had an accompanying extra neurological disease, mostly cardiological and hematological. The range of final daily dose was 10-71 mg/kg/day, with mean 29.5 mg/kg/day. Duration of therapy ranged from 7 days to 96 months, with median 12 months (IQR: 6-22). For the all cohort, a 6th month retention rate was 81%, a 12th month retention rate was 71.4%, and a 24th month retention rate was 61.8%. Eighty five percent of the patients had a seizure reduction of at least 50% and 55.9% of patients remained seizure-free for median 12 months treatment duration with LEV monotherapy. Improvement of electroencephalography (EEG) findings was found in 42% of patients on control EEGs. A total of 67 adverse events were documented in 45 (16%) patients. The most common adverse events were behavioral problems such as aggression (n:18) and irritability (n:17). The discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 2.5%, and due to inefficacy was 5.3%. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that the high retention rates, high percentage of seizure reduction, the low discontinuation rate due to adverse events and inefficacy, and the relatively benign and transient profile of adverse events make LEV preferable as monotherapy in the pediatric population.
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Giuliano L, Mainieri G, Aguglia U, Bilo L, Durante V, Ermio C, Galimberti CA, La Neve A, Monti G, Ranzato F, Zambrelli E, Mostacci B. Long-term prognosis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A systematic review searching for sex differences. Seizure 2021; 86:41-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Haki C, Akdogan O, Bora IH. DIAGNOSTIC DIFFICULTIES IN PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE MYOCLONIC EPILEPSY. SANAMED 2020. [DOI: 10.24125/sanamed.v15i3.456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Cerulli Irelli E, Morano A, Barone FA, Fisco G, Fanella M, Orlando B, Fattouch J, Manfredi M, Giallonardo AT, Di Bonaventura C. Persistent treatment resistance in genetic generalized epilepsy: A long‐term outcome study in a tertiary epilepsy center. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2452-2460. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cerulli Irelli
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Francesca A. Barone
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Giacomo Fisco
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Martina Fanella
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Biagio Orlando
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Jinane Fattouch
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Mario Manfredi
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Giallonardo
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico “Umberto I”, “Sapienza” University Rome Italy
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Abstract
Common genetic generalised epilepsy syndromes encountered by clinicians include childhood and juvenile absence epilepsies, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and generalised tonic-clonic seizures on awakening. Treatment of these syndromes involves largely the use of broad-spectrum antiseizure drugs. Those effective for the generalised epilepsies include sodium valproate, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, clobazam, clonazepam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, zonisamide and, more recently, perampanel and brivaracetam. Results from the few rigorous studies comparing outcomes with drugs for genetic generalised epilepsies show valproate to be the most effective. The majority of patients with genetic generalised epilepsy syndromes will become seizure free on antiseizure monotherapy; those for whom control proves elusive may benefit from combination regimens. Early counselling regarding management may assist the patient to come to terms with their diagnosis and improve long-term outcomes. Treatment can be lifelong in some individuals, although others may remain seizure free without medication. Choice of antiseizure medication depends on the efficacy for specific seizure types, as well as tolerability. For patients prescribed comedication, drug interactions should be considered. In particular, for young women taking oral hormonal contraceptives, ≥ 200 mg/day of topiramate can decrease the circulating concentration of ethinylestradiol and ≥ 12 mg/day of perampanel can induce levonorgestrel metabolism. The use of valproate in women of childbearing potential is limited by associated teratogenic and neurodevelopmental effects in offspring. Given that valproate is often the antiseizure drug of choice for genetic generalised epilepsies, this creates a dilemma for patients and clinicians. Decision making can be aided by comprehensive assessment and discussion of treatment options. Psychiatric comorbidities are common in adolescents and adults with genetic generalised epilepsies. These worsen the prognosis, both in terms of seizure control and quality of life. Attendant lifestyle issues can impact significantly on the individual and society. Frontal lobe dysfunction, which can present in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, can adversely affect the long-term outlook, regardless of the nature of seizure control. Ongoing management requires consideration of psychosocial and behavioural factors that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. An assured supportive attitude by the neurologist can be an important contributor to a positive outcome. The mechanisms underlying genetic generalised epilepsies, including genetic abnormalities, are unclear at present. As the pathophysiology is unravelled, this may lead to the development of novel therapies and improved outcomes for patients with these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Stephen
- West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Dalnair St, Glasgow, G3 8SJ, UK.
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Tabrizi N, Zarvani A, Rezaei P, Cheraghmakani H, Alizadeh-Navaei R. Levetiracetam in genetic generalized epilepsy: A prospective unblinded active-controlled trial. Epilepsy Res 2019; 157:106214. [PMID: 31627041 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) versus valproate (VPA) monotherapy in adults with genetic generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (GTCS) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). METHODS This study was an open-label, active-controlled trial with a two-parallel-group design. Outcome measures including withdrawal rate and seizure freedom rate at 26th weeks and time to withdrawal, and time to first seizure were compared between LEV and VPA groups. Furthermore, tolerability and development of adverse events (AEs) were investigated and analyzed. RESULTS One hundred and three patients enrolled the study. 71.1% of patients in LEV group and 29.3% in VPA group were female. By the end of 26th week, seizure freedom rate and withdrawal rate were 88.9% and 8.9% in LEV group and 86.2% and 10.3% in VPA group with no significant difference. Time to first seizure was longer in VPA group (p = 0.32) and time to withdrawal favored LEV (p = 0.51). At least one AE was reported in 37.7% of patients in LEV group and 55.1% in VPA group. The most common AEs were psychiatric symptoms and dizziness in those on LEV and weight gain and dyspepsia in VPA group. CONCLUSION LEV has similar efficacy and acceptable safety in comparison to VPA in short-term treatment of patients with genetic GTCS and JME, and it could be considered as an alternative to VPA particularly in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Tabrizi
- Neurology department, Mazandaran University of medical sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Ashraf Zarvani
- Neurology department, Mazandaran University of medical sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Parisa Rezaei
- Neurology department, Mazandaran University of medical sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Johannessen Landmark C, Fløgstad I, Syvertsen M, Baftiu A, Enger U, Koht J, Johannessen SI. Treatment and challenges with antiepileptic drugs in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:110-116. [PMID: 31330379 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may have uncontrolled seizures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use and challenges with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the patients' view of these challenges. METHOD A questionnaire about the use of AEDs, adherence to therapy, and quality of life was given to patients with JME recruited from Drammen Hospital. Data regarding AEDs were confirmed from medical records at Drammen Hospital, Norway (2007-2018). Additional clinical interviews were performed, and a mixed method approach was applied. RESULTS Ninety patients with defined JME diagnosis, 54/36 women/men aged 14-39 (mean: 25) years, were included. Only 29 (33%) were seizure-free. Within the last year, 21% experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), and 68% had myoclonic jerks. Seventy-six (84%) used AEDs, 78% in monotherapy. A total of 10 AEDs were used;: most commonly valproate (n = 33), lamotrigine (n = 27), and levetiracetam (n = 21). Two-thirds of valproate users were men while all other AEDs were used more in females than in men. Valproate and levetiracetam displayed better efficacy against GTCS than lamotrigine. One-third often/sometimes forgot their medication nonintentionally while 14% had intentional poor adherence. The majority reported good quality of life (76%). No significant correlations between the use of AEDs, use of valproate, poor adherence, quality of life score, and seizure freedom were demonstrated. Half of the patients had serum concentrations measured every year, and two-thirds thought this was important. Qualitative interviews elucidated treatment challenges in JME;, adverse effect burden, adherence, and activities of daily life. CONCLUSION Despite the use of AEDs in the majority of patients, only one-third were seizure-free. Other challenges included polypharmacy, the use of valproate in women, and variable adherence. This points to a need for closer follow-up in patients with JME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway; The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ida Fløgstad
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marte Syvertsen
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arton Baftiu
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Enger
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Jeanette Koht
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Johannessen Landmark C, Fløgstad I, Baftiu A, Syvertsen M, Enger U, Koht J, Johannessen SI. Long-term follow-up with therapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2019; 155:106148. [PMID: 31195184 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with juvenile myoclonus epilepsy (JME) may experience uncontrolled seizures and challenges regarding adherence. Implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may contribute to individualization of the therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The purpose of this study was to investigate how the treatment of patients with JME is monitored and to demonstrate pharmacokinetic variability within and between patients with a long-term TDM approach. METHOD Retrospective data from patients with JME from the TDM-database at Drammen Hospital and the National Center for Epilepsy in Norway (2007-2018) were included. RESULTS Data from 80 of 90 patients with JME using AEDs with TDM measurements was included (88%, 49/31 women/men aged 14-39). One third (27, 33%) was seizure free, 19 (24%) had generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and 53 (66%) myoclonic seizures during the last year. The most common AEDs measured included lamotrigine, valproate, and levetiracetam. Long-term TDM demonstrated variability over time expressed as intra-patient median values and inter-patient ranges of 19% (7-47) for valproate, 43% (10-83) for lamotrigine and 35% (6-111) for levetiracetam. Fifteen pecent (83/563) of serum concentrations were below the reference ranges and clould be due to variable adherence. Comedication with valproate for lamotrigine and pregnancy contributed to variability. The applicability is illustrated in a case of 10 years' follow-up in a young woman. CONCLUSION There was extensive pharmacokinetic variability of AEDs in and between patients with JME. A long-term TDM approach may contribute to closer monitoring of patients with JME and be used as a practical tool during clinical consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway; The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ida Fløgstad
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arton Baftiu
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marte Syvertsen
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Enger
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Jeanette Koht
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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