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Barba C, Pelliccia V, Grisotto L, De Palma L, Nobile G, Gozzo F, Revay M, Carfi‐Pavia G, Cossu M, Giordano F, Consales A, De Benedictis A, Cavallini E, Mion C, Accolla C, Specchio N, Nobili L, Guerrini R, Tassi L. Trends, outcomes, and complications of surgery for lesional epilepsy in infants and toddlers: A multicenter study. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1382-1392. [PMID: 38898721 PMCID: PMC11296099 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12965] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess seizure and developmental outcomes, their predictors, and complications in 160 children who, between 1998 and 2022, underwent surgery for lesional epilepsy with curative intent before the age of 3 years. To compare trends in epilepsy surgery in this age group before and after the year 2014. METHODS Retrospective multicenter study. Descriptive and univariate analyses, and multivariable models for all outcomes. RESULTS These 160 patients (76 F; 47.5%) underwent 169 surgeries (age at surgery 20.4 ± 9.4 months). At the last follow-up (77 ± 57.4 months), 121 patients (75.6%) were in Engel class I, 106 (66.2%) of whom were in Engel class Ia. Antiseizure medications were stopped in 84 patients (52.5%). Complications requiring reoperations were observed in 16 patients (10%; 9.5% of surgeries) and unexpected permanent deficits in 12 (7.5%; 7.1% of surgeries). Postoperative cognitive functions remained unchanged in 56 patients (44.4%), improved in 51 (40.5%), and worsened in 19 (15.1%). Multivariable analyses showed that the probability of achieving Engel class Ia was lower when the duration of epilepsy was longer, patients underwent preoperative video-EEG, and unexpected postoperative permanent deficits occurred. Cognitive improvement after surgery was associated with lower preoperative seizure frequency, better preoperative developmental level, and a longer postoperative follow-up. FCDII and tumors were the histopathologies carrying a higher probability of achieving seizure freedom, while polymicrogyria was associated with a lower probability of cognitive improvement. The number of patients operated on after 2014 was higher than before (61.3% vs. 38.7%), with stable outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE Epilepsy surgery is effective and safe in infants and toddlers, although the complication rate is higher than seen in older patients. Shorter duration of epilepsy, lower seizure frequency, no need for video-EEG, tumors, and some malformations of cortical development are robust predictors of seizure and cognitive outcome that may be exploited to increase earlier referral. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study analyzed the results of epilepsy surgery in 160 children who had been operated on before the age of 3 years at four Italian centers between 1998 and 2022. At the last follow-up (77 ± 57.4 months), 121 patients (75.6%) were free from disabling seizures, of which 106 (66.2%) were completely seizure-free since surgery. Major surgical complications occurred in 28 patients (17.5%), which is higher than observed with epilepsy surgery in general, but similar to hemispheric/multilobar surgery. Postoperative cognitive function remained unchanged in 56 patients (44.4%), improved in 51 (40.5%), and worsened in 19 (15.1%). Epilepsy surgery is effective and safe in infants and toddlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Barba
- Neuroscience DepartmentMeyer Children's Hospital IRCCSFlorenceItaly
- University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | - Laura Grisotto
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Application “G. Parenti” (DiSIA)University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Luca De Palma
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, EpiCAREBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Giulia Nobile
- Child NeuropsychiatryIRCCS, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | - Francesca Gozzo
- “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery CenterNiguarda HospitalMilanItaly
| | - Martina Revay
- “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery CenterNiguarda HospitalMilanItaly
| | - Giusy Carfi‐Pavia
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, EpiCAREBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Massimo Cossu
- “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery CenterNiguarda HospitalMilanItaly
- Child NeurosurgeryIRCCS, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
| | - Flavio Giordano
- University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
- Neurosurgery DepartmentMeyer Children's Hospital IRCCSFlorenceItaly
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicola Specchio
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, EpiCAREBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Lino Nobili
- Child NeuropsychiatryIRCCS, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
- DINOGMIUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience DepartmentMeyer Children's Hospital IRCCSFlorenceItaly
- University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Laura Tassi
- “C. Munari” Epilepsy Surgery CenterNiguarda HospitalMilanItaly
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Coryell J, Singh R, Ostendorf AP, Eisner M, Alexander A, Eschbach K, Shrey DW, Olaya J, Ciliberto MA, Karakas C, Karia S, McNamara N, Romanowski EF, Kheder A, Pradeep J, Reddy SB, McCormack MJ, Bolton J, Wolf S, McGoldrick P, Hauptman JS, Samanta D, Tatachar P, Sullivan J, Auguste K, Gonzalez-Giraldo E, Marashly A, Depositario-Cabacar DF, Wong-Kisiel LC, Perry S. Epilepsy surgery in children with genetic etiologies: A prospective evaluation of current practices and outcomes. Seizure 2023; 113:6-12. [PMID: 38189708 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assesses current practices and outcomes of epilepsy surgery in children with a genetic etiology. It explores the pre-surgical workup, types of surgeries, and post-surgical outcomes in a broad array of disorders. METHODS Patients ≤18 years who completed epilepsy surgery and had a known genetic etiology prior to surgical intervention were extrapolated from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) surgery database, across 18 US centers. Data were assessed univariably by neuroimaging and EEG results, genetic group (structural gene, other gene, chromosomal), and curative intent. Outcomes were based on a modified International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) outcome score. RESULTS Of 81 children with genetic epilepsy, 72 % had daily seizures when referred for surgery evaluation, which occurred a median of 2.2 years (IQR 0.3, 5.2) after developing drug resistance. Following surgery, 68 % of subjects had >50 % seizure reduction, with 33 % achieving seizure freedom [median follow-up 11 months (IQR 6, 17). Seizure freedom was most common in the monogenic structural group, but significant palliation was present across all groups. Presence of a single EEG focus was associated with a greater likelihood of seizure freedom (p=0.02). SIGNIFICANCE There are meaningful seizure reductions following epilepsy surgery in the majority of children with a genetic etiology, even in the absence of a single structural lesion and across a broad spectrum of genetic causes. These findings highlight the need for expedited referral for epilepsy surgery and support of a broadened view of which children may benefit from epilepsy surgery, even when the intent is palliative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Coryell
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Sciences University, CDRC-P, 707 SW Gaines Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Rani Singh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariah Eisner
- Biostatistics Resource at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Allyson Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Krista Eschbach
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Joffre Olaya
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Ciliberto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Cemal Karakas
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Samir Karia
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Norton Children's Hospital, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nancy McNamara
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin Fedak Romanowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ammar Kheder
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Javarayee Pradeep
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shilpa B Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael J McCormack
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bolton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Wolf
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Patricia McGoldrick
- Boston Children's Health Physicians of New York and Connecticut, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Jason S Hauptman
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Debopam Samanta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Priya Tatachar
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph Sullivan
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kurtis Auguste
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez-Giraldo
- University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ahmad Marashly
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dewi F Depositario-Cabacar
- Center for Neuroscience, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lily C Wong-Kisiel
- Department of Neurology, Divisions of Child Neurology and Epilepsy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Scott Perry
- Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Harford E, Houtrow A, Al-Ramadhani R, Sinha A, Abel T. Functional outcomes of pediatric hemispherotomy: Impairment, activity, and medical service utilization. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 140:109099. [PMID: 36736240 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the functional outcomes of hemispherotomy in a pediatric cohort, including impairments, activity limitations, utilization of therapies and medical specialist services, and subsequent surgical intervention. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent hemispherotomy at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2021. Data on impairments, activity limitations in mobility, self-care, and communication, and use of re/habilitative therapies and medical specialist services were collected pre-operatively and at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years postoperatively. Seizure outcomes were reported via Engel classification at the longest follow-up interval and subsequent surgical procedures were documented through the latest follow-up interval. RESULTS A total of 28 patients who underwent hemispherotomy were assessed prior to surgery, 26 at 1 year post-op, 13 at 5 years, 9 at 10 years, and 5 at 15 years. Seizure outcomes at the longest follow-up interval showed that 84.6% of patients were seizure-free. Assessment of impairments to body structure & function from baseline to 1-year post-op revealed increased impairment in 73% of patients, while most patients saw no change in impairment at 5 years (69%), 10 years (100%), and 15 years (100%) post-op compared to the previous time point. Muscle tone abnormalities (100%), hemiparesis (92%), and visual field deficits (85%) were the most frequently observed impairments in the first year following surgery. Most patients saw no change in developmental or cognitive-affective impairments at 1 (65%), 5 (85%), 10 (89%), and 15 years (80%) post-op compared to the previous time point. The only qualitative reports of decreased ability occurred in 2/26 patients whose medical records indicated decreased mobility at the 1-year mark. All further qualitative reports of ability in mobility, self-care, and communication domains indicated increases or no change in ability for all patients at each of the subsequent follow-up intervals. Exploration of the utilization of re/habilitative therapy services shows that 84% of patients received at least one therapy service at baseline, 100% at1 year, 92% at 5 years, 100% at 10 years, and 80% at 15 years post-op. Patients were followed, on average (m), by multiple medical specialist services at baseline (m = 2.58) as well as the 1- (m = 1.70), 5- (m = 2.15), 10- (m = 3.00) and 15-year (m = 3.40) follow-up intervals. Following hemispherotomy, 15 (53.6%) patients required an average of 2.21 additional surgeries. Most often required was orthopedic surgical intervention (n = 16 procedures), followed by shunt placement (n = 7) and revision (n = 14) targeting hydrocephalus. SIGNIFICANCE This retrospective study demonstrates expected increases in impairments such as hemiparesis and visual field deficits (i.e., homonymous hemianopia) in the context of increased activity and favorable seizure outcomes for 28 pediatric patients who underwent hemispherotomy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Most patients required rehabilitative therapies prior to surgery and continued to require these services post-operatively. Reported baseline functional status, the persistence of impairments following surgery, and comorbidities among this cohort underscore the medical complexity of this patient population and the importance of multidisciplinary care both pre-and post-operatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Harford
- Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Amy Houtrow
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ruba Al-Ramadhani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amit Sinha
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Taylor Abel
- Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
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Uhl S, Konnyu K, Wilson R, Adam G, Robinson KA, Viswanathan M. Parent perceptions and decision making about treatments for epilepsy: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066872. [PMID: 36720580 PMCID: PMC9890834 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epilepsy treatment decision making is complex and understanding what informs caregiver decision making about treatment for childhood epilepsy is crucial to better support caregivers and their children. We synthesised evidence on caregivers' perspectives and experiences of treatments for childhood epilepsy. DESIGN Systematic review of qualitative studies using a best-fit framework and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach. DATA SOURCES Searched Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science from 1 January 1999 to 19 August 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included qualitative studies examining caregiver's perspectives on antiseizure medication, diet or surgical treatments for childhood epilepsy. We excluded studies not reported in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We extracted qualitative evidence into 1 of 14 domains defined by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). One reviewer extracted study data and methodological characteristics, and two reviewers extracted qualitative findings. The team verified all extractions. We identified themes within TDF domains and synthesised summary statements of these themes. We assessed our confidence in our summary statements using GRADE-CERQual. RESULTS We identified five studies (in six reports) of good methodological quality focused on parent perceptions of neurosurgery; we found limited indirect evidence on parents' perceptions of medications or diet. We identified themes within 6 of the 14 TDF domains relevant to treatment decisions: knowledge, emotion; social/professional role and identity; social influence; beliefs about consequences; and environmental context and resources. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with epilepsy navigate a complex process to decide whether to have their child undergo surgery. Educational resources, peer support and patient navigators may help support parents through this process. More qualitative studies are needed on non-surgical treatments for epilepsy and among caregivers from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to fully understand the diversity of perspectives that informs treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Uhl
- Center for Clinical Evidence, ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristin Konnyu
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Renee Wilson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gaelen Adam
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meera Viswanathan
- Evidence-based Practice Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Nemati H, Asadi-Pooya AA. Parents' opinions about epilepsy surgery in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108949. [PMID: 36327643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This survey aimed to investigate the opinions of the parents of children with epilepsy with regard to the application of epilepsy surgery for their children. METHODS We surveyed all the parents of children with epilepsy referred to our neurology clinic (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) in April-July 2022. We collected their opinions about epilepsy surgery based on a predesigned questionnaire. The inclusion criteria included parents of all children with epilepsy (1 to 16 years of age, with at least one-year history of epilepsy, and with at least one drug used in the past 12 months). RESULTS In total, 472 people participated in the study; 277 participants (58.7%) were willing to have epilepsy surgery for their child; the most common reason was to be able to discontinue the drugs. Sex (male), age (younger), and education (college) of the parents had significant associations with the parental willingness to have surgery for their children. The patient's drug regimen (polytherapy) and history of ictal injury (in the child) also had significant associations with the parental willingness to have surgery for the children. CONCLUSION Most parents of children with epilepsy are willing to have epilepsy surgery for their children if their physician presents epilepsy surgery to them as an established, safe, and effective treatment option. Patient and parental-related factors should be considered when designing educational materials and programs for preoperative counseling for the parents of children with drug-resistant seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Nemati
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
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Hatoum R, Nathoo-Khedri N, Shlobin NA, Wang A, Weil AG, Fallah A. Barriers to Epilepsy Surgery in Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review. Seizure 2022; 102:83-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Qian L, Liu X, Yin M, Zhao Y, Tie B, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Yuan S. Coding the negative emotions of family members and patients among the high-risk preoperative conversations with the Chinese version of VR-CoDES. Health Expect 2022; 25:1591-1600. [PMID: 35447002 PMCID: PMC9327824 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13502] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about family members' and patients' expression of negative emotions among high‐risk preoperative conversations. Objectives This study aimed to identify the occurrence and patterns of the negative emotions of family members and patients in preoperative conversations, to investigate the conversation themes and to explore the correlation between the negative emotions and the conversation themes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using the Chinese version of Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR‐CoDES‐C) to code 297 conversations on high‐risk procedures. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the topics in which negative emotions nested. The χ2 Test was used to test the association between the cues and the conversation themes. Results The occurrence rate of family members' and patients' negative emotions was very high (85.9%), much higher when compared to most conversations under other medical settings. The negative emotions were mainly expressed by cues (96.4%), and cue‐b (67.4%) was the most frequent category. Cues and concerns were mostly elicited by family members and patients (71.6%). Negative emotions were observed among seven themes, in which ‘Psychological stress relating to illness severity, family's care and financial burden’ (30.3%) ranked the top. Cue‐b, cue‐c and cue‐d had a significant correlation (p < .001) with certain themes. Conclusions Family members and patients conveyed significantly more negative emotions in the high‐risk preoperative conversations than in other medical communications. Certain categories of cues were induced by specific emotional conversation contents. Patient Contribution Family members and patients contributed to data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liru Qian
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinchun Liu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bingyu Tie
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qingyan Wang
- Department of International Exchange and Cooperation, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Medical Administration, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyang Yuan
- Dental Health Services Research Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Samanta D, Ostendorf AP, Singh R, Gedela S, Elumalai V, Hoyt ML, Perry MS, Bartolini L, Curran GM. Physicians' Perspectives on Presurgical Discussion and Shared Decision-Making in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:416-425. [PMID: 35312338 PMCID: PMC9086119 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221089472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To qualitatively explore the approach of pediatric epilepsy providers when counseling regarding surgical options for epilepsy, presenting risks and benefits of surgery, overcoming resistance to surgery, and fostering shared decision making with patients and families. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 academic clinicians (5- neurologists, 5- epileptologists, 1- neurosurgeon) from a Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center to explore how physicians communicate and pursue surgical decision-making. Results: A blended inductive-deductive analysis revealed three key themes (with subthemes) of presurgical discussions: (1) Candidate selection and initial discussion about epilepsy surgery (neurologists compared to epileptologists, the timing of the discussion, reluctant families) (2) Detailed individualized counseling about epilepsy surgery (shared decision-making [enablers and barriers] and risk-benefit analysis [balancing risks and benefits, statistical benefit estimation, discussion about SUDEP, prognostication about cognitive and behavioral outcomes, risks of surgery]) (3) Tools to improve decision-making (educational interventions for patients and families and provider- and organization-specific interventions). Significance: Presurgical discussions lack uniformity among physicians who treat epilepsy. Despite general interest in collaborative decision-making, experts raised concern about lack of exposure to communication training and clinical tools for optimizing decision-making, a high number of families who do not feel equipped to share the decision making leaving the decision-making entirely to the physician, and paucity of practical resources for individualized risk-benefit counseling. Clinical practice guidelines should be developed to reduce existing practice variations in presurgical counseling. Further consensus is needed about when and how to initiate the conversation about epilepsy surgery, essential components of the discussion, and the utility of various tools to improve the utilization of epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
| | - Vimala Elumalai
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - Megan Leigh Hoyt
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - M. Scott Perry
- Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Luca Bartolini
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Curran
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Samanta D, Hoyt ML, Perry MS. Parental experience and decision-making for epilepsy surgery: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108263. [PMID: 34428615 PMCID: PMC8478881 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In selected children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), epilepsy surgery is the most effective treatment option, but unfortunately remains highly underutilized. One of the critical obstacles to pursuing surgical therapy is parents/caregivers' decision against surgery or to delay the surgery until no other treatment option exists. Understanding caregiver decision-making around epilepsy surgery can improve patient/caregiver experience and satisfaction while facilitating appropriate decision-making that optimizes clinical outcomes. The current review systematically explores the existing evidence on caregiver experience and the decision-making process toward epilepsy surgery. METHODS The study was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review. Databases (PubMed Ovid, PubMed Medline, Web of Science, CINHAL, PsycInfo) were systematically searched in February 2021 using a defined search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Total 1304 articles were screened for titles and abstracts, and 54 full-text articles were retrieved for further assessment. We included 14 articles with critical quality assessment using two different tools for qualitative and questionnaire-based studies. A qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize caregiver experience, perception, and decision-making toward favorable or unfavorable opinions of epilepsy surgery. RESULTS Four concepts generated from the analysis may act as enablers or barriers to decision-making around epilepsy surgery: 1. Access to knowledge and information, 2. Communication and coordination issues, 3. Caregiver's emotional state, and 4. Socioeconomic effects. Subsequently, we provided a narrative synthesis of practice recommendations and a conceptual framework to adopt multi-pronged interventions to overcome identified diverse barriers to effective caregiver decision-making. CONCLUSION Multiple influences impact how caregivers decide about epilepsy surgery for their children, with no single factor identified as the primary driver for or against surgery. However, limited research has explored these influences. Future studies should focus on quantitatively examining factors to identify significant variables most likely to influence caregiver decision-making, ultimately overcoming barriers that limit utilization of epilepsy surgery as a treatment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Megan Leigh Hoyt
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, United States of America
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Hrincu V, McDonald PJ, Connolly MB, Harrison MJ, Ibrahim GM, Naftel RP, Chiong W, Alam A, Ribary U, Illes J. Choice and Trade-offs: Parent Decision Making for Neurotechnologies for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:943-949. [PMID: 34078159 PMCID: PMC8458226 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211015010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated factors that guide caregiver decision making and ethical trade-offs for advanced neurotechnologies used to treat children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Caregivers with affected children were recruited to semi-structured focus groups or interviews at one of 4 major epilepsy centers in Eastern and Western Canada and the USA (n = 22). Discussions were transcribed and qualitative analytic methods applied to examine values and priorities (eg, risks, benefits, adherence, invasiveness, reversibility) of caregivers pertaining to novel technologies to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Discussions revealed 3 major thematic branches for decision making: (1) features of the intervention-risks and benefits, with an emphasis on an aversion to perceived invasiveness; (2) decision drivers-trust in the clinical team, treatment costs; and (3) quality of available information about neurotechnological options. Overall, caregivers' definition of treatment success is more expansive than seizure freedom. The full involvement of their values and priorities must be considered in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Hrincu
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patrick J. McDonald
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary B. Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark J. Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P. Naftel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Winston Chiong
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Armaghan Alam
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Urs Ribary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Institute, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Judy Illes, CM, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner S124 Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5 CANADA, Tel: 604.822.0746
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Phillips NL, Widjaja E, Smith ML. Changes in caregiver depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with family relationships in families of children who did and did not undergo resective epilepsy surgery. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2265-2276. [PMID: 32944931 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16672] [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] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate longitudinal changes in caregiver depression, anxiety, and family relationships following resective surgery for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS This multicenter cohort study involved 177 caregivers of children with DRE aged 4-18 years (63 surgical and 114 nonsurgical). Caregivers completed measures of depression (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale), and satisfaction with family relationships (Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affective, and Resolve scale) at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Additional data collected at baseline included child, caregiver, and family sociodemographic and clinical factors as well as family environment (demands and resources). RESULTS At 1 year, 64% and 27% of surgical and nonsurgical patients were seizure-free, respectively. Linear mixed-effects models found a reduction in caregiver depression (b = -0.85, P = .004) and anxiety (b = -1.09, P = .003), but not family satisfaction (b = 0.18, P = .31) over time. There was no effect of treatment. When seizure outcome was added to the model, seizure freedom was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (b = -1.15, P = .005) and greater family satisfaction (b = 0.65, P = .006), but not anxiety (b = -0.41, P = .42). A greater proportion of caregivers of patients who achieved seizure freedom (32%) versus continued seizures (18%) reported clinically meaningful improvement in depression at 1 year (P = .03). Lower baseline depression (β = 0.42, P < .001), greater family resources (β = -0.18, P = .04), and male caregiver (β = 0.15, P = .02) predicted lower caregiver depression, and lower baseline anxiety (β = 0.47, P < .001), greater family resources (β = -0.24, P = .01), and higher education (β = -0.13, P = .04) predicted lower caregiver anxiety at 1 year. Baseline functioning was the only predictor of family relationships at 1 year (β = 0.49, P < .001). SIGNIFICANCE Caregivers of children who achieved seizure freedom, irrespective of surgical treatment, report fewer depressive symptoms and greater satisfaction with family relationships. Baseline functioning is the strongest predictor of outcome; however, caregivers of families with fewer resources and supports are also at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Phillips
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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