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D'Onofrio G, Roberti R, Riva A, Russo E, Verrotti A, Striano P, Belcastro V. Pharmacodynamic rationale for the choice of antiseizure medications in the paediatric population. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00344. [PMID: 38521667 PMCID: PMC11070715 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00344] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment, over 20 anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have gained approval from Drug Regulatory Agencies, each delineating clear indications. However, the complexity of managing drug-resistant epilepsy often necessitates the concurrent use of multiple medications. This therapeutic challenge highlights a notable gap: the absence of standardized guidelines, compelling clinicians to rely on empirical clinical experience when selecting combination therapies. This comprehensive review aims to explore current evidence elucidating the preferential utilization of specific ASMs or their combinations, with a primary emphasis on pharmacodynamic considerations. The fundamental objective underlying rational polytherapy is the strategic combination of medications, harnessing diverse mechanisms of action to optimize efficacy while mitigating shared side effects. Moreover, the intricate interplay between epilepsy and comorbidities partly may influence the treatment selection process. Despite advancements, unresolved queries persist, notably concerning the mechanisms underpinning drug resistance and the paradoxical exacerbation of seizures. By synthesizing existing evidence and addressing pertinent unresolved issues, this review aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment strategies, paving the way for more informed and efficacious therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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Thalwitzer KM, Xian J, de Campo D, Parthasarathy S, Magielski J, Sullivan KR, Goss J, Rigby CS, Boland M, Prosser B, Ruggiero SM, Syrbe S, Helbig I. Early life seizures and epileptic spasms in STXBP1-related disorders. Epilepsia 2024; 65:805-816. [PMID: 38279907 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with disease-causing variants in STXBP1 frequently have epilepsy onset in the first year of life with a variety of seizure types, including epileptic spasms. However, the impact of early onset seizures and antiseizure medication (ASM) on the risk of developing epileptic spasms and impact on their trajectory are poorly understood, limiting informed and anticipatory treatment, as well as trial design. METHODS We retrospectively reconstructed seizure and medication histories in weekly intervals for individuals with STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) with epilepsy onset in the first year of life and quantitatively analyzed longitudinal seizure histories and medication response. RESULTS We included 61 individuals with early onset seizures, 29 of whom had epileptic spasms. Individuals with neonatal seizures were likely to have continued seizures after the neonatal period (25/26). The risk of developing epileptic spasms was not increased in individuals with neonatal seizures or early infantile seizures (21/41 vs. 8/16, odds ratio [OR] = 1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .3-3.9, p = 1). We did not find any ASM associated with the development of epileptic spasms following prior seizures. Individuals with prior seizures (n = 16/21, 76%) had a higher risk of developing refractory epileptic spasms (n = 5/8, 63%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = .2-14.6, p = .6). Individuals with refractory epileptic spasms had a later onset of epileptic spasms (n = 20, median = 20 weeks) compared to individuals with nonrefractory epileptic spasms (n = 8, median = 13 weeks, p = .08). SIGNIFICANCE We provide a comprehensive assessment of early onset seizures in STXBP1-DEE and show that the risk of epileptic spasms is not increased following a prior history of early life seizures, nor by certain ASMs. Our study provides baseline information for targeted treatment and prognostication in early life seizures in STXBP1-DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Thalwitzer
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julie Xian
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Danielle de Campo
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shridhar Parthasarathy
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jan Magielski
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katie R Sullivan
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Goss
- STXBP1 Foundation, Apex, Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Michael Boland
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ben Prosser
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah M Ruggiero
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Snyder HE, Jain P, RamachandranNair R, Jones KC, Whitney R. Genetic Advancements in Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome and Opportunities for Precision Medicine. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:266. [PMID: 38540325 PMCID: PMC10970414 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030266] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a devastating developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) consisting of epileptic spasms, as well as one or both of developmental regression or stagnation and hypsarrhythmia on EEG. A myriad of aetiologies are associated with the development of IESS; broadly, 60% of cases are thought to be structural, metabolic or infectious in nature, with the remainder genetic or of unknown cause. Epilepsy genetics is a growing field, and over 28 copy number variants and 70 single gene pathogenic variants related to IESS have been discovered to date. While not exhaustive, some of the most commonly reported genetic aetiologies include trisomy 21 and pathogenic variants in genes such as TSC1, TSC2, CDKL5, ARX, KCNQ2, STXBP1 and SCN2A. Understanding the genetic mechanisms of IESS may provide the opportunity to better discern IESS pathophysiology and improve treatments for this condition. This narrative review presents an overview of our current understanding of IESS genetics, with an emphasis on animal models of IESS pathogenesis, the spectrum of genetic aetiologies of IESS (i.e., chromosomal disorders, single-gene disorders, trinucleotide repeat disorders and mitochondrial disorders), as well as available genetic testing methods and their respective diagnostic yields. Future opportunities as they relate to precision medicine and epilepsy genetics in the treatment of IESS are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Snyder
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada
| | - Rajesh RamachandranNair
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Kevin C. Jones
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada (R.R.)
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Ng ACH, Choudhary A, Barrett KT, Gavrilovici C, Scantlebury MH. Mechanisms of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: What have we learned from animal models? Epilepsia 2024; 65:266-280. [PMID: 38036453 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The devastating developmental and epileptic encephalopathy of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) has numerous causes, including, but not limited to, brain injury, metabolic, and genetic conditions. Given the stereotyped electrophysiologic, age-dependent, and clinical findings, there likely exists one or more final common pathways in the development of IESS. The identity of this final common pathway is unknown, but it may represent a novel therapeutic target for infantile spasms. Previous research on IESS has focused largely on identifying the neuroanatomic substrate using specialized neuroimaging techniques and cerebrospinal fluid analysis in human patients. Over the past three decades, several animal models of IESS were created with an aim to interrogate the underlying pathogenesis of IESS, to identify novel therapeutic targets, and to test various treatments. Each of these models have been successful at recapitulating multiple aspects of the human IESS condition. These animal models have implicated several different molecular pathways in the development of infantile spasms. In this review we outline the progress that has been made thus far using these animal models and discuss future directions to help researchers identify novel treatments for drug-resistant IESS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anamika Choudhary
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karlene T Barrett
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cezar Gavrilovici
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Morris H Scantlebury
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Thalwitzer KM, Xian J, deCampo D, Parthasarathy S, Magielski J, Sullivan KR, Goss J, Rigby CS, Boland M, Prosser B, Ruggiero SM, Syrbe S, Helbig I. Early life seizures and epileptic spasms in STXBP1-related disorders. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.26.23291892. [PMID: 37425705 PMCID: PMC10327252 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.23291892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Individuals with disease-causing variants in STXBP1 frequently have epilepsy onset in the first year of life with a variety of seizure types, including epileptic spasms. However, the impact of early-onset seizures and anti-seizure medication (ASM) on the risk of developing epileptic spasms and impact on their trajectory is poorly understood, limiting informed and anticipatory treatment, as well as trial design. Methods We retrospectively reconstructed seizure and medication histories in weekly intervals for individuals with STXBP1-related disorders with epilepsy onset in the first year of life and quantitatively analyzed longitudinal seizure histories and medication response. Results We included 61 individuals with early onset seizures, 29 of whom had epileptic spasms. Individuals with neonatal seizures were likely to have continued seizures after the neonatal period (25/26). The risk of developing epileptic spasms was not increased in individuals with neonatal seizures or early infantile seizures (21/41 vs. 8/16; OR 1, 95% CI 0.3-3.9, p = 1). We did not find any ASM associated with the development of epileptic spasms following prior seizures. Individuals with prior seizures (n = 16/21, 76%) had a higher risk to develop refractory epileptic spasms (n = 5/8, 63%, OR =1.9, 95% CI 0.2-14.6, p = 0.6). Individuals with refractory epileptic spasms had a later onset of epileptic spasms (n = 20, median 20 weeks) compared to individuals with non-refractory epileptic spasms (n = 8, median 13 weeks; p = 0.08). When assessing treatment response, we found that clonazepam (n = 3, OR 12.6, 95% CI 2.2-509.4; p < 0.01), clobazam (n=7, OR 3, 95% CI 1.6-6.2; p < 0.01), topiramate (n=9, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.9; p < 0.01), and levetiracetam (n=16, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4; p < 0.01) were more likely to reduce seizure frequency and/or to maintain seizure freedom with regards to epileptic spasms than other medications. Discussion We provide a comprehensive assessment of early-onset seizures in STXBP1-related disorders and show that the risk of epileptic spasms is not increased following a prior history of early-life seizures, nor by certain ASM. Our study provides baseline information for targeted treatment and prognostication in early-life seizures in STXBP1-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Thalwitzer
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julie Xian
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Danielle deCampo
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USa
| | - Shridhar Parthasarathy
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jan Magielski
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Katie Rose Sullivan
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Boland
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, USA
| | - Ben Prosser
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sarah M Ruggiero
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics (DBHi), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA
- Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center (ENDD), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, USA
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Singh A, Hadjinicolaou A, Peters JM, Salussolia CL. Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:733-748. [PMID: 37041855 PMCID: PMC10083014 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s347327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Singh
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aristides Hadjinicolaou
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jurriaan M Peters
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine L Salussolia
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Catherine L Salussolia, 3 Blackfan Circle, Center for Life Sciences 14060, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +617-355-7970, Email
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Tuberous sclerosis complex and epilepsy in infancy: prevention and early diagnosis. Arch Pediatr 2022; 29:5S8-5S13. [PMID: 36585069 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(22)00284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies showed that epilepsy represents a high burden in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), affecting 63 to 78% of the patients. Epilepsy will be refractory to medication in over 60% of cases in early presentations, and accompanied by intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders. The emerging experimental and clinical data suggest that the molecular and cellular changes triggered by seizures, particularly during the first weeks of life, can be limited by early action. Making any effort to avoid or delay epilepsy onset is a promising pathway to improve global outcome for TSC patients, although it is not possible to tidy up the specific roles of seizures, interictal abnormalities, and cortical abnormalities upon neurodevelopment. Early diagnosis of epilepsy can be made during a "symptomatic phase," shortly after the onset of seizures (focal seizures or spasms), revealing the TSC in a young infant. As soon as the diagnosis is made, a treatment with Vigabatrin is now recommended. The diagnosis of epilepsy can also be performed during a "presymptomatic phase", with the improvement of fetal and neonatal diagnosis of TSC. Recent studies demonstrated a significant delay of more than 3 months between the detection of EEG abnormalities and the first clinical seizures, which allows to consider a preventive treatment. Beside vigabatrin, mTOR inhibitors may have a place in this early management. The last recommendations about early detection and treatment of epilepsy in TSC will be detailed in this review. © 2022 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder-Related Epilepsy: A Review of Current and Emerging Treatment. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:591-604. [PMID: 35633486 PMCID: PMC9876658 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with infantile-onset epilepsy. Most individuals with CDD develop refractory epilepsy with multiple seizure types. Management of seizures in CDD remains challenging for clinicians given the highly refractory nature of seizures and the limited number of disease-specific studies that offer a high level of evidence. Epileptic spasms are the most common seizure type in CDD and are more often refractory to standard first-line treatment than are spasms of other etiologies. In other seizure types, the effectiveness of antiseizure medications is limited and wanes over time. Ketogenic diet and palliative surgical treatments have both had mixed results in observational studies. When treating refractory seizures in CDD, we recommend carefully balancing seizure control and treatment-related side effects to optimize each individual's overall quality of life. Clinical trials of medications targeting epilepsy in CDD have been conducted, and additional investigational small molecules, gene therapy, and other disease-modifying therapies are in development for CDD.
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Payne ET, Wirrell EC. Discontinuing Antiseizure Medication in Neonates With Acute Symptomatic Seizures-Primum non nocere. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:797-799. [PMID: 34028499 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Payne
- Pediatric Neurocritical Care & Epilepsy, Section of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital & the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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