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Peterson CL, Walker C. Experiences of COVID-19 in an Australian community cohort of adults with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 161:110062. [PMID: 39321750 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.110062] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
A number of studies have been conducted on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy (PWE), some showing increased seizures, poorer psychosocial states, and reductions in Quality of Life (QoL). During the latter stages of COVID-19, well before the UN declared an end to the state of emergency, our study was conducted in Australia of a sample of women and men ≥ 18 years. The study was based on Wave 6 of the Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Study (AELS). It used mixed methods. Two main scales were used in the study, the QOLIE-31 for QoL and the MOS-8 for social support. The quantitative component of the study looked at QoL in relation to COVID-19 and found no QoL differences in those who contracted the virus. However, there was significantly lower QoL in those having difficulties in seeing a GP, for those with limited access to healthcare, and for those who had problems in gaining ASMs (anti-seizure medicines) and/or other medicines and being unvaccinated. Being younger and living in rental accommodation were most likely significant contributing factors. Those not being vaccinated were less than the proportion in the whole national population., The qualitative component focussed on reasons for being vaccinated or not. Overall, the responses to the question "Were you vaccinated?" demonstrated that people made informed decisions on vaccinations, taking into account their own health as well as protecting family and public health considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L Peterson
- Adjunct, Department of Social Inquiry, School of Social Science and Humanities, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Epilepsy Foundation Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christine Walker
- Epilepsy Foundation Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia; Epilepsy Australia Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia.
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Vasey MJ, Tai XY, Thorpe J, Jones GD, Ashby S, Hallab A, Ding D, Andraus M, Dugan P, Perucca P, Costello DJ, French JA, O'Brien TJ, Depondt C, Andrade DM, Sengupta R, Datta A, Delanty N, Jette N, Newton CR, Brodie MJ, Devinsky O, Cross JH, Sander JW, Hanna J, Besag FMC, Sen A. The impact of COVID-19 on people with epilepsy: Global results from the coronavirus and epilepsy study. Epilepsia Open 2024. [PMID: 39225433 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.13035] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the experience of people with epilepsy and aligned healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and compare experiences in high-income countries (HICs) with non-HICs. METHODS Separate surveys for people with epilepsy and HCWs were distributed online in April 2020. Responses were collected to September 2021. Data were collected for COVID-19 infections, the effect of COVID-related restrictions, access to specialist help for epilepsy (people with epilepsy), and the impact of the pandemic on work productivity (HCWs). The frequency of responses for non-HICs and HICs were compared using non-parametric Chi-square tests. RESULTS Two thousand one hundred and five individuals with epilepsy from 53 countries and 392 HCWs from 26 countries provided data. The same proportion of people with epilepsy in non-HICs and HICs reported COVID-19 infection (7%). Those in HICs were more likely to report that COVID-19 measures had affected their health (32% vs. 23%; p < 0.001). There was no difference between non-HICs and HICs in the proportion who reported difficulty in obtaining help for epilepsy. HCWs in non-HICs were more likely to report COVID-19 infection than those in HICs (18% vs 6%; p = 0.001) and that their clinical work had been affected by concerns about contracting COVID-19, lack of personal protective equipment, and the impact of the pandemic on mental health (all p < 0.001). Compared to pre-pandemic practices, there was a significant shift to remote consultations in both non-HICs and HICs (p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE While the frequency of COVID-19 infection was relatively low in these data from early in the pandemic, our findings suggest broader health consequences and an increased psychosocial burden, particularly among HCWs in non-HICs. Planning for future pandemics should prioritize mental healthcare alongside ensuring access to essential epilepsy services and expanding and enhancing access to remote consultations. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY We asked people with epilepsy about the effects of COVID-19 on their health and healthcare. We wanted to compare responses from people in high-income countries and other countries. We found that people in high-income countries and other countries had similar levels of difficulty in getting help for their epilepsy. People in high-income countries were more likely to say that their general health had been affected. Healthcare workers in non-high-income settings were more likely to have contracted COVID-19 and have the care they deliver affected by the pandemic. Across all settings, COVID-19 associated with a large shift to remote consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin You Tai
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Thorpe
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gabriel Davis Jones
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Asma Hallab
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Biologie Intégrative et Physiologie - Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégrées, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Maria Andraus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Neurology and Neurophysiology Services, Deolindo Couto Institute of Neurology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patricia Dugan
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), Epilepsy Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Costello
- Epilepsy Service, Cork University Hospital & College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jacqueline A French
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chantal Depondt
- Department of Neurology, CUB Erasme Hospital, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danielle M Andrade
- Division of Neurology, Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Norman Delanty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Beaumont Hospital, FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Charles R Newton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin J Brodie
- Epilepsy Unit, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Arjune Sen
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Panahi P, Zafardoust H, Mirzohreh ST, Khamnian Z, Alizadeh M. The study of mental health status of people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109834. [PMID: 38852496 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109834] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people with epilepsy (PWE) in various ways. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the mental health status and prevalence of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress among PWE. Furthermore, this study evaluates changes in sleep patterns and presence of sleep disturbances among them. The findings of this systematic review can help health organizations, policymakers, and health workers to better prepare and respond to future health crises for PWE and other chronic disease patients. METHOD This systematic review was prepared using PRISMA reporting guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies that reported data on mental health parameters including depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, quality of life, and sleep quality, during the pandemic until May 2023. The analytical procedures were executed through the utilization of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS In our study, a total of 61 carefully selected studies were analyzed, yielding valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of various mental health indicators among PWE. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of PWE experienced distressing psychological symptoms, with depression being reported by 34% of participants. Additionally, anxiety was prevalent among 43% of individuals, while stress symptoms were reported by 49% of respondents. Moreover, a substantial portion of PWE, approximately 38%, reported experiencing poor sleep quality, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by this population. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to address the mental health concerns and sleep disturbances faced by individuals living with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The findings revealed that a substantial number of PWE experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality. These results emphasize the importance of considering mental health and sleep assessments as integral components of care for individuals with epilepsy. The study underscores the need for further research and targeted interventions to address the mental health burden faced by this population. By prioritizing and addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhila Khamnian
- Department of Community Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Alizadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Mc Carthy L, Mathew B, Blank LJ, Van Hyfte G, Gotlieb E, Goldstein J, Agarwal P, Kwon CS, Singh A, Fields M, Marcuse L, Yoo JY, Sivarak E, Gururangan K, Navis A, Jetté N. Health care access, psychosocial outcomes and mental health in adults living with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 151:109617. [PMID: 38219607 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109617] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People living with epilepsy (PLWE) have a higher prevalence of mental health comorbidities and poorer psychosocial outcomes compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial outcomes, mental health, healthcare accessibility, and seizure burden in PLWE during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with epilepsy treated in an urban multicenter health system from 2021 to 2022. A standardized questionnaire assessed for COVID-19 history, comorbidities, access to antiseizure medications (ASMs) and neurological care, seizure burden, and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., employment, social and financial support). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were administered to evaluate for depression and anxiety. Frequency and proportions for categorical variables and median and interquartile ranges for continuous variables were calculated. RESULTS Fifty-five PLWE participated (95 % response rate). Median age was 40 years (IQR 31.5-66.5), 61.8 % were women, 47.3 % had a bachelor's degree or higher and 29.1 % each had Medicaid and Medicare insurance. Race (from highest to lowest %) was: 32.7 % White, 20 % Black, 20 % Latinx, 14.5 % Asian, and 12.7 % selected "other" or "prefer not to say." COVID-19 had been diagnosed in 21.8 % of participants. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were self-reported by 43.6 % and 34.5 % of patients, respectively, with many describing this symptom as new post-pandemic (37.5 % and 31.6 %, respectively). Using validated scales, 52.7 % had depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) with 30.9 % having moderate/severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10), while 29.1 % had probable generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7 score ≥ 8). Seizure burden increased in 21.8 % of participants, while 20 % reported fewer seizures and 29.1 % were seizure free since the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic impacts of the pandemic included job loss (25 % amongst those employed at onset of pandemic), new or worsened financial difficulties (40 %), and new or worsened social support issues (30.9 %). Of all participants, 18.2 % reported difficulties accessing ASMs and 25.5 % cancelled visits, but of those with cancelled visits, 78.6 % had their appointments rescheduled as a telehealth visit. CONCLUSION Our cohort of PLWE experienced some challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic including poorer mental health and financial and employment-related stressors. Encouragingly, healthcare access was relatively spared during the COVID-19 crisis, with some patients even reporting a reduction in seizure burden. However, PLWE require ongoing psychosocial support with particular attention to decompensation of mental health and social stressors that may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mc Carthy
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - B Mathew
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - L J Blank
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Van Hyfte
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Gotlieb
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Goldstein
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - P Agarwal
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - C S Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Singh
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Fields
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Marcuse
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Y Yoo
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Sivarak
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Gururangan
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Navis
- Department of Neurology, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Jetté
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada.
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Li D, Shi Y, Wang B, Zhou J, Wang X, Huang S, Yang L. Changes in sleep quality of children with epilepsy and anxiety of their caregivers after COVID-19 infection: a case-series report. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1239322. [PMID: 37675391 PMCID: PMC10477778 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1239322] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the changes in epileptic seizures and sleep quality in children with epilepsy (CWE) and the changes in anxiety of their caregivers after infection with COVID-19. Methods Outpatients and inpatients of CWEs were selected as subjects and a questionnaire survey was used to carry out this case-series study. The demographic information of the CWEs and their caregivers, information about epilepsy, and information about the vaccination, infection, and treatment of COVID-19 were collected. The changes in sleep quality of CWEs and the changes in anxiety of their caregivers were assessed by the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Caregiver Anxiety Scale (CAS). Risk factors affecting sleep habits in CWEs and caregiver anxiety were further analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results A total of 312 children were included in the study. Among them, 134 patients (42.9%) were female. The average age of the children was 9.30 ± 3.88 years, and the duration of epilepsy was 4.59 ± 3.36 years. A total of 221 of the 312 children were infected with COVID-19, and all the infected children developed fever, which lasted for 1.71 ± 1.13 days. 10 children were satisfied with controlled seizures for more than 1 year and relapsed after COVID-19 infection (4.2%), 4 cases (3.6%) with increased seizures, and 8 children with reduced seizures (7.7%), 17 children (7.7%) had no change in seizures, and 182 children (82.3%) remained seizure-free after the COVID-19 infection. The average sleep time of the CWEs was 9.25 ± 1.04 h and the average total score of the CSHQ was 37.25 ± 5.19, among which 44 cases (14.1%) had more than 41 points. As the result of the CAS, 16 of them (5.13%) scored above 50 and the average total score was 31.49 ± 8.09. The control of seizures, age of onset, types of anti-seizure medicines (ASMs), and seizure duration were risk factors affecting sleep quality. Accordingly, the score of CAS was significantly lower when there was more than one caregiver who cared for the CWE. Conclusions COVID-19 infection did not cause an increase in seizures in CWEs, nor did it worsen their sleep quality of them or aggravate the anxiety of their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yongjing Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shaoping Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Living with Epilepsy during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions: A Longitudinal Perspective. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109146. [PMID: 37075509 PMCID: PMC9941304 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109146] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to explore how people with epilepsy fared during two of the most stringent 4-month society-wide COVID-19 related pandemic restrictions in Ireland, in 2020 and one year later in 2021. This was in the context of their seizure control, lifestyle factors and access to epilepsy-related healthcare services. A 14-part questionnaire was administered to adults with epilepsy during virtual specialist epilepsy clinics in a University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland at the end of the two lockdowns. People with epilepsy were questioned on their epilepsy control, lifestyle factors and quality of epilepsy-related medical care, compared to pre-COVID times. The study sample consisted of two separate cohorts of those diagnosed with epilepsy (100 (51.8%) in 2020, 93 (48.2%) in 2021, with similar baseline characteristics. There was no significant change in seizure control or lifestyle factors from 2020 to 2021, except for deterioration in anti-seizure medication (ASM) adherence in 2021 compared to 2020 (p = 0.028). There was no correlation between ASM adherence and other lifestyle factors. Over the two years, poor seizure control was significantly associated with poor sleep (p <0.001) and average seizure frequency in a month (p = 0.007). We concluded that there was no significant difference between seizure control or lifestyle factors between the two most stringent lockdowns in Ireland, in 2020 and in 2021. Furthermore, people with epilepsy reported that throughout the lockdowns access to services was well maintained, and they felt well supported by their services. Contrary to popular opinion that COVID lockdowns greatly affected patients with chronic diseases, we found that those with epilepsy attending our service remained largely stable, optimistic, and healthy during this time.
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von Gaudecker JR, Clarke DF, Perkins S, Ali A, Sanjuan D, Vidaurre J. Epilepsy care delivery during COVID-19 in resource-limited countries: A survey in collaboration with International Epilepsy Equity Group. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:108998. [PMID: 36436359 PMCID: PMC9690616 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of pandemic has had worse effects in countries with already stretched healthcare resources. study's The study aimed to explore changes in epilepsy care delivery in resource-limited countries during and since the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 22 countries among healthcare providers (HCPs) caring for persons with epilepsy (PWE), in collaboration with newly formed global collaborators, the International Epilepsy Equity Group. Findings were compared based on the World Bank Ranking (WBR) and HCPs' practice type. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests (α = 0.05) and pairwise multiple comparisons with α = 0.017 (Bonferroni adjustment). Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS A total of 241 HCPs participated in the study. Of these, 8.30%, 65.98%, and 21.99% were from high-income (HIC), upper-middle-income (UMIC), and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), respectively. Among HCPs, 31.12% were adult specialists, and 43.98% were pediatric specialists. During the acute phase of the pandemic, HCPs reported that the major barrier for PWE was difficulty reaching physicians/healthcare providers. Except for difficulty reaching physicians/healthcare providers (WBR P = 0.01 HIC < LMIC), no other significant differences in barriers during the acute phase were observed. Since the acute phase of the pandemic, the major concern for PWE was fear of getting infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Significant differences in concerns since the acute phase included lockdowns (WBR: P = 0.03 UMIC < LMIC), fiscal difficulties (WBR: P < 0.001 UMICs < LMICs, UMICs < HIC; practice type: P = 0.006 adult < others, pediatrics < others), clinic closure (WBR: P = 0.003 UMIC < HIC; practice type: P =< 0.001 adult < others, pediatric < others), and long waiting times (WBR: P = 0.005, LMIC < UMIC, LMIC < HIC; practice type: P = 0.006 pediatric < adults). Diagnostic services, including EEG, MRI, CT (practice type: P < 0.001, adult < others; pediatric < others), and lab work (WBR: P = 0.01 UMIC < HIC), were restricted. The telephone was the most reported teleconsultation method used. Except for SMS/texting (WBR P = 0.02 UMIC < LMIC), there were no significant differences in teleconsultation methods used. DISCUSSION There is a high probability that the initial wave and consequent reduction of in-person care, restriction of health services, and fiscal difficulties affecting all involved in care delivery, led to the disruption of epilepsy care. Additional support are needed in resource-limited countries to cope with future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane R von Gaudecker
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Dave F Clarke
- Neurology and Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, USA; Pediatric Epilepsy, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, USA.
| | - Susan Perkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Amza Ali
- Epilepsy Centre of Jamaica, Jamaica; The University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
| | - Daniel Sanjuan
- National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Jorge Vidaurre
- Nationwide Children's Hospital - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Lavin B, Gray CL, Brodie M. Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care. Neurol Clin 2022; 40:717-727. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Kuroda N, Gajera PK, Yu H, Kubota T. Seizure Control in Patients with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Intern Med 2022; 61:2287-2293. [PMID: 35650127 PMCID: PMC9424088 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9321-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, and the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Studies that reported seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of patients with epilepsy who experienced seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of the assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed, excluding studies with reports of seizures worsening from caregivers. Results A total of 24 studies with 6,492 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of seizure worsening was 18.5% (95% CI: 13.9-23.6; I2=96%; p<0.01). The pooled proportion of seizure worsening in the subgroup analysis was 18.9% (95% CI: 13.5-25.0; I2=96%; p<0.01). Conclusion Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians should be aware of the likelihood of worsening seizures in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, USA
- Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | - Hongxuyang Yu
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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Kikuchi K, Hamano SI, Horiguchi A, Nonoyama H, Hirata Y, Matsuura R, Koichihara R, Oka A, Hirano D. Telemedicine in epilepsy management during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14972. [PMID: 34460985 PMCID: PMC8661659 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine has spread rapidly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and shown its usefulness, particularly for patients with epilepsy, compared to face-to-face visits. We sought to evaluate the clinical features of patients with childhood onset epilepsy associated with consultations by telephone call during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients with childhood onset epilepsy who visited an outpatient clinic in Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan, from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020. To find the clinical features of patients who utilized telemedicine consultation (by telephone call), we divided the patients into the telemedicine group and the face-to-face group. We then reviewed the clinical features. Telemedicine consultation was not implemented for new patients. RESULTS We enrolled 776 outpatients in total, and 294 patients (37.9%) utilized telemedicine consultations. The total number of visits was 2,299 and the total number of telemedicine consultations was 373 (16.2%). No clinical feature was associated with telemedicine consultations except for age at onset of epilepsy. The number of oral antiepileptic drugs prescriptions decreased in 23 of 776 (3.0%) of the patients who did not experience seizure deterioration, including status epilepticus, or who visited the emergency room. CONCLUSION Telemedicine consultations were successfully utilized for epilepsy treatment at our outpatient clinic, regardless of epilepsy type, etiology, seizure frequency, comorbidities, and patients' residential areas. Thus, telemedicine by telephone call may be a useful resource in the management of patients with childhood onset epilepsy during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Kikuchi
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hamano
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ayumi Horiguchi
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hazuki Nonoyama
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Hirata
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ryuki Matsuura
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Reiko Koichihara
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Oka
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daishi Hirano
- Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in people with epilepsy: A nation-wide multicenter study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108379. [PMID: 34731719 PMCID: PMC9759834 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence, severity, and mortality of COVID-19 in people with epilepsy (PWE) and evaluate seizure control in PWE during and after COVID-19. METHODS Retrospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 14 hospitals. Medical records of randomly selected PWE followed at neurology outpatient clinics were reviewed. Proportion of PWE with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 during 2020 was calculated. Risk factors associated with COVID-19 and its morbimortality were evaluated. RESULTS 2751 PWE were included, mean age 48.8 years (18-99), 72.4% had focal epilepsy, and 35% were drug-refractory. COVID-19 prevalence in PWE was 5.53%, while in the Spanish population was 4.26%. Proportion of admissions to hospital, ICU, and deaths in PWE were 17.1%, 2%, and 4.61% of COVID-19 cases, while in Spanish population were 10.81%, 0.95%, and 2.57%, respectively. A severe form of COVID-19 occurred in 11.8%; dyslipidemia, institutionalization at long-term care facilities, intellectual disability, and older age were associated risk factors. Older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac disease, and institutionalization were associated with mortality from COVID-19. Seizure control was stable in 90.1% of PWE during acute COVID-19, while 8.6% reported an increase in seizure frequency. During post-COVID-19 follow-up, 4.6% reported seizure control worsening. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 was moderately prevalent in PWE. One out of 5 patients required medical attention and 4.6% died due to COVID-19. Older age, dyslipidemia, institutionalization, and intellectual disability were significant risk factors associated with severe COVID-19. Seizure control remained stable during COVID-19 and throughout long-term follow-up in most PWE who contracted the infection.
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12
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Tashakori-Miyanroudi M, Souresrafil A, Hashemi P, Jafar Ehsanzadeh S, Farrahizadeh M, Behroozi Z. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in patients with epilepsy during COVID-19: A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108410. [PMID: 34781062 PMCID: PMC8586733 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 pandemic disease has profound consequences for physical and mental health. In this regard, health care for chronic diseases, especially epilepsy is neglected The purpose of this systematic review study was to investigate the epidemic effect of COVID-19 on increasing the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders in people with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Web of science, Scopus, and Psych info databases for studies that estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in PWE during the COVID-19 until December 2020. Inclusion criteria included samples of population, with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy. RESULTS Irrespective of PWE or people without epilepsy (PWOE), all experienced stress and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the studies showed that PWE and even PWOE during the pandemic, suffer from depression. The highest rate of depression was attributed to female PWE with financial problems (66.7%) and the lowest rate of depression in PWE was reported in 8.6%. 7.1-71.2% and 28.2% of patients reported sleep disorders and insomnia, respectively. Less than 2% experienced a sleep improvement. LIMITATIONS Due to a large amount of heterogeneities across the results, we could not evaluate the exact rate of prevalence in spite of using effective measures. CONCLUSIONS People with epilepsy were considered as a susceptible group to the impact of the pandemic. Therefore, great attention should be paid to PWE and adequate psychological supports provided in this period to relieve or inhibit risks to mental health in PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aghdas Souresrafil
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Hashemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Jafar Ehsanzadeh
- English Language Department, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Farrahizadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behroozi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Sellner J, Jenkins TM, von Oertzen TJ, Bassetti CL, Beghi E, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Cavallieri F, Di Liberto G, Helbok R, Macerollo A, Maia LF, Oreja‐Guevara C, Özturk S, Rakusa M, Pisani A, Priori A, Sauerbier A, Soffietti R, Taba P, Zedde M, Crean M, Burlica A, Twardzik A, Moro E. A plea for equitable global access to COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccination and therapy: The NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3849-3855. [PMID: 33460486 PMCID: PMC8014664 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a multi-organ disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to challenge health and care systems around the globe. The pandemic has disrupted acute neurology services and routine patient care and has impacted the clinical course in patients with chronic neurological disease. COVID-19 appears to have exposed inequalities of societies and healthcare systems and had a disproportionate impact on already vulnerable communities. The next challenge will be to set up initiatives to stop disparities in all aspects related to COVID-19. From the medical perspective, there is a need to consider inequalities in prevention, treatment and long-term consequences. Some of the issues of direct relevance to neurologists are summarised. With this appraisal, the European Academy of Neurology NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force intends to raise awareness of the potential impact of COVID-19 on inequalities in healthcare and calls for action to prevent disparity at individual, national and supranational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Department of NeurologyLandesklinikum Mistelbach‐GänserndorfMistelbachAustria
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical CenterParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of NeurologyKlinikum rechts der IsarTechnische Universität MünchenMünchenGermany
| | - Thomas M. Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustSheffieldUK
| | - Tim J. von Oertzen
- Faculty of MedicineJohannes‐Kepler UniversitätLinzAustria
- Department of Neurology 1Kepler UniversitätsklinikumLinzAustria
| | | | - Ettore Beghi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriIRCCSMilanItaly
| | | | - Benedetta Bodini
- Department of NeurologySaint‐Antoine HospitalAPHPSorbonne UniversityParisFrance
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology UnitNeuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD ProgramUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Giovanni Di Liberto
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Antonella Macerollo
- Walton Centre NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
- School of PsychologyFaculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Luis F. Maia
- Department of NeurologyHospital Santo AntónioCentro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
- i3S ‐ Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Celia Oreja‐Guevara
- Department of NeurologyHospital Clinico San CarlosMadridSpain
- Departamento de MedicinaFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad Complutense de Madrid (UCMMadridSpain
- IdISSCMadridSpain
| | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of MedicineSelcuk UniversityKonyaTurkey
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
- IRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
| | - Alberto Priori
- Division of NeurologyDepartment of Neurology‘Aldo Ravelli’ Research CenterUniversity of Milan and ASST Santi Paolo e CarloMilanItaly
| | - Anna Sauerbier
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital CologneCologneGermany
- King's College HospitalNational Parkinson Foundation International Centre of ExcellenceLondonUK
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Division of Neuro‐OncologyDepartment of NeuroscienceUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology UnitNeuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD ProgramUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Michael Crean
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Anja Burlica
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Alex Twardzik
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of NeurologyCHU of GrenobleGrenoble Institute of NeurosciencesGrenoble Alpes UniversityGrenobleFrance
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14
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Gonzalez‐Martinez A, Planchuelo‐Gómez Á, Vieira Campos A, Martínez‐Dubarbie F, Vivancos J, De Toledo‐Heras M. Medium-term changes in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:450-459. [PMID: 34195984 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to social distancing measures and impaired medical care of chronic neurological diseases, including epilepsy, which may have adversely affected well-being and quality of life of patients with epilepsy (PWE). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the levels of anxiety, depression, somnolence, and quality of life using validated scales in PWE in real-life clinical practice. MATERIALS & METHODS Self-administered scales of anxiety disorders (GAD-7), depression (NDDI-E), somnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS), and quality of life (QOLIE-31-P) in PWE treated in a Refractory Epilepsy Unit were longitudinally analyzed. Data were collected before the beginning (December 2019 - March 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2020-January 2021). RESULTS 158 patients (85 from the first round and 73 from the second round) 45.0 ± 17.3 years of age, 43.2% women, epilepsy duration 23.0 ± 14.9 years, number of antiepileptic drugs 2.1 ± 1.4, completed the survey. Significant longitudinal reduction of QOLIE-31-P (from 58.9 ± 19.7 to 56.2 ± 16.2, p = .035) and GAD-7 scores (from 8.8 ± 6.2 to 8.3 ± 5.9, corrected p = .024) was identified. No statistically significant longitudinal changes in the number of seizures (from 0.9 ± 1.9 to 2.5 ± 6.2, p = .125) or NDDI-E scores (from 12.3 ± 4.3 to 13.4 ± 4.4, p = .065) were found. Significant longitudinal increase of ESS (from 4.9 ± 3.7 to 7.4 ± 4.9, p = .001) was found. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, quality of life and anxiety levels were lower in PWE, and sleepiness levels were raised, without seizure change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez‐Martinez
- Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | | | - Alba Vieira Campos
- Epilepsy Unit Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | | | - José Vivancos
- Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | - María De Toledo‐Heras
- Epilepsy Unit Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
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15
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Giza E, Lefkopoulou M, Dimitrakopoulos D, Karachristianou S, Liasidis C. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on a Greek cohort of patients with epilepsy. Hippokratia 2021; 25:145-150. [PMID: 36743863 PMCID: PMC9894308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdown, and the measures of social distancing may have had adverse effects on patients with epilepsy (PWE). This study was designed to assess the pandemic's psychological impact on the Greek non-infected PWE and possible changes in their seizure control. METHOD The patients were evaluated utilizing a semi-structured interview consisting of open questions regarding their demographic, social, and clinical characteristics, followed by five questions (on a scale of 0-10) related to the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing measures. Anxiety and depression of PWE were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which consists of HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression subscales. RESULTS We evaluated 65 PWE in the outpatient clinic (60 %) or via telephone interview (40 %). None of these patients experienced changes in seizure control. The mean scores of the Covid-19-related questions were 6.1 ± 2.7 (fear of getting infected), 4.7 ± 3.3 (fear of death), 7.1 ± 2.7 (fear of sickness for their relatives), 6.4 ± 3.1 (stress during lockdown), and 3.0 ± 2.9 (fear of antiepileptic drugs unavailability). Thirty-nine (60 %) patients screened positive for anxiety and thirty-three (50.8 %) for depression. CONCLUSION The psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing measures on non-infected PWE was moderate without changes in their seizure control. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (4):145-150.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giza
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Lefkopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly and National Hellenic Research Foundation, Larissa, Greece
| | - D Dimitrakopoulos
- Medical Student, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Karachristianou
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - C Liasidis
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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16
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Kuroda N, Kubota T. Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108340. [PMID: 34600283 PMCID: PMC9760102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate psychological comorbidities in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis approach was used to comprehensively search MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant studies. Studies that reported psychological stress in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Psychological comorbidities were defined as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. Pooled proportions of psychological comorbidities with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 28 studies with 7959 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportions of anxiety/worry, depression/bad mood, and sleep disturbance were 38.9% (95% CI: 31.3-46.7); I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, 30.9% (95% CI: 23.3-38.9), I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, and 36.5% (95% CI: 28.3-45.1), I2 = 97%, p < 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSION Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of psychological comorbidities. Therefore, clinicians need to intervene early in the stress of patients with epilepsy to prevent worsening of stress, which can result in seizure worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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17
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Guilhoto LM, Mosini AC, Susemihl MA, Pinto LF. COVID-19 and epilepsy: How are people with epilepsy in Brazil? Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108115. [PMID: 34144461 PMCID: PMC8412880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108115] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During COVID-19 pandemic the global population is facing an important psychosocial distress. The aim of this study was to evaluate how people with epilepsy (PWE) in Brazil is dealing with the pandemic, in relation to seizure frequency, access to antiseizure medicines (ASM), medical follow-up, and well-being. METHODS An online questionnaire survey among PWE (group 1) and caregivers (group 2) was applied in the social networks of the Brazilian Association of Epilepsy, the official Brazilian chapter of the International Bureau for Epilepsy. The questionnaire was composed of 46 generic questions in four areas, namely, demographics and baseline clinical data as well as epilepsy and quality-of-life impact by COVID-19 pandemic based on the domains of the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. RESULTS The questionnaire was answered by 464 participants including 380 (81.9%) PWE (78.7% female; age 34.3 yrs.; ±9.76) and 84 (18.1%) caregivers (patients' age 14.1 yrs.; ±10.30). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 36.8% of PWE and 36.4% of caregivers reported difficulties in accessing the epilepsy healthcare provider, and visits occurred normally only in 29.7% of PWE and in 34.5% of the caregiveŕs group. Telehealth was not provided for 66.6% of group 1 and for 58.5% of group 2. Lack of availability of ASM was reported by 21.9% of PWE and 28.0% of caregivers in public dispensing units and by 19.2% and 17.8%, respectively, in private pharmacies. Increase in seizures during pandemic was mentioned by 26.3% and 27.9% of groups 1 and 2, respectively. Patients who had increase in seizure frequency had more frequently reported problems with treatment and in quality-of-life concepts. Fear of having a more severe COVID-19 presentation because of epilepsy was reported by 74.5% of PWE and by 89.8% of caregivers. Dissatisfaction with current health status was reported by 36.7% and 38.1% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and that the support from others has decreased (56.1% and 66.1%, in groups 1 and 2) during the pandemic. The factors with higher Odds Ratio of increase in seizure frequency during pandemic were age >41 yrs., treatment in public healthcare system, drug-resistant epilepsy, adversities in getting ASM in public dispensing units, difficulties with prescription renewals, current financial problems and belief that epilepsy or ASM are risk factors for contracting COVID-19. CONCLUSION During COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, PWE and caregivers reported increase in seizures in one-fourth of the patients and several difficulties, namely problems in accessing the healthcare system including ASM dispensation, telehealth, and fear of having a more severe COVID-19 because of epilepsy. There were also physical, psychological, and social concerns which affected quality-of-life-related aspects in this population. These facts may increase treatment gap in epilepsy in Brazil as well in other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maria Guilhoto
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Neurologia da EPM/Unifesp, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Universitário, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Cristina Mosini
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil,Departamento de Fisiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Neurologia da EPM/Unifesp, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lécio Figueira Pinto
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil,Divisão de Clínica Neurológica, HC-FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Calabrò RS. Sexuality and epilepsy in the COVID era: Tips and tricks. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107719. [PMID: 33518390 PMCID: PMC7844385 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Changes in Prehospital Stroke Care and Stroke Mimic Patterns during the COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042150. [PMID: 33672096 PMCID: PMC7926658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on prehospital stroke care is largely unknown. We aimed to compare stroke care patterns before and during a state-wide lockdown. Thus, we analysed prospective data of stroke alerts referred to our stroke centre between 1 December 2019 and 16 June 2020, and compared them between two periods—15 weeks before and 13 weeks during the state-wide lockdown declared in Lithuania on 16 March 2020. Among 719 referrals for suspected stroke, there was a decrease in stroke alerts (rate ratio 0.61, 95% CI (0.52–0.71)), stroke admissions (0.63, 95% CI (0.52–0.76)), and decrease in prehospital stroke triage quality (positive predictive value 72.1% vs. 79.9%, p = 0.042) during the lockdown. The onset-to-door time was longer (153.0 vs. 120.5 min, p = 0.049) and seizures and intracranial tumours were more common among stroke mimics (16.9% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.012 and 9.6% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.037, respectively). We conclude that there was a decline in prehospital stroke triage quality during the lockdown despite low COVID-19 incidence in the country. Moreover, we observed an increase in hospital arrival delays and severe conditions presenting as stroke mimics. Our findings suggest that improved strategies are required to maintain optimal neurological care during public health emergencies.
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