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Wanigasinghe J, Thisarani Weeraratne C, Niroshika Dolapihilla B, Mahen Elapatha D. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of persons with epilepsy - A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 149:109516. [PMID: 37952417 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109516] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of persons with epilepsy. METHODS This systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting in Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The PECO (Patient, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework criteria were as follows: caregivers of persons with epilepsy; exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic; and outcomes, evaluated under 4 domains- Difficulties faced by caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical, emotional and behavioural impacts, diagnosed health conditions, and impact on clinical management and follow-up). Literature was searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Library Databases. Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. RESULTS Data were extracted from 21 eligible articles from 199 and included 5810 caregivers of persons with epilepsy. In the domain of difficulties faced by caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant effect was related to difficulties in obtaining and affording anti-seizure medications. Appointment cancellations also affected most caregivers (4/7 studies). Seizure exacerbation was not a major concern to them. Anxiety, reported by most caregivers in 5/7 studies, depression in 2/5 studies, stress by majority of caregivers in 4/6 studies, and increased substance use in one study were other significant bad experiences. Social isolation increased for the majority in 2/7 studies. Financial difficulties were described in two studies. Under caregivers' health conditions, there was only one study to review. Emotional issues affected majority in 3/7 studies, physical issues in 2/4 studies, and worsened behavior in one. With regards to clinical management and follow-up, most caregivers (4/5 studies) adopted self-management strategies, but 3/8 studies reported difficulties in accessing medications and healthcare services. Additionally, 4/8 studies highlighted communication and coordination difficulties with healthcare providers. Caregivers' attitude towards telemedicine varied across studies. SIGNIFICANCE COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on caregivers of persons with epilepsy, affecting their emotional, physical, and behavioral health. It limited their access to healthcare and impacted financial stability. Caregivers of persons with epilepsy need comprehensive support and resources during crisis situations.
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Yoon SY, Kim HM, Yi YY. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic era on children with primary headache: a questionnaire survey study and literature review. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1179979. [PMID: 37492607 PMCID: PMC10364439 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1179979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in individual isolation and secondary problems, especially in children. Research on the effect of the social isolation on children with primary headache is limited. This study aimed at exploring the effects of environmental changes caused by COVID-19 on headache in children. Methods This cross-sectional survey study enrolled school-aged children (age, 8-16 years) with headache who were able to complete the questionnaire from a Pediatric Headache Clinic between January 2021 and December 2022. Headache diaries for all patients were in their medical records and two questionnaire responses were requested at a 3-month interval. The questionnaires included headache type, frequency, previous medical conditions, family history, Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment scores (PedMIDAS) scores, changes in daily life after COVID-19, and factors that aggravated headaches associated with social distancing. Results We identified 35 patients who were diagnosed with primary headache and continued to visit our outpatient clinic for at least 3 months. Among them, 33 (15 males and 18 females) patients responded to the first survey. The average age (±SD) of patients was 12.5 ± 1.9 years. PedMIDAS scores were not affected by the COVID-19 infection history. Prolonged use of masks and increased use of digital devices were reported as the most common factors that aggravated headache during the pandemic era. Conclusion COVID-19 did not affect in worsening primary headache in children. However, the pandemic can introduce various changes in daily life, which in turn can affect the management of headache. By gathering feedback regarding the thoughts of the patients on the impact of the current pandemic environment, patient counseling on the precautions and management can be conducted in advance in the case of repeated lockdown in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University and Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Min Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University and Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Young Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University and Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
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Dal-Pai J, Dos Santos MP, Donida NDS, Cesarino MR, de Oliveira VHMS, Nunes ML. Health consequences and daily life modifications in children and adolescents with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic - a systematic review: Running Title: Covid-19 Pandemic in Children/Adolescents with Epilepsy. Seizure 2023; 108:102-115. [PMID: 37146514 PMCID: PMC10140054 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health care and daily life of children and adolescents with epilepsy. METHODS This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42021255931). The PECO (Patient, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework criteria were as follows: people with epilepsy (0-18 years old); exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic; and outcomes, including epilepsy type, time of clinical diagnosis, seizure exacerbation, treatment and medications, need for emergency because of seizures, sleep, behavior, comorbidities and/or concerns, social and/or economic impact, insurance status, electronic device use, telemedicine, and distance learning. Literature searches for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted on Embase and PubMed. The methodological quality of identified studies was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS Data were extracted from 23 eligible out of 597 identified articles and included 31,673 patients. The mean NOS scores for cross-sectional study design was 3.84/10, and for longitudinal, it was 3.5/8 stars. Seizure exacerbations were reported in three studies, difficulties with access to anti-seizure medications in two, changes in dosage in five, and visit postponed or cancelation in five studies. Problems with sleep were highlighted in three, issues related to distance learning in two, an increased time spent on electronic devices in three, and increased behavioral problems in eight studies. Telemedicine, when available, was described as useful and supporting patient's needs. CONCLUSION The pandemic affected the health care and lifestyle of young individuals with epilepsy. The main problems described revolved around seizure control, accessing anti-seizure medication, sleep and behavioral complains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise Dal-Pai
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Michele Paula Dos Santos
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natalie da Silveira Donida
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Matheus Ribeiro Cesarino
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Midões Santana de Oliveira
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Magda Lahorgue Nunes
- Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Moysés-Oliveira M, Paschalidis M, Souza-Cunha LA, Esteves-Guerreiro PA, Adami LNG, Kloster AK, Mosini AC, Moreira GA, Doria S, Tempaku PF, Pires GN, Andersen ML, Tufik S. Genetic basis of sleep phenotypes and rare neurodevelopmental syndromes reveal shared molecular pathways. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1058-1067. [PMID: 36791049 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Sleep-related phenotypes have been frequently reported in early on-set epileptic encephalopathies and in developmental delay syndromes, in particular in syndromes related to autism spectrum disorder. Yet the convergent pathogenetic mechanisms between these comorbidities are largely unknown. We first performed a gene enrichment study that identified shared risk genes among rare epileptic encephalopathies/neurodevelopmental disorders, rare developmental delay genetic syndromes and sleep disturbances. We then determined cellular and molecular pathways enriched among genes shared between sleep phenotypes and those two early onset mental illnesses, aiming to identify genetic disparities and commonalities among these phenotypic groups. The sleep gene set was observed as significantly overlapped with the two gene lists associated to rare genetic syndromes (i.e., epileptic encephalopathies/neurodevelopmental disorders and developmental delay gene sets), suggesting shared genetic contribution. Similarities across significantly enriched pathways between the two intersect lists comprehended mostly synapse-related pathways, such as retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, serotonergic, and GABAergic synapse. Network analysis indicates epileptic encephalopathies/neurodevelopmental disorders versus sleep-specific clusters and developmental delay versus sleep-specific clusters related to synaptic and transcriptional regulation, respectively. Longstanding functional patterns previously described in epileptic encephalopathies and neurodevelopmental disorders genetic architecture were recaptured after dissecting the overlap between the genes associated to those developmental phenotypes and sleep disturbances, suggesting that during neurodevelopment different molecular and functional mechanisms are related to alterations on circadian rhythm. The overlapping gene set and biological pathways highlighted by this study may serve as a primer for new functional investigations of shared molecular mechanisms between sleep disturbances and rare developmental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gustavo A Moreira
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Doria
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila F Tempaku
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel N Pires
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica L Andersen
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Tufik
- Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Merrick H, Driver H, Main C, Kenny RPW, Richmond C, Allard A, Bola K, Morris C, Parr JR, Pearson F, Pennington L. Impacts of health care service changes implemented due to COVID-19 on children and young people with long-term disability: A mapping review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36649197 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify the research on childhood disability service adaptations and their impact on children and young people with long-term disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A mapping review was undertaken. We searched the World Health Organization Global COVID-19 database using the search terms 'children', 'chronic/disabling conditions', and 'services/therapies'. Eligible papers reported service changes for children (0-19 years) with long-term disability in any geographical or clinical setting between 1st January 2020 and 26th January 2022. Papers were charted across the effective practice and organization of care taxonomy of health system interventions and were narratively synthesized; an interactive map was produced. RESULTS Reduction of face-to-face care and usual provision had a huge impact on children and families. Adoption of telehealth provided continuity for the care and management of some conditions. There was limited evidence of changes to mental health services, transitions of care, social care, or child-reported satisfaction or acceptability of service changes. INTERPRETATION The long-term impacts of service change during the pandemic need full evaluation. However, widespread disruption seems to have had a profound impact on child and carer health and well-being. Service recovery needs to be specific to the individual needs of children with a disability and their families. This should be done through coproduction to ensure that service changes meet needs and are accessible and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Merrick
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen Driver
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chloe Main
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ryan P W Kenny
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Richmond
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Christopher Morris
- Peninsula Childhood Disability Research Unit, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Pearson
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lindsay Pennington
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Ponomareva IV, Stepanova SB, Reneva SA, Sorokova EV, Vagina MA, Makodzeba OA, Galiullin TR. [Possibilities of optimizing therapy in COVID-19 survivors with focal epilepsy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:130-136. [PMID: 36946409 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2023123031130] [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: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of phenosanoic acid therapy on the frequency of seizures, asthenia and quality of life of adult patients with focal epilepsy who had a new coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data of 20 patients with focal epilepsy who suffered COVID-19 and received therapy with phenosanic acid (Dibufelon) were studied. The frequency of epileptic seizures, the severity of asthenia and the quality of life were evaluated according to clinical scales. RESULTS Significant decrease in the frequency of bilateral tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures with loss of consciousness was recorded. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life. There was no significant dynamics of asthenia against the background of taking the drug phenosanic acid in patients. CONCLUSION The preparation of phenosanic acid can be an effective means of add-on therapy in patients with epilepsy who have undergone COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Ponomareva
- Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 3, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - S B Stepanova
- South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - S A Reneva
- Regional Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Tyumen, Russia
| | - E V Sorokova
- Medical Center «Neurology», Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - M A Vagina
- Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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Asadi-Pooya AA, Nabavizadeh SA, Farazdaghi M. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Seizure Control Status in Patients with Epilepsy. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:588-593. [PMID: 36380979 PMCID: PMC9652500 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2022.94056.2532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that patients with epilepsy (PWE) perceived significant disruption in the quality and provision of care due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of this pandemic on seizure control status and changes in seizure frequency in PWE. METHODS A consecutive sample of adult PWE registered in the database of Shiraz Epilepsy Center (Shiraz, Iran) was included in the study. In July 2021, phone interviews were conducted with all selected patients. Information such as age, sex, last seizure, seizure type, and frequency during the 12 months before the study, and history of COVID-19 contraction was extracted. The seizure control status of the patients in 2019 (pre-pandemic) was compared with that during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with the Fisher's exact test and Pearson's Chi squared test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 158 patients were included in the study, out of which 62 (39.2%) patients had a stable seizure control status, 47 (29.7%) had fewer seizures, and 50 (31.6%) had more seizures. Breakthrough seizures were reported by 32 (34.4%) patients. Seizure frequency increased in 18 (27.7%) and decreased in 46 (70.7%) patients. CONCLUSION Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has not been a major precipitating factor nor has it affected the seizure control status of PWE. In treated epilepsy, a fluctuating course with periods of seizure freedom followed by relapses is part of its natural history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akabar Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | | | - Mohsen Farazdaghi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Körbel K, Rosenow F, Maltseva M, Müller H, Schulz J, Tsalouchidou PE, Langenbruch L, Kovac S, Menzler K, Hamacher M, von Podewils F, Willems LM, Mann C, Strzelczyk A. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and care of adults with epilepsy in Germany. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:44. [PMID: 36131301 PMCID: PMC9492304 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To mitigate the potential consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on public life, the German Federal Government and Ministry of Health enacted a strict lockdown protocol on March 16, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and the supply of medical care and medications for people with epilepsy (PWE) in Germany. Methods The Epi2020 study was a large, multicenter study focused on different healthcare aspects of adults with epilepsy. In addition to clinical and demographic characteristics, patients were asked to answer a questionnaire on the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between March and May 2020. Furthermore, the population-based number of epilepsy-related admissions in Hessen was evaluated for the January-June periods of 2017–2020 to detect pandemic-related changes. Results During the first wave of the pandemic, 41.6% of PWE reported a negative impact on their mental health, while only a minority reported worsening of their seizure situation. Mental and physical health were significantly more negatively affected in women than men with epilepsy and in PWE without regular employment. Moreover, difficulties in ensuring the supply of sanitary products (25.8%) and antiseizure medications (ASMs; 19.9%) affected PWE during the first lockdown; no significant difference regarding these impacts between men and women or between people with and without employment was observed. The number of epilepsy-related admissions decreased significantly during the first wave. Conclusions This analysis provides an overview of the general and medical care of epilepsy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. PWE in our cohort frequently reported psychosocial distress during the first wave of the pandemic, with significant adverse effects on mental and physical health. Women and people without permanent jobs especially reported distress due to the pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic has added to the mental health burden and barriers to accessing medication and medical services, as self-reported by patients and verified in population-based data on hospital admissions. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00022024. Registered October 2, 2020, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00022024
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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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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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