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Tokuç FEU, Genç F, Göksu EÖ, Erdal A, Gömceli YB. Marriage and childbearing in patients with epilepsy in Turkey. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1304076. [PMID: 38585357 PMCID: PMC10996395 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1304076] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction For epilepsy, a common neurological disorder, brings psychosocial challenges like stigma, employment difficulties, and barriers to marriage and childbearing. Stigma often stems from misconceptions and societal beliefs, particularly in less developed regions like Turkey. However, research on the marital and childbearing experiences of epilepsy patients in such settings is limited. We aimed to research the marriage and childbearing behaviors of men and women with epilepsy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 215 adult epilepsy patients at Antalya Training and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2022. Patients were asked questions about marriage and having children on prepared questionnaires. Result The gender distribution of the 215 patients included in the study was revealed to be 62.3% (134) females and 37.7% (81) males. 71.6% of patients were married, and 12.7% had no children. 33.3% of these patients stated that they did not desire children because of the disease. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the duration of the disease and being unmarried. A significant correlation was observed between age at disease onset and number of children. Conclusion Our study revealed the effects of individuals with epilepsy on marriage and childbearing, and as we know, it is the first study conducted in Turkey on childbearing attitudes in individuals with epilepsy. Despite medical and social developments, epilepsy is still one of the most stigmatized diseases, and the disease has considerable negative effects on marriage and fertility. Our study supported the findings of a small number of previous similar studies on this subject and additionally showed that the likelihood of having children decreased in patients using multiple ASM, and on the other hand, it showed that marriage positively affected patients in terms of social support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatma Genç
- Department of Neurology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Eylem Özaydın Göksu
- Department of Neurology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Abidin Erdal
- Department of Neurology, Health Ministry of Türkiye Republic, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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Barut S, Bahçecioğlu Turan G, Özer Z, Aytaçç E. Investigation of illness perception and pregnancy avoidance in sexually active women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109399. [PMID: 37619467 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109399] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to examine the perception of illness and avoidance of pregnancy in sexually active women with epilepsy. METHODS This study was completed with 82 women with epilepsy who were sexually active and who were admitted to the neurology clinic and outpatient clinic between June and September 2022. The descriptive information form, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-B), and Pregnancy Avoidance Scale (PAS) were used to collect the data. RESULTS The mean age of the patients in the study was 32.96 ± 5.92 years and the mean disease duration was 11.19 ± 7.46 years. Among the patients, 75.6% had previous pregnancies, 70.7% did not have miscarriage or abortion, 69.5% previously gave birth, 61% used a contraceptive method (condom, intrauterine device (IUD), pills, etc.) in their last sexual intercourse, 52.4% had good communication with their spouses, 20% had two children, 51.2% had three or more seizures, and 86.6% used antiseizure medications (ASMs). The mean PAS score of the patients was 2.31 ± 1.14 and the mean IPQ-B score was 35.10 ± 13.16. The regression analysis found that the perception of illness was a significant positive predictor of avoidance of pregnancy and explained 17% of it. CONCLUSION Women with epilepsy avoided pregnancy and had negative illness perceptions. Moreover, negative illness perception increased pregnancy avoidance in women with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sümeyye Barut
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fırat University, Elazığ, Turkey.
| | | | - Zülfünaz Özer
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Emrah Aytaçç
- Department of Internal Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, Elazığ, Turkey.
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Pietruszka M, Dzwilewski K, Frydrych M, Michalik M, Waszak P, Zawadzka M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. Comparison of knowledge and awareness of epilepsy between medical students of two universities in Poland. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109386. [PMID: 37619463 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109386] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. As a chronic disease, associated with long-term treatment with antiseizure medication, it can have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Moreover, patients are faced with a significant psychosocial burden associated with the stigma surrounding epilepsy. Medical professionals should be well educated and free of prejudices in order to provide adequate care for patients with epilepsy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of epilepsy among medical students of years 1-6 in Poland and examine if certain personality traits influence students' view of epilepsy. METHODS The study was conducted using snowball sampling of 166 Polish medical students from Medical University of Gdansk and Medical University of Warsaw. Participants completed a survey which consisted of their subjective assessment of knowledge of epileptology, actual knowledge of epileptology, and their view of stereotypes about epilepsy. In addition, students completed the IPIP-BFM-20 personality questionnaire. RESULTS Polish medical students have sufficient basic knowledge about epilepsy (mean scores of students from both universities is 14 out of 25 points). There is still room for improvement, especially in the field of epidemiology, semiology, factors provoking seizures, antiseizure medications, and most importantly about first aid during seizure (e.g., 7% of respondents believed it is necessary to put something between teeth of a patient during seizure). Age and the year of study were well correlated with knowledge score (p = 0.008) and level of awareness of the stereotypes. We found that most personality traits do not have a strong impact on the level of knowledge about epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Most students have a satisfying level of knowledge about epilepsy. Academic teachers should put more emphasis on first aid during seizures and awareness of psychosocial challenges associated with the disease. It is crucial for future physicians to not only possess sufficient theoretical knowledge, but also establish an empathetic doctor-patient relationship in order to provide better care for patients with epilepsy and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pietruszka
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 63A, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kamil Dzwilewski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Frydrych
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 63A, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Michalik
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 63A, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Waszak
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Dębinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Zawadzka
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
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Willems LM, Zöllner JP, Hamann L, Knake S, Kovac S, von Podewils F, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Unemployment and early retirement among patients with epilepsy - A study on predictors, resilience factors and occupational reintegration measures. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 144:109255. [PMID: 37209554 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109255] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to identify predictors and resilience factors for unemployment and early retirement in patients with epilepsy of working age based on data from a multicenter German cohort study performed in 2020 (n = 456) by using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. A second aim was to assess the assumed working ability of patients as well as the use of occupational reintegration measures. The unemployment rate was 8.3%, and 18% of patients had retired early due to epilepsy. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified the presence of a relevant disability and frequent seizures as significant predictors of unemployment and early retirement, while seizures in remission were the only resilience factor associated with job retention. Regarding occupational incapacity, at the time of the survey, most of the patients in early retirement or unemployment were fit for work in their original or extended occupational setting. The proportion of patients with recent epilepsy-related occupational retraining (0.4%) or job changes (0.9%) was low, and only 2.4% reported an epilepsy-related reduction in work time. These findings underline the persistent disadvantage of patients with epilepsy in the professional field and the urgent need for effective, comprehensive work reintegration measures that must be made accessible for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laura Hamann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Mann C, Maltseva M, von Podewils F, Knake S, Kovac S, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Supply problems of antiseizure medication are common among epilepsy patients in Germany. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:108988. [PMID: 36423387 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108988] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency of reported antiseizure medication (ASM) supply problems among patients with epilepsy (PWE) in Germany. METHODS The Epi2020 study was a multicenter study focusing on different healthcare aspects of adult PWE in Germany. In addition to basic clinical and demographic characteristics, PWE were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding supply difficulties regarding their ASM, and if they had to discontinue ASM treatment due to supply problems. Generic switch of medication was recorded, and adverse effects were measured using the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LAEP) scale. Data were analyzed to detect predictors of supply problems. RESULTS In total, 434 PWE with a mean age of 40 years (median 37 years, SD = 15.5, range: 18-83 years, 254 female) participated in this study. 53.7% of PWE (n = 233) reported that at least once in the past 12 months their ASM was not available at the pharmacy, and 24.9% (n = 108) reported having experienced ASM supply problems three times or more during the past 12 months. Patients with epilepsy treated with carbamazepine and zonisamide reported frequent problems with availability in 45.8% and 44.8% respectively, whereas those treated with lacosamide and valproate reported supply problems less frequently (17.0% and 16.4%, respectively). Nine patients (2.1%) were unable to take their ASM as prescribed at least once in the past 12 months due to supply problems. Forty-nine patients (11.3%) reported having to switch ASM due to supply difficulties with generic replacement occurring in 39.4% (n = 171) of patients. Those with supply problems were more likely to be treated with more ASMs and scored higher on the LAEP. CONCLUSION Supply problems with ASM are frequent among PWE in Germany and are reported for older and newer ASMs. Supply problems contribute to ASM nonadherence and are positively correlated with the number of ASM taken and adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin Mann
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Margarita Maltseva
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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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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Zöllner JP, Noda AH, McCoy J, Schulz J, Tsalouchidou PE, Langenbruch L, Kovac S, Knake S, von Podewils F, Hamacher M, Mann C, Leyer AC, van Alphen N, Schubert-Bast S, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Use of Health-Related Apps and Telehealth in Adults with Epilepsy in Germany: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Telemed J E Health 2022; 29:540-550. [PMID: 35984859 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0238] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telehealth can improve the treatment of chronic disorders, such as epilepsy. Telehealth prevalence and use increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, familiarity with and use of telehealth and health-related mobile applications (apps) by persons with epilepsy remain unknown. Methods: We investigated telehealth use, demographics, and clinical variables within the multicenter Epi2020 cross-sectional study. Between October and December 2020, adults with epilepsy completed a validated questionnaire, including individual questions regarding knowledge and use of apps and telehealth. Results: Of 476 included individuals (58.2% women; mean age 40.2 ± 15.4 years), 41.6% reported using health-related apps. Health apps were used more frequently (pedometer 32.1%, exercise app 17.6%) than medical apps (health insurance 15.1%, menstrual apps 12.2%) or apps designed for epilepsy (medication reminders 10.3%, seizure calendars 4.6%). Few used seizure detectors (i.e., apps as medical devices 1.9%) or mobile health devices (fitness bracelet 11.3%). A majority (60.9%) had heard the term telehealth, 78.6% of whom had a positive view. However, only 28.6% had a concrete idea of telehealth, and only 16.6% reported personal experience with telehealth. A majority (55%) would attend a teleconsultation follow-up, and 41.2% would in a medical emergency. Data privacy and availability were considered equally important by 50.8%, 21.8% considered data privacy more important, and 20.2% considered data availability more important. Current health-related app use was independently associated with younger age (p = 0.003), higher education (p < 0.001), and subjective COVID-19-related challenges (p = 0.002). Persistent seizure occurrence (vs. seizure freedom ≥12 months) did not affect willingness to use teleconsultations on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Despite positive telehealth views, few persons with epilepsy in Germany are familiar with specific apps or services. Socioeconomic factors influence telehealth use more than baseline epilepsy characteristics. Telehealth education and services should target socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to reduce the digital care gap. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022024; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1252-5331).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anna H Noda
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jeannie McCoy
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Panagiota-Eleni Tsalouchidou
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Marburg-Philipps-University, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Lisa Langenbruch
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster-Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Osnabrück Hospital, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster-Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Marburg-Philipps-University, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mario Hamacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Catrin Mann
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anne-Christine Leyer
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Natascha van Alphen
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Persistent knowledge gaps between 2005 and 2020 in women with epilepsy: Comparison of multicenter studies from Germany. Seizure 2022; 100:36-43. [PMID: 35749829 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a chronic condition that can affect patients of all ages. Women with epilepsy (WWE) require access to specific counseling and information regarding issues related to contraception, pregnancy, and hormonal effects on seizure control and bone mineral density. This study investigated the knowledge among WWE regarding their condition, and whether epilepsy-specific knowledge has improved over the last 15 years. METHODS A total of 280 WWE aged 18 to 82 years participated in this multicenter, questionnaire-based study. The study was conducted at four epilepsy centers in Germany, between October 2020 and December 2020. Sociodemographic and epilepsy-specific data for participating women were analyzed and compared with the results of a similar survey performed in 2003-2005 among 365 WWE in Germany. RESULTS The questionnaire-based survey revealed considerable knowledge deficits without significant improvements over the last 15 years, particularly among those with less education and with regards to information on the more pronounced effects of epilepsy in older WWE (>50 years), including interactions with menopause and osteoporosis. In WWE ≤29 years, a significant increase in the knowledge score was observed in 2020 compared with this age group in 2005 (mean 7.42 vs. 6.5, p = .036). Mothers frequently reported epilepsy-related concerns regarding childrearing, particularly of seizures scaring their child and the need to rely on other people. CONCLUSION WWE continue to demonstrate inadequate epilepsy-related knowledge. Despite increasing information availability and the aspiration toward better awareness among medical professionals, overall knowledge has not increased sufficiently compared with the levels observed in recent studies.
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Hochbaum M, Kienitz R, Rosenow F, Schulz J, Habermehl L, Langenbruch L, Kovac S, Knake S, von Podewils F, von Brauchitsch S, Hamacher M, Strzelczyk A, Willems LM. Trends in antiseizure medication prescription patterns among all adults, women, and older adults with epilepsy: A German longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2020. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108666. [PMID: 35339390 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prescription patterns of antiseizure medication (ASM) are subject to new scientific evidence and sociodemographic and practical aspects. This study analyzed trends in ASM prescription patterns among all adults with epilepsy, with special consideration for women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and older adult (≥65 years old) patients. METHODS Data from four questionnaire-based cohort studies, conducted in 2008, 2013, 2016, and 2020, were analyzed for ASM prescription frequencies and common mono- and dual therapy regimens. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Overall, the individual prescription patterns among 1,642 adult patients with epilepsy were analyzed. A significant increase in the prescription frequency of third-generation ASMs, from 59.3% to 84.2% (p = 0.004), was accompanied by a decrease in the frequency of first- and second-generation ASMs (5.4% to 2.1% and 34.9% to 12.6%, respectively). This trend was accompanied by a significant decrease in the use of enzyme-inducing ASMs, from 23.9% to 4.6% (p = 0.004). Among frequently prescribed ASMs, prescriptions of carbamazepine (18.6% to 3.1%, p = 0.004) and valproate (15.4% to 8.7%, p = 0.004) decreased, whereas prescriptions of levetiracetam (18.0% up to 32.4%, p = 0.004) increased significantly. The prescription frequency of lamotrigine remained largely constant at approximately 20% (p = 0.859). Among WOCBP, the prescription frequencies of carbamazepine (11.4% to 2.0%, p = 0.004) and valproate (16.1% to 6.1%, p = 0.004) decreased significantly. Levetiracetam monotherapy prescriptions increased significantly (6.6% to 30.4%, p = 0.004) for WOCBP, whereas lamotrigine prescriptions remained consistent (37.7% to 44.9%, p = 0.911). Among older adult patients, a significant decrease in carbamazepine prescriptions (30.1% to 7.8%, p = 0.025) was the only relevant change in ASM regimens between 2008 and 2020. In patients with genetic generalized epilepsies, levetiracetam was frequently used as an off-label monotherapy (25.0% to 35.3%). CONCLUSION These results show a clear trend toward the use of newer and less interacting third-generation ASMs, with lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and lacosamide representing the current ASMs of choice, displacing valproate and carbamazepine over the last decade. In WOCBP, prescription patterns shifted to minimize teratogenic effects, whereas, among older adults, the decrease in carbamazepine use may reflect the avoidance of hyponatremia risks and attempts to reduce the interaction potential with other drugs and ASMs. Levetiracetam is frequently used off-label as a monotherapy in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Hochbaum
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ricardo Kienitz
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lena Habermehl
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Langenbruch
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany; Department of Neurology, Klinikum Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sophie von Brauchitsch
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mario Hamacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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