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Singh G, Braga P, Carrizosa J, Prevos-Morgant M, Mehndiratta MM, Shisler P, Triki C, Wiebe S, Wilmshurst J, Blümcke I. The international league against epilepsy primary healthcare educational curriculum: Assessment of educational needs. Epileptic Disord 2024. [PMID: 38924272 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the need for an epilepsy educational curriculum for primary healthcare providers formulated by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the importance attributed to its competencies by epilepsy specialists and primary care providers and across country-income settings. METHODS The ILAE primary care epilepsy curriculum was translated to five languages. A structured questionnaire assessing the importance of its 26 curricular competencies was posted online and publicized widely to an international community. Respondents included epilepsy specialists, primary care providers, and others from three World Bank country-income categories. Responses from different groups were compared with univariate and ordinal logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Of 785 respondents, 60% noted that a primary care epilepsy curriculum did not exist or they were unaware of one in their country. Median ranks of importance for all competencies were high (very important to extremely important) in the entire sample and across different groups. Fewer primary care providers than specialists rated the following competencies as extremely important: definition of epilepsy (p = .03), recognition of seizure mimics (p = .02), interpretation of test results for epilepsy care (p = .001), identification of drug-resistant epilepsy (0.005) and management of psychiatric comorbidities (0.05). Likewise, fewer respondents from LMICs in comparison to UMICs rated 15 competencies as extremely important. SIGNIFICANCE The survey underscores the unmet need for an epilepsy curriculum in primary care and the relevance of its competencies across different vocational and socioeconomic settings. Differences across vocational and country income groups indicate that educational packages should be developed and adapted to needs in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, India
| | - Patricia Braga
- Institute of Neurology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | - Chahnez Triki
- Department of Child Neurology, LR19ES15 Neuropediatrie, Sfax Medical School, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Samuel Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jo Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Institute of Neuropathology, Unversitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Rezaei SJ, Cissé FA, Touré ML, Duan R, Rice DR, Ham AS, de Walque D, Mateen FJ. E = mc 2 : Education (E), medication (m), and conditional cash (c 2 ) to improve uptake of antiseizure medications in a low-resource population: Protocol for randomized trial. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:445-454. [PMID: 38131270 PMCID: PMC10839367 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12889] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most people with epilepsy (PWE) could live seizure-free if treated with one or more antiseizure medications (ASMs). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 75% of PWE in low-resource settings lack adequate antiseizure treatment. Limited education surrounding epilepsy and the out-of-pocket costs of ASMs in particular pose barriers to managing epilepsy in resource-poor, low-income settings. The aim of this study is to implement and test a novel strategy to improve outcomes across the epilepsy care cascade marked by (1) retention in epilepsy care, (2) adherence to ASMs, and (3) seizure reduction, with the measured goal of seizure freedom. METHODS A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial will be performed, centered at the Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, in Western Sub-Saharan Africa. Two hundred people with clinically diagnosed epilepsy, ages 18 years and above, will receive education on epilepsy and then be randomized to (i) free ASMs versus (ii) conditional cash, conditioned upon return to the epilepsy clinic. Participants will be followed for 360 days with study visits every 90 days following enrollment. SIGNIFICANCE We design a randomized trial for PWE in Guinea, a low-resource setting with a high proportion of untreated PWE and a nearly completely privatized healthcare system. The trial includes a conditional cash transfer intervention, which has yet to be tested as a targeted means to improve outcomes for people with a chronic neurological disorder. The trial aims to provide an evidence base for the treatment of epilepsy in such settings. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY We present a clinical trial protocol for a randomized, blinded study of 200 people with epilepsy in the low-resource African Republic of Guinea, providing an educational intervention (E), and then randomizing in a 1:1 allocation to either free antiseizure medication (m) or conditional cash (c2 ) for 360 days. Measured outcomes include (1) returning to outpatient epilepsy care, (2) adherence to antiseizure medications (ASMs), and (3) reducing the number of seizures. This study is an initial look at giving small amounts of cash for desired results (or "nudges") for improving epilepsy outcomes in the sub-Saharan African and brain disorder contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawheen J. Rezaei
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Fodé Abass Cissé
- Department of NeurologyIgnace Deen Teaching HospitalConakryGuinea
| | | | - Rui Duan
- Department of BiostatisticsHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Dylan R. Rice
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew Siyoon Ham
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Farrah J. Mateen
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Gupta N, Singh R, Seas A, Antwi P, Kaddumukasa MN, Kakooza Mwesige A, Kaddumukasa M, Haglund MM, Fuller AT, Koltai DC, Ukachukwu AEK. Epilepsy among the older population of sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis of the global burden of disease database. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109402. [PMID: 37677904 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is considered one of the most burdensome neurologic diseases by the World Health Organization due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality. Few studies have investigated the epidemiology of idiopathic epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aims to characterize the disease burden of epilepsy among the older population in SSA via a large international database. METHODS Descriptive epidemiological data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database was collected for idiopathic epilepsy in all regions of SSA. The "older" population was defined as 55 years of age and above. The variables of interest included mortality, incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates per one hundred thousand populations. RESULTS The average mortality rate was highest in Western SSA (6.34 per 100,000), and all regions were significantly higher than the global average (p < 0.001). DALYs and incidence rates of idiopathic epilepsy in all regions of SSA were significantly higher than the global averages (p < 0.01). Globally, the older population had a significantly higher mortality rate than the younger population (2.78 vs 1.62, respectively; p < 0.01). The older population had a higher mortality rate than the younger population in each region of SSA (p < 0.01). Conversely, for DALYs, the younger population had a higher disease burden than the older population globally and in each region of SSA (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine the epidemiologic profile of idiopathic epilepsy in the older population in SSA. Our results indicate that, when compared with the global population, older adults in SSA suffer a greater disease burden and mortality. This study reports the immense need for increased resources and awareness regarding epilepsy in the elderly population of Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithin Gupta
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Campbell School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC, USA
| | - Rohin Singh
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andreas Seas
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Prince Antwi
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Martin N Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, and Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Angelina Kakooza Mwesige
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Neuropediatric Research Unit, Karolinska Instituet, Sweden
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, and Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anthony T Fuller
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deborah C Koltai
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alvan-Emeka K Ukachukwu
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Zhu Z, Dluzynski D, Hammad N, Pugalenthi D, Walser SA, Mittal R, Samanta D, Brown ML, Asadi-Pooya AA, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Spalice A, Capponi M, Lekoubou A, Kumar A, Paudel S, Carney PR, Mainali G, Naik S. Use of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in Children with Epilepsy: A Global Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:713. [PMID: 37189961 PMCID: PMC10136598 DOI: 10.3390/children10040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in childhood. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly prevalent in patients with epilepsy. Despite CAM's widespread and increasing popularity, its prevalence, forms, perceived benefits, and potential risks in pediatric epilepsy are rarely explored. (2) Methods: We performed a scoping review of the available literature on the use of CAM in pediatric epilepsy. (3) Results: Overall, global cross-sectional studies showed a variable degree of CAM usage among children with epilepsy, ranging from 13 to 44% in prevalence. Popular types of CAMs reported were supplements, cannabis products, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, dietary therapy, massage therapy, and prayer. Families often report that CAM is effective, although there are limited objective measures of this. Potential risks lie in the use of CAM, such as herbal remedies, and/or unregulated, contaminated, or unpurified products. Studies also underscored inadequate patient-physician discussions regarding CAM. (4) Conclusions: A better understanding of this topic would aid clinicians in guiding patients/families on the use of CAM. Further studies on the efficacy of the different types of CAM used, as well as potential side effects and drug interactions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zhu
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Daniela Dluzynski
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Nouran Hammad
- School of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al-Ramtha 3030, Jordan
| | - Deepika Pugalenthi
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Sarah A. Walser
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Rea Mittal
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Debopam Samanta
- Section of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Melanie L. Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ali A. Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71437, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala 7062, Uganda
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Maternal Sciences, University la Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Martina Capponi
- Department of Maternal Sciences, University la Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alain Lekoubou
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
- Department of Neurology, Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sita Paudel
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Paul R. Carney
- Pediatric Neurology Division, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gayatra Mainali
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sunil Naik
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA (G.M.); (S.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Teuwen DE, Sebera F, Murekeyiteto A, Garrez I, Sanchez-Iriso E, Umwiringirwa J, Umuhoza G, Boon PAJM, Dedeken P. Epilepsy-Related Direct Medical and Direct Non-Medical Cost in Adult Patients Living with Epilepsy at a Tertiary Neurology Center in Rwanda. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 15:15-27. [PMID: 36660476 PMCID: PMC9843617 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s382030] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Up to one in four patients living with epilepsy (PwE) mentions financial constraints as a reason for loss to follow-up at the Ndera tertiary neuropsychiatry hospital. Therefore, we evaluated the annual direct medical cost (DMC) and direct non-medical cost (DnMC) of epilepsy and calculated costs assuming different follow-up frequency. Materials and Methods DMC data were obtained from a descriptive retrospective study of medical records, pharmacy dispensation and hospital logs of PwE, following their initial consultation in 2018 and who adhered to the normal clinical practice of monthly consultations for one year. DnMC data were collected through structured interviews of PwE in a cross-sectional cohort in August 2020. DnMC included biomedical care costs (eg, transportation, hospitality) and non-biomedical costs (traditional healer visits). We report weighted means for total costs, health insurance costs, and out-of-pocket costs (OoP). Results Mean annual total cost was 389.4 US$, of which 226.2 US$ was covered by the Rwandan Health Insurance co-payment for DMC and 163.2 US$ was OoP paid by patients. Mean weighted annual DMC (n = 55) was 248.9 US$. Mean weighted annual DMC for medical consultations and antiseizure medication accounted for 30.7 US$ and 161.7 US$, respectively. Based on structured interviews (n = 69), mean weighted annual DnMC for biomedical care was 73.0 US$. Mean DnMC for traditional healer care was 67.6 US$. Weighted annual total OoP was 163.2 US$ or 20% of the GDP per capita. OoP consisted of 14% DMC co-payment, 45% biomedical DnMC, and 41% traditional healer DnMC. Conclusion Epilepsy-related costs at a tertiary center are an important economic burden for PwE and Rwandan Health Insurance. Biomedical and traditional healer DnMC constitute 86% of total OoP. Future prospective studies should evaluate outcomes and costs of reduced visit frequency, indirect costs, and costs of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Correspondence: Dirk E Teuwen, Email
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Neurology Department, CARAES Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda,Neurology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU-K), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Georgette Umuhoza
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
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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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Birhan YS. Medicinal plants utilized in the management of epilepsy in Ethiopia: ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry. Chin Med 2022; 17:129. [PMCID: PMC9675240 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common central nervous system (CNS) disorder that affects 50 million people worldwide. Patients with status epilepticus (SE) suffer from devastating comorbidities and a high incidence of mortalities. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstream treatment options for the symptomatic relief of epilepsy. The incidence of refractory epilepsy and the dose-dependent neurotoxicity of AEDs such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, dizziness, attention-deficit behavior, and other side effects are the major bottlenecks in epilepsy treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), epilepsy patients failed to adhere to the AEDs regimens and consider other options such as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to relieve pain due to status epilepticus (SE). Plant-based CAMs are widely employed for the treatment of epilepsy across the globe including Ethiopia. The current review documented around 96 plant species (PS) that are often used for the treatment of epilepsy in Ethiopia. It also described the in vivo anticonvulsant activities and toxicity profiles of the antiepileptic medicinal plants (MPs). Moreover, the phytochemical constituents of MPs with profound anticonvulsant effects were also assessed. The result reiterated that a lot has to be done to show the association between herbal-based epilepsy treatment and in vivo pharmacological activities of MPs regarding their mechanism of action (MOA), toxicity profiles, and bioactive constituents so that they can advance into the clinics and serve as a treatment option for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihenew Simegniew Birhan
- grid.449044.90000 0004 0480 6730Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Samia P, Hassell J, Hudson J, Ahmed A, Shah J, Hammond C, Kija E, Auvin S, Wilmshurst J. Epilepsy research in Africa: A scoping review by the ILAE Pediatric Commission Research Advocacy Task Force. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2225-2241. [PMID: 35729725 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in Africa, evaluation of epilepsy research trends on the continent is lacking. Without establishing effective research, improvement in care for people with epilepsy cannot be effectively strategized or targeted. METHODS A scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature on epilepsy from Africa (1989-2019) was conducted. The aim was to understand from this what areas are well researched versus underresearched based on published epilepsy topics. RESULTS A total of 1227 publications were identified and assessed. A significant increase in publications occurred over the 30 years assessed. African author leadership was evident in most reports. Nine countries had >50 publications identified; the remaining 45 countries had <50 or no publications. Research studies were typically of lower quality (case series and observational studies). Research themes were more focused on clinical epilepsy (descriptive observational studies) and social aspects (qualitative surveys). However, there were a number of unique and strong themes, specifically for neurocysticercosis and nodding syndrome, where strong research collaborations were evident, basic science understandings were explored, and interventional models were established. SIGNIFICANCE Despite Africa being the continent with the most countries, it is lacking in the quantity, quality, and for some areas, relevance of research on epilepsy. Targeted approaches are needed to upskill the strength of research undertaken with more basic science, interventional, and randomized controlled studies. Themes of research need to promote those with unique African content but also to align with current international research areas that have impact on care delivery, such as epilepsy surgery and epilepsy genetics. For this to be possible, it is important to strengthen research hubs with collaborations that empower Africa to own its epilepsy research journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Samia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Brain and Mind institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jane Hassell
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.,Gertrude's Garden Children's Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jessica Hudson
- Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Azim Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jasmit Shah
- Brain and Mind institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Hammond
- Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edward Kija
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Robert Debré Hospital, Neuro Diderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Paris, Paris, France.,University Institute of France, Paris, France
| | - Jo Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Shlobin NA, Campbell JM, Rosenow JM, Rolston JD. Ethical considerations in the surgical and neuromodulatory treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 127:108524. [PMID: 34998267 PMCID: PMC10184316 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection and neuromodulation are well-established treatments for those with medically refractory epilepsy. These treatments entail important ethical considerations beyond those which extend to the treatment of epilepsy generally. In this paper, the authors explore these unique considerations through a framework that relates foundational principles of bioethics to features of resective epilepsy surgery and neuromodulation. The authors conducted a literature review to identify ethical considerations for a variety of epilepsy surgery procedures and to examine how foundational principles in bioethics may inform treatment decisions. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of how an increased prevalence of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, the dynamic nature of symptom burden over time, the individual and systemic barriers to treatment, and variable sociocultural contexts constitute important ethical considerations regarding the use of surgery or neuromodulation for the treatment of epilepsy. Moreover, careful attention should be paid to how resective epilepsy surgery and neuromodulation relate to notions of patient autonomy, safety and privacy, and the shared responsibility for device management and maintenance. A three-tiered approach-(1) gathering information and assessing the risks and benefits of different treatment options, (2) clear communication with patient or proxy with awareness of patient values and barriers to treatment, and (3) long-term decision maintenance through continued identification of gaps in understanding and provision of information-allows for optimal treatment of the individual person with epilepsy while minimizing disparities in epilepsy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Justin M Campbell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joshua M Rosenow
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John D Rolston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Goodman O, Adejoh S, Adeniran A, Emechebe A, Kuyinu Y. We love orthodox medicine but still use our 'Elewe omo': Utilization of traditional healers among women in an urban community in Nigeria. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:215-223. [PMID: 35309609 PMCID: PMC8930113 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1302_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Traditional Medicine refers to knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures. Women have been reported to utilize orthodox health care facilities more hence this study in an urban center. Objective: To determine the utilization of traditional healers, preference of healthcare and co-utilization of traditional and orthodox medicine among women in an urban community in Lagos, Nigeria. Method: A cross sectional design using a multistage sampling to select 270 women in Mosan Okunola, Lagos, Nigeria in 2019. A pretested semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire and an in-depth interview were used to obtain data from participants. Utilization of traditional healers was referenced within the last 12 months. Result: Sixty three percent (63.2%) of the study population utilized traditional healers and 80.6% of respondents that accessed healthcare utilized traditional healers. The Traditional Medicine ingredient dealer was the most patronized (74.6% of respondents). Eighty three percent (83.3%) of study participants indicated preference for orthodox medicine and 53.1% of the study respondents co-utilized both traditional healers and orthodox medicine. Concurrent use of both traditional and orthodox medicine was not a common practice among the women. Level of education, monthly income and means of payment for treatment had a statistical significant association (P < 0.05) with utilization of traditional healers but means of payment for treatment was the singular predictive factor of utilization of traditional healers. Conclusion: Utilization of traditional healers among women in this community was high with majority indicating a preference for orthodox medicine. It is recommended that an in-depth history of remedies used by patients should be delved into by orthodox health practitioners.
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Guelngar CO, Mohamed Lamine T, Mamadou Ciré B, Mamady D, Mahadi K, Bachir Abdoul DH, Foksouna S, Fatimata DH, Naby C, Dago François K, Fatimatou Korka B, Doussou C, Victorine M, Salematou C, Aminata S, Mohamed Tafsir D, Souleymane Djigué B, Mamadou Saliou D, Fodé Mohamed S, Aminou SY, Daouya DG, Said Abdallah R, Mamady K, Souleymane Mbara D, Fodé Abass C, Amara C. Rasmussen syndrome in a tropical environment: a study of six (6) observations. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-021-00409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, encephalitis of various etiologies is a major public health problem and Rasmussen syndrome is rarely diagnosed due to under-medicalization. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and neuroradiological forms, especially since this affection is little known in sub-Saharan Africa as evidenced by the scarcity of publications.
Results
A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of six (6) cases of Rasmussen syndrome, shows that it is an unrecognized disease in Africa. Men were more represented with a frequency of 67% with a young age. The clinical picture dominated by 100% seizures, mental deterioration and hemiparesis. The etiology is still questionable, probably autoimmune in our study.
Conclusion
Rasmussen syndrome accounts for 3% in 219 patients hospitalized for epileptic conditions. This study shows a clinical profile dominated by recurrent epileptic seizures refractory to the drugs Phenobarbital, Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine, the only antiepileptics available in the country. These results are valid for therapeutic and prognostic discussion.
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12
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Dedeken P, Sebera F, Mutungirehe S, Garrez I, Umwiringirwa J, Van Steenkiste F, Boon PAJM, Teuwen DE. High prevalence of epilepsy in Northern Rwanda: Exploring gender differences. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2377. [PMID: 34661989 PMCID: PMC8613444 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy varies widely between subregions and is higher in rural compared to urban regions. Observed versus expected numbers of patients with epilepsy (PwE) in the northern province of Rwanda did not match the prevalence of 49‰ reported in 2005 in Rwanda. We report a confirmatory prevalence study focused on gender-specific observations. METHODS A cross-sectional door-to-door approach was used in three rural villages. First, epilepsy screening using the Kinyarwanda version of the Limoges questionnaire was performed. Second, confirmation of epilepsy diagnosis was completed by trained physicians. RESULTS In total, 2681 persons (56.14% female) were screened. Of 168 positively screened, 128 persons were diagnosed with epilepsy confirming the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy of 47.7‰ (CI 39.8-56.8). The diagnosis gap was 62.5% with 80 newly diagnosed. The overall female:male ratio was 1.61:1.00. A male preponderance below 9 years of age inverted to a female preponderance above 20 years of age. Female PwE had an older age at first seizure, reported different reasons for not seeking care, and differed from male PwE in possible etiology. For previously diagnosed PwE, the treatment gap was more than 77%. CONCLUSION A high prevalence in rural areas was confirmed, with an observed female/male ratio among the highest of published door-to-door surveys in SSA. Gender differences in associated co-morbidities and age at first seizure warrant future research of underlying etiologies and possible survival bias. A better understanding and focus on gender-associated care-seeking patterns, education, and specific needs are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Corporate Societal Responsibility, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sylvestre Mutungirehe
- Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Neurology, National University Hospital FANN, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Josiane Umwiringirwa
- Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Frank Van Steenkiste
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Psychiatric Center Sint-Jan-Baptist, Zelzate, Belgium
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Corporate Societal Responsibility, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Diby T, Khumalo PG, Anokyewaa-Amponsah G, Mustapha R, Ampofo AG. Knowledge about epilepsy and factors associated with attitudes toward marrying, employing, and driving people with epilepsy: A cross-sectional survey of Asokore Mampong community dwellers in Ghana. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107646. [PMID: 33339739 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to lack of information and illiteracy, epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES The main aim of the study was to determine, among community dwellers in Asokore Mampong Municipality (Ghana): (i) the knowledge on risk factors, signs and symptoms, management of epilepsy, and (ii) factors associated with attitudes toward marrying, employing, or driving people with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS A cross-sectional study of 100 randomly selected individuals aged 18 years and older in Asokore Mampong Municipality was conducted in February 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward marrying, employing, and driving people with epilepsy. Frequencies and corresponding percentages were used to describe the study participants, their knowledge regarding epilepsy and attitudes toward marrying, employing, or driving people with epilepsy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with attitudes toward marrying, employing, or driving people with epilepsy. RESULTS Majority (33%) of the respondents indicated that epilepsy is caused by possession of evil spirits or witchcraft. More than 60% of the respondents correctly identified all signs and symptoms presented in the survey. Almost half (45%) of the respondents selected orthodox/medical treatment as the treatment for epilepsy. The odds of marrying PWE among Akans and Ewe/Ga Adangbe were 90% [adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.67] and 84% lower [aOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.62] compared to odds of marrying PWE among Northerners, respectively. Compared to respondents with no formal education, the odds of employing PWE were 88% lower [aOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.40] among those with tertiary education. In addition, the odds of driving a person with an epileptic attack among Muslims/Traditionalists were 81% lower [aOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.68] than Christians. Respondents between 18 and 30 years old had more than 5 times higher odds of driving a person with an epileptic attack [aOR 5.28, 95% CI: 1.15-24.84] compared to respondents above 30 years. CONCLUSIONS Individuals in Asokore Mampong have less knowledge about the risk factors and treatment of epilepsy. Generally, they have negative attitudes toward marrying, employing, and driving PWE. Findings from this study highlight the need to increase education to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy. We recommend that a massive educational campaign should be organized by the Ghana Health Service to address deficiencies in knowledge as well as the negative attitudes toward PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Diby
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Phinda G Khumalo
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Rafiyatu Mustapha
- Garden City University College, Department of Nursing, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ama G Ampofo
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; Garden City University College, Department of Nursing, Kumasi, Ghana.
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14
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Kim JK, Kim KH, Shin YC, Jang BH, Ko SG. Utilization of traditional medicine in primary health care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2020; 35:1070-1083. [PMID: 32516397 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reports the findings from the first systematic review of the utilization of traditional medicine (TM) in primary health care (PHC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). PHC is an important component of health care and essential for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). For countries where there is a gap in PHC, TM plays a vital role. It is widely used and has the potential to increase the coverage of PHC and UHC. Hence in situations where TM is recognized in a considerable magnitude, there are scarce evidence and minimal regulation on it and TM practitioners (TMPs). This study aims to identify the current situation in the utilization of TM in PHC or UHC in LMICs. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies have been conducted. A total of 56 articles met the criteria and were included in the review. In all, 14 analytic themes have been developed including the current use of TM in PHC, higher accessibility of TM, medical pluralism, national health system, national health policy and national health insurance to include TM, including TMPs in the referral system, utilizing TMPs as community health workers, the needs of scientific research on TM and the need for training both TMPs and conventional medical staffs for better collaboration. The study concluded that it is necessary to further focus on TM in the macro level on strengthening the referral system by including TM to establish a comprehensive service delivery network under UHC and in the micro level to focus on training the TMPs and conventional medicine health workers on both areas to attain more in-depth understanding of each other, which can lead to better collaboration and quality patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kyoun Kim
- Department of Global Public Health and Korean Medicine Management, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Han Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, 61, Seonneomeo 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Cheol Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hyoung Jang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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15
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Grace R, Vaz J, Da Costa J. Traditional medicine use in Timor-Leste. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:165. [PMID: 32493305 PMCID: PMC7268523 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional medicine use is common amongst peoples in developing nations. Timor-Leste is no exception. However little is known about the prevalence, pattern, satisfaction with, cost or type of traditional medicine used in Timor-Leste. This study aims to describe the prevalence, nature and basic demographic factors associated with contemporary traditional medicine use in Timor-Leste. METHODS A structured interview questionnaire was administered in Tetun to 50 surgical patients, 50 internal medicine patients, 50 hospital staff and 50 hospital visitors at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Timor-Leste's major referral hospital. RESULTS 60% of respondents reported having used traditional medicine; 32% within the last year. The greatest use was amongst surgical patients, the least amongst hospital staff. The frequency of traditional medicine use was comparable amongst all groups regardless of size of community, residence or level of education. Traditional medicine use in Timor-Leste is sufficiently common to represent part of the cultural norm. Factors described as promoting traditional medicine use included cost, limited access to other medical services and a belief that traditional medicine was free of side effects. Approximately half the patients reported using traditional medicine for their current illness and many for chronic illness in conjunction with conventional medicine. CONCLUSION Traditional medicine use is common in Timor-Leste. Medical practitioners need to be cognizant of the common and potentially concomitant use of traditional medicine alongside conventional medicine when treating patients in Timor-Leste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Grace
- Department Medicine, Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste.
| | - Jacinto Vaz
- Department Medicine, Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Julianti Da Costa
- Department Medicine, Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
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16
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Sokolov E, Abdoul Bachir DH, Sakadi F, Williams J, Vogel AC, Schaekermann M, Tassiou N, Bah AK, Khatri V, Hotan GC, Ayub N, Leung E, Fantaneanu TA, Patel A, Vyas M, Milligan T, Villamar MF, Hoch D, Purves S, Esmaeili B, Stanley M, Lehn-Schioler T, Tellez-Zenteno J, Gonzalez-Giraldo E, Tolokh I, Heidarian L, Worden L, Jadeja N, Fridinger S, Lee L, Law E, Fodé Abass C, Mateen FJ. Tablet-based electroencephalography diagnostics for patients with epilepsy in the West African Republic of Guinea. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1570-1577. [PMID: 32359218 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Epilepsy is most common in lower-income settings where access to electroencephalography (EEG) is generally poor. A low-cost tablet-based EEG device may be valuable, but the quality and reproducibility of the EEG output are not established. METHODS Tablet-based EEG was deployed in a heterogeneous epilepsy cohort in the Republic of Guinea (2018-2019), consisting of a tablet wirelessly connected to a 14-electrode cap. Participants underwent EEG twice (EEG1 and EEG2), separated by a variable time interval. Recordings were scored remotely by experts in clinical neurophysiology as to data quality and clinical utility. RESULTS There were 149 participants (41% female; median age 17.9 years; 66.6% ≤21 years of age; mean seizures per month 5.7 ± SD 15.5). The mean duration of EEG1 was 53 ± 12.3 min and that of EEG2 was 29.6 ± 12.8 min. The mean quality scores of EEG1 and EEG2 were 6.4 [range, 1 (low) to 10 (high); both medians 7.0]. A total of 44 (29.5%) participants had epileptiform discharges (EDs) at EEG1 and 25 (16.8%) had EDs at EEG2. EDs were focal/multifocal (rather than generalized) in 70.1% of EEG1 and 72.5% of EEG2 interpretations. A total of 39 (26.2%) were recommended for neuroimaging after EEG1 and 22 (14.8%) after EEG2. Of participants without EDs at EEG1 (n = 53, 55.8%), seven (13.2%) had EDs at EEG2. Of participants with detectable EDs on EEG1 (n = 23, 24.2%), 12 (52.1%) did not have EDs at EEG2. CONCLUSIONS Tablet-based EEG had a reproducible quality level on repeat testing and was useful for the detection of EDs. The incremental yield of a second EEG in this setting was ~13%. The need for neuroimaging access was evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sokolov
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - F Sakadi
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - J Williams
- Department of Neurology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Dublin Neurological Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A C Vogel
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - N Tassiou
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - A K Bah
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - V Khatri
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G C Hotan
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Ayub
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, USA.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, USA
| | - T A Fantaneanu
- Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - A Patel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Vyas
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - T Milligan
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M F Villamar
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Hoch
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Purves
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - B Esmaeili
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Stanley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - J Tellez-Zenteno
- University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - I Tolokh
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - L Worden
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Jadeja
- University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Fridinger
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - L Lee
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - E Law
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - C Fodé Abass
- Department of Neurology, Ignace Deen Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - F J Mateen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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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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18
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Mateen FJ. A cascade of care for people with epilepsy: learning from "HIV/AIDS 90-90-90". Gates Open Res 2019; 3:1502. [PMID: 31508582 PMCID: PMC6712888 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13043.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is now more prevalent in many countries than HIV/AIDS. Building upon the advances of global policymaking for HIV/AIDS and creating a framework for countries and organizations to monitor progress in epilepsy care will help direct and justify much-needed novel programming. Given the clarity of the HIV/AIDS care continuum model and the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, I propose this same approach to the cascade of care could be used as a viable framework for people with epilepsy. In this model, the targets of success include (1) ensuring 90% of all people with epilepsy are aware of their diagnosis as a brain disorder, (2) starting 90% of people with epilepsy on quality controlled, appropriately chosen and well stocked antiepileptic drugs, and (3) achieving seizure freedom in 70% of those treated. At least 90% of all people with epilepsy must also be linked to and retained in appropriate care. Although the precise numbers may be debated, this cascade of care approach will assist in deconstructing the barriers to epilepsy care in populations better than the more familiar concept of the epilepsy treatment gap. These reflect concrete goals for health systems for epilepsy care that, if achieved, could lead to seizure freedom for the many people in lower income countries living with poorly controlled epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah J Mateen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Fitts W, Rahamatou NT, Abass CF, Vogel AC, Ghislain AH, Sakadi F, Hongxiang Q, Conde ML, Baldé AT, Hamani ABD, Bah AK, Anand P, Patenaude B, Mateen FJ. School status and its associations among children with epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:275-281. [PMID: 31260925 PMCID: PMC6702082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income countries (LICs), there are multiple barriers for children with epilepsy (CWE) to attend school. We examined potentially modifiable associations with poor school performance in CWE in the West African Republic of Guinea. METHODS Children with epilepsy of school age were recruited using public announcements and a clinical register of people with epilepsy at the Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry in 2018. A team of Guinean and U.S. neurologists and neurologists-in-training interviewed each CWE and parent for his/her epilepsy history, household finances, educational attainment level, and perceived stigma using the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE). Each child was also tested using the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability (WNV). Low school performance was defined as either not attending school or being held back a grade level at least once. Potential predictors of low school performance were analyzed. FINDINGS Of 128 CWE (mean age: 11.6 years, 48.4% female), 11.7% (n = 15) never attended school, 23.3% (n = 30) dropped out, and 64.8% (n = 83) were currently enrolled. Of CWE attending school, 46.9% (n = 39) were held back a grade level. Overall, 54 children were defined as low performers (LPs) (42%). ;Greater than 100 lifetime seizures (odds ratio (OR) = 8.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.51, 37.4; p = 0.001) and lower total WNV score (OR = 0.954; 95% CI = 0.926, 0.977; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor school performance in separate models, when controlling for potential confounders. Given the strong relationship between seizure freedom and school performance, we estimated that 38 additional CWE (33.6%) could become high performers (HPs) if all CWE were adequately treated to achieve the lifetime seizure category of <10 seizures and could be cognitively intact again. Models examining SSE and household wealth quintile were not significantly associated with school performance. CONCLUSIONS Higher lifetime seizures and lower WNV score were significantly associated with low school performance in CWE in Guinea. In spite of our conservative definition of high school performance (attending without failing) and risk of referral bias at an academic center where patients were allowed to self-refer, we demonstrate that seizure control in this setting could increase the number of CWE who could attend and stay in school.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andre C Vogel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Foksouna Sakadi
- Ignace Deen Hospital, Department of Neurology, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Qiu Hongxiang
- University of Washington, Department of Biostatistics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Pria Anand
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Patenaude
- Johns Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Farrah J Mateen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA.
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