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Widmann M, Lieb A, Fogli B, Steck A, Mutti A, Schwarzer C. Characterization of the intrahippocampal kainic acid model in female mice with a special focus on seizure suppression by antiseizure medications. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114749. [PMID: 38467356 PMCID: PMC7615823 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114749] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite special challenges in the medical treatment of women with epilepsy, in particular preclinical animal studies were focused on males for decades and females have only recently moved into the focus of scientific interest. The intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHKA) mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most studied models in males reproducing electroencephalographic (EEG) and histopathological features of human TLE. Hippocampal paroxysmal discharges (HPDs) were described as drug resistant focal seizures in males. Here, we investigated the IHKA model in female mice, in particular drug-resistance of HPDs and the influence of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on the power spectrum. After injecting kainic acid (KA) unilaterally into the hippocampus of female mice, we monitored the development of epileptiform activity by local field potential (LFP) recordings. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of the commonly prescribed ASMs lamotrigine (LTG), oxcarbazepine (OXC) and levetiracetam (LEV), as well as the benzodiazepine diazepam (DZP) with a focus on HPDs and power spectral analysis and assessed neuropathological alterations of the hippocampus. In the IHKA model, female mice replicated key features of human TLE as previously described in males. Importantly, HPDs in female mice did not respond to commonly prescribed ASMs in line with the drug-resistance in males, thus representing a suitable model of drug-resistant seizures. Intriguingly, we observed an increased occurrence of generalized seizures after LTG. Power spectral analysis revealed a pronounced increase in the delta frequency range after the higher dose of 30 mg/kg LTG. DZP abolished HPDs and caused a marked reduction over a wide frequency range (delta, theta, and alpha) of the power spectrum. By characterizing the IHKA model of TLE in female mice we address an important gap in basic research. Considering the special challenges complicating the therapeutic management of epilepsy in women, inclusion of females in preclinical studies is imperative. A well-characterized female model is a prerequisite for the development of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to sex-specific needs and for studies on the effect of epilepsy and ASMs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Widmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Andreas Lieb
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Barbara Fogli
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Angela Steck
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Anna Mutti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Li D, Franco S, Pennell PB. The impact of pregnancy-related hormonal and physiological changes on antiseizure medications: expert perspective. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38748860 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2356617] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a disorder of recurrent, unprovoked seizures affecting approximately 15 million individuals of childbearing potential worldwide. Patients with epilepsy rely on regular daily therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Furthermore, ASMs are also prescribed for other neuropsychiatric indications (e.g. bipolar disorder, pain, migraines) with over 2% of the pregnancies in the United States involving prenatal exposure to ASMs. AREAS COVERED ASM concentrations are affected by hormonal and physiological changes in pregnancy, including increases in renal and hepatic blood flow, decreased protein binding, and changes in enzyme activity. Clearance changes typically reverse within a few weeks after delivery. During pregnancy, many ASMs, such as lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine, should have serum concentrations monitored and doses increased to maintain the individualized target range for seizure control. ASMs metabolized via glucuronidation, primarily lamotrigine, undergo marked increases in clearance throughout pregnancy, requiring about 3-fold the pre-pregnancy daily dose by delivery. Postpartum, ASM doses are usually decreased over several weeks to prevent drug toxicity. EXPERT OPINION In the future, the development of a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for various ASMs may enable empiric dose adjustments in pregnancy without the difficulties of frequent therapeutic drug monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Susannah Franco
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Page B Pennell
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Ogunjimi L, Alabi A, Oyenuga I, Ogunkunle J, Kasumu E, Ogunsanya O, Oluseyije O, Ogunbayo P, Idume O, Kasali A, Adesi S, Oyebowale M, Ogungbemi D, Aderinola A, Irokosu E, Murtala A, Osalusi B. Relationship between depression and sex steroid hormone among women with epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1370533. [PMID: 38711940 PMCID: PMC11070523 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1370533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sex steroid hormones are emerging significant biomarkers of depression among Women with Epilepsy (WWE) with promising prognostic potential and therapeutic end point. Therefore, the study is aimed at exploring the association between sex steroids hormones, Anti-seizure Medication (ASM) and depression among WWE. Methodology A baseline questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographics and clinical characteristic from one hundred and twelve (112) WWE and 50 age matched healthy control. The diagnosis of epilepsy and Electroencephalography (EEG) description was based on 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria. Blood samples were collected from cases and control during Luteal Phase (LP) and Follicular Phase (FP). The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSRDS) was used to assess depression. Result The prevalence of depression among WWE is 18.8%, with a significant difference between the level of formal education (p0.000), age (p0.000), and mean ZSRDS (p0.000) among cases and control. There is a statistical difference in hormonal levels between cases and control with regards to higher testosterone [3.28 ± 9.99 vs. 0.31 ± 0.30; p0.037], lower FP prolactin [16.37 ± 20.14 vs. 17.20 ± 7.44; p0.778], and lower LP prolactin [15.74 ± 18.22 vs. 17.67 ± 7.27; p0.473]. Testosterone (p0.024), FP Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (p0.009), FP Estradiol (p0.006), LP FSH (p0.031), LP Progesterone (p0.023), and LP Prolactin (p0.000) were associated with depression. However, only prolactin (p0.042) and testosterone (p0.000) predicts depression among WWE. Conclusion There was higher mean depression score, lower prolactin and higher testosterone level among cases compared to control. Furthermore, there was lower prolactin and higher testosterone level in Carbamazepine (CBZ) group compared to Levetiracetam (LEV) groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqman Ogunjimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Akinyinka Alabi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Ibironke Oyenuga
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Jeremiah Ogunkunle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Kasumu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun Ogunsanya
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobiloba Oluseyije
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Pelumi Ogunbayo
- Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Omorojo Idume
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Adeola Kasali
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Sarah Adesi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Mariam Oyebowale
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Damilola Ogungbemi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Aderonke Aderinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Irokosu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi Murtala
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele Osalusi
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Lee SK. Issues of Women with Epilepsy and Suitable Antiseizure Drugs. J Epilepsy Res 2023; 13:23-35. [PMID: 38223363 PMCID: PMC10783964 DOI: 10.14581/jer.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Seizure aggravation in women with epilepsy (WWE) tends to occur at two specific times during the menstrual cycle: the perimenstrual phase and the ovulation period. Antiseizure drugs (ASDs), especially those that induce enzymes, can accelerate the metabolism of hormones in oral contraceptives, rendering them less effective. Estrogen in contraceptive pills increases the metabolism of lamotrigine. Physiological changes during pregnancy can significantly impact the pharmacokinetics of ASDs, potentially necessitating adjustments in dosage for women with epilepsy to maintain seizure control. The use of valproate in pregnant women is associated with the highest risk of major congenital malformations among ASDs. Risks of major congenital malformations associated with lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine were within the range reported in the general population. Exposure to valproate can lead to lower IQ in offspring. Reduced folic acid levels are linked to orofacial clefts, cardiovascular malformations, and urogenital and limb anomalies in WWE. Decreased folate levels are expected with the use of enzyme-inducing ASDs. However, a high dose of folate was associated with an increased risk of cancer in children of mothers with epilepsy. Most ASDs are generally considered safe for breastfeeding and should be encouraged. However, no single ASD is considered ideal for childbearing WWE. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are relatively more suitable options for this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Gerard EE, Meador KJ, Robalino CP, Brown CA, Matthews AG, Voinescu PE, Kalayjian LA, Gedzelman E, Hanna J, Cavitt J, Sam M, French JA, Pack AM, Hwang ST, Tsai JJ, Taylor C, Pennell PB. Initiation and Duration of Breastfeeding in the Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs Study. Neurology 2023; 101:e2266-e2276. [PMID: 37816636 PMCID: PMC10727216 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Breastfeeding has important health benefits for both mother and child. We characterize breastfeeding initiation and duration in mothers with epilepsy relative to control mothers in a large prospective cohort. METHODS The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs study is a prospective, multicenter observational, US cohort study. Pregnant individuals with and without epilepsy, aged 14-45 years, were enrolled between December 19, 2012, and February 11, 2016. Exclusion criteria included intelligence quotient (IQ) <70, and gestational age >20 weeks at enrollment. Breastfeeding was assessed through electronic diary and at study visits until 2 years postpartum. Odds of initiating breastfeeding was compared between cohorts using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Duration of breastfeeding was compared between cohorts using the log-rank test. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-one pregnant individuals with epilepsy and 105 pregnant controls were enrolled. Breastfeeding data were available for 325 mothers with epilepsy and 98 controls. Study cohorts were similar demographically except race (p = 0.008); 84.9% of mothers with epilepsy and 71.4% of controls were White. The mean IQ was lower in mothers with epilepsy compared with that in controls (97.7 vs 104.2, p < 0.001). Breastfeeding was initiated by 74.8% mothers with epilepsy and 88.8% controls; this difference was significant in unadjusted logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] 0.4 [95% CI 0.2, 0.7], p = 0.004), but not in adjusted model (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.2, 1.0], p = 0.051). Factors associated with breastfeeding were higher maternal education and IQ. There was no difference in duration of breastfeeding between mothers with and without epilepsy (median duration 8.5 months vs 9.9 months, p = 0.793). Among mothers with epilepsy, both convulsive seizures and all seizures that impair awareness during pregnancy were associated with lower breastfeeding initiation (OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2, 0.8], p = 0.013) and (OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2, 0.8], p = 0.003, respectively). Any peripartum seizures were associated with shorter breastfeeding duration (median 6 months vs 9.7 months, [p = 0.040]). DISCUSSION Mothers with epilepsy were less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared with controls; however, this difference was not significant when controlling for maternal IQ and education level. Continuation of breastfeeding once initiated was not different between mothers with and without epilepsy. Seizure control was associated with breastfeeding initiation and duration in mothers with epilepsy. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01730170.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Gerard
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA.
| | - Kimford J Meador
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Chelsea P Robalino
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Carrie Anne Brown
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Abigail G Matthews
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - P Emanuela Voinescu
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Laura A Kalayjian
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Evan Gedzelman
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Julie Hanna
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Jennifer Cavitt
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Maria Sam
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Jacqueline A French
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Alison M Pack
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Sean T Hwang
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Jeffrey J Tsai
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Cora Taylor
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
| | - Page B Pennell
- From the Northwestern University (E.E.G.), Chicago, IL; Stanford University (K.J.M.), Palo Alto, CA; The Emmes Company, LLC, (C.P.R., C.A.B., A.G.M.), Rockville, MD; Harvard University (P.E.V.), Boston, MA; University of Southern California (L.A.K.), Los Angeles, CA; Emory University (E.G.), Atlanta, GA; Minnesota Epilepsy Group (J.H.), Minneapolis, MN; University of Cincinnati (J.C.), OH; Wake Forest University (M.S.), Winston-Salem, NC; New York University (J.A.F.); Columbia University (A.M.P.), New York, NY; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (S.T.H.), Hempsted, NY; University of Washington (J.J.T.), Seattle, WA; Geisinger Medical Center (C.T.), Danville, PA; and University of Pittsburgh (P.B.P.), PA
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6
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Abdulrazaq AA, Ainsworth AJ, Britton JW, Shenoy CC, Babayev SN, Cascino GD, Smith KM. Seizure control in women with epilepsy undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Epilepsia 2023; 64:e207-e213. [PMID: 37596834 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17748] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine seizure control in women with epilepsy (WWE) undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Through retrospective chart review, WWE undergoing ART were identified. Demographics and details regarding epilepsy type, seizure control, and ART procedures were extracted. Seizure frequency prior to and during ART were compared. We identified 12 WWE, who underwent 29 embryo transfers, resulting in 16 pregnancies and 10 live births. Nine women were seizure-free at least 2 years before fertility treatment, including three with resolved epilepsy. Seven were on antiseizure medications throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy, with only one on polytherapy. Eleven (all with controlled epilepsy or epilepsy in remission) remained seizure-free throughout fertility treatment. One woman with drug-resistant epilepsy continued to have seizures throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy without an exacerbation of seizure frequency. There was no increased seizure frequency associated with fertility treatment and subsequent pregnancy in this small series of WWE. Although this study was statistically underpowered, our results provide some preliminary evidence that ART might not pose a threat to seizure control, but larger, confirmatory studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chandra C Shenoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Samir N Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kelsey M Smith
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Abo Al-Azayem S, Kishk NA, Shamloul R, Attia A, Elsayed RM, Magdy R. Patterns and predictors of sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109421. [PMID: 37677900 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Available data about sexual-related problems among Egyptian women with epilepsy (WWE) are scarce. Hence, this work aimed to study the pattern and predictors of sexual dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian WWE. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, sexually active WWE and age and years of marriage-matched healthy controls were included. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function in both groups. RESULTS In the patient group (n = 142), the median age was 33 (28-39), whereas the median age of the control group (n = 142) was 33.5 (28-36). Women with epilepsy had significantly lower desire, arousal, pain, and FSFI-total scores than the control group (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.023, 0.008, respectively). There was a significant difference between the FSFI-total score of women on polytherapy and those on monotherapy (P = 0.042), as well as between those on enzyme-inducing ASMs and those on ASMs that did not affect P450 (P = 0.032). Seizure frequency in the last three months was negatively correlated with scores of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction (P 0.047, 0.02, 0.009, 0.013, 0.046, respectively). By multiple backward linear regression models, age, and seizure frequency were the significant predictors of the FSFI-total score (B -0.219, -0.33, respectively). CONCLUSION The pattern of sexual dysfunction among Egyptian WWE is characterized by reduced sexual desire, arousal deficits, and sexual-related pain. Seizure frequency, epilepsy duration, enzyme-inducing medications, and multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) may adversely affect WWE's sexual health. The only factor that could predict higher sexual dysfunction in WWE was higher seizure frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirmeen A Kishk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Shamloul
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer Attia
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Radwa M Elsayed
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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8
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Ogunjimi L, Joseph Y, Akinyinka A, Aderonke A, Bamidele O, Bolanle F, Abdullahi M, Olaide D, Mariam O, Ibironke O, Fehintola F, Adesola O. Differential effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy on reproductive endocrine function in Nigerian women with epilepsy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20098. [PMID: 37810040 PMCID: PMC10559853 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is aimed at comparing differential effect of Levetiracetam (LTC) monotherapy and Carbamazepine (CZP) monotherapy in W omen with epilepsy (WWE) on gonadal hormone. Methods 87 WWE were recruited comprising randomly of 46 and 41 on CZP and LTC group respectively with diagnosis and classification based on International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Reproductive hormones (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were assayed. National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHSS) and Zung self-reporting depression scale (ZSRDS) were used to assess the seizure severity and the mood respectively. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables while Student's t-test or its non-parametric equivalent where appropriate were used to compare continuous variables. Results Clinical characteristics were comparable in both groups except for ZSRDS (p = 0.048), NHSS (p = 0.012) and hip circumference (p = 0.037). The CZP group had a higher ASEX score and proportion of WWE with clinically significant sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). WWE on LTC had similar hormonal profiles with those on CZP except for a higher median serum testosterone level (p = 0.004), and lower median serum LH (p = 0.006). Age was negatively associated with serum testosterone level for the 25th, 50th, and 75th quartile. However, the differential effect for AED type was only significant for the 25th quartile; with higher values in LTC. Conclusion The therapeutics implication of lower LH and testosterone levels in the LTC group compared to CZP group need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqman Ogunjimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Yaria Joseph
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Alabi Akinyinka
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Aderinola Aderonke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Osalusi Bamidele
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Falujo Bolanle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Abdullahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Dada Olaide
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Oyebowale Mariam
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Oyenuga Ibironke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Fatai Fehintola
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ogunniyi Adesola
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Voinescu PE, Kelly M, French JA, Harden C, Davis A, Lau C, Ehlert A, Allien S, Osterhaus E, Barnard S, Jain R, Pennell PB. Catamenial epilepsy occurrence and patterns in a mixed population of women with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:e194-e199. [PMID: 37452790 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17718] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the occurrence and distribution of patterns of catamenial epilepsy in a heterogenous cohort of women with epilepsy on no hormonal therapies, enrolled in a prospective, observational study. The primary aim of the study was pregnancy rate in women with epilepsy with no prior reproductive problems. In this analysis, we included women who recorded one or more menstrual cycles with one or more seizures. We measured progesterone concentrations for one to three cycles. We defined catamenial patterns as twofold or greater average daily seizure frequency around menstruation (C1), ovulation (C2), and for anovulatory cycles, from midcycle through menstruation (C3). Twenty-three of the 89 enrolled women with epilepsy were eligible for this analysis; 12 of 23 met criteria for catamenial epilepsy; five of 23 demonstrated only a C1 pattern, two of 23 only a C2 pattern, five of 23 a combined C1/C2 pattern, and the one woman with anovulatory cycles did not demonstrate a C3 pattern. There were no differences in likelihood of demonstrating a catamenial pattern between those who reported a prior catamenial pattern and those who did not (p = .855). This analysis demonstrates the utility of app-based tracking to determine a catamenial pattern. Larger prospective studies could confirm these findings and inform potential therapeutic trial designs for catamenial epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Emanuela Voinescu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - McKenna Kelly
- University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Anne Davis
- Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Connie Lau
- Northwell Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Ehlert
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rishabh Jain
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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Luqman O, Joseph Y, Akintomiwa M, Akinyinka A, Aderonke A, Bamidele O, David O, Mojisola OB, Bolanle F, Abdullahi M, Olatunbosun O, Fehintola F, Adesola O. Determinants of quality of life in Nigerian female patients with epilepsy on carbamazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-023-00631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The study is aimed to identify the predictors of Quality of Life (QOL) in women with epilepsy (WWE) on carbamazepine (CBM) and levetiracetam (LTM) monotherapy. 100 WWE were recruited (50 each on CBM and LTM), after clinical diagnosis of epilepsy supported by Electroencephalography (EEG) features and seizures classification by 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria, the Quality of Life Inventory Scale 31(QOLIE-31) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSRDS) were used to assess QOL and depression, respectively.
Result
Higher QOLIE-31 scores was seen in the LTM group across all domains except seizure worry (p = 0.051) compared to CBM group. Logistic regression showed that the use of CBM (p = 0.000), fast frequency on EEG (p = 0.005), longer duration of epilepsy (p = 0.017), presence of depression (p = 0.008) and lower level of education (p = 0.003) were predictors of QOL. Progesterone (p = 0.040), oestradiol (p = 0.011) and prolactin (p = 0.002) in follicular phase showed significant association with QOLIE-total score. In the luteal phase, luteinizing hormone–follicle stimulating hormone (LH–FSH) ratio (p = 0.009) and testosterone (p = 0.015), FSH (p = 0.015), prolactin (p = 0.000), showed significant association with QOL. None of the hormones independently predicts QOL.
Conclusion
LTM group appears to have better QOL than CBM group. Healthcare providers should focus on addressing these identified predictors which include medication effect, depression, Level of education, EEG background and duration of epilepsy with aim of improving QOL.
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11
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Issa NP, Nunn KC, Wu S, Haider HA, Tao JX. Putative roles for homeostatic plasticity in epileptogenesis. Epilepsia 2023; 64:539-552. [PMID: 36617338 PMCID: PMC10015501 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic plasticity allows neural circuits to maintain an average activity level while preserving the ability to learn new associations and efficiently transmit information. This dynamic process usually protects the brain from excessive activity, like seizures. However, in certain contexts, homeostatic plasticity might produce seizures, either in response to an acute provocation or more chronically as a driver of epileptogenesis. Here, we review three seizure conditions in which homeostatic plasticity likely plays an important role: acute drug withdrawal seizures, posttraumatic or disconnection epilepsy, and cyclic seizures. Identifying the homeostatic mechanisms active at different stages of development and in different circuits could allow better targeting of therapies, including determining when neuromodulation might be most effective, proposing ways to prevent epileptogenesis, and determining how to disrupt the cycle of recurring seizure clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoum P. Issa
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2030, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | | | - Shasha Wu
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2030, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Hiba A. Haider
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2030, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - James X. Tao
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2030, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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12
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McNulty ML. Gender Issues in Epileptic Patients. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:249-263. [PMID: 37030956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Treatment approaches for epilepsy for both women and men are similar, however, there are special aspects that must be considered when caring for women with epilepsy. This includes how hormonal fluctuations may affect seizure frequency, contraception, and potential drug-drug interactions, and pregnancy planning to minimize and potentially mitigate any adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and major congenital malformations. Adequate counseling for women across the lifespan can help prepare women for the future and optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L McNulty
- Department of Neurology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street Suite 885, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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13
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Ke B, Li C, Shang H. Sex hormones and risk of epilepsy: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1153907. [PMID: 37113268 PMCID: PMC10126428 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1153907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple evidence has suggested complex interaction between sex hormones and epilepsy. However, whether there exists a causal association and the effect direction remains controversial. Here we aimed to examine the causative role of hormones in the risk of epilepsy and vice versa. Methods We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of major sex hormones including testosterone (N = 425,097), estradiol (N = 311,675) and progesterone (N = 2,619), together with epilepsy (N = 44,889). We further performed sex-stratified analysis, and verified the significant results using summary statistics from another study on estradiol in males (N = 206,927). Results Genetically determined higher estradiol was associated with a reduced risk of epilepsy (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98, P = 9.51E-03). In the sex-stratified analysis, the protective effect was detected in males (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, P = 9.18E-04), but not in females. Such association was further verified in the replication stage (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.87, P = 0.017). In contrast, no association was identified between testosterone, progesterone and the risk of epilepsy. In the opposite direction, epilepsy was not causally associated with sex hormones. Conclusion These results demonstrated higher estradiol could reduce the risk of epilepsy, especially in males. Future development of preventive or therapeutic interventions in clinical trials could attach importance to this.
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Hophing L, Kyriakopoulos P, Bui E. Sex and gender differences in epilepsy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 164:235-276. [PMID: 36038205 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sex and gender differences in epilepsy are important influencing factors in epilepsy care. In epilepsy, the hormonal differences between the sexes are important as they impact specific treatment considerations for patients at various life stages particularly during early adulthood with establishment of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. Choice of antiseizure medication may have direct consequences on hormonal cycles, hormonal contraception, pregnancy and fetal risk of major congenital malformation. Conversely hormones whether intrinsic or extrinsically administered may have direct impact on antiseizure medications and seizure control. This chapter explores these important influences on the management of persons with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hophing
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Esther Bui
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Issues pertaining to women with epilepsy have advanced with a better understanding of multidirectional influences among hormones, seizures, and antiseizure medications, as well as pregnancy-related concerns around fertility, seizure destabilization, and antiseizure medication-associated teratogenicity. This article highlights important developments in this field and reviews best practices in the management of women with epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS Important external hormonal influences may impact women with epilepsy particularly in the context of gender-affirming medications, hormonal replacement therapy, and fertility therapies. Fertility for women with epilepsy is influenced by multiple variables; however, in the absence of preexisting fertility issues, epilepsy per se is not associated with significantly impaired fertility. Once women with epilepsy are pregnant, the majority have a stable course. Antiseizure medication use in pregnancy is associated with major congenital malformations 2 to 5 times that of the general population and is highest with high-dose (≥1500 mg or greater total daily) valproate. Carefully considered changes in drug choice and dose may mitigate these risks. Therapeutic drug monitoring plays an important role in pregnancy care, and under expert supervision, women with epilepsy in pregnancy have similar seizure risks as women with epilepsy who are not pregnant. As women with epilepsy age, bone health and menopause may further be impacted by seizures and antiseizure medications. SUMMARY The care of women with epilepsy is a multifaceted discipline that recognizes the life-long impact of sex and gender influences on epilepsy care.
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Atli Eklioglu O, Ilgin S. Adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs on hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in males: A review. Toxicology 2022; 465:153043. [PMID: 34800598 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153043] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The HPG axis is critical in the maintenance of spermatogenesis and sexual function in males. The GnRH-releasing neurons of the hypothalamus are the axis's main hierarchical element. These neurons make connections with different areas of the brain to regulate the release of GnRH. Neurotransmitters have a critical in the connections between these neurons. So, neurotransmitters can inhibit or stimulate the release of GnRH by affecting GnRH-releasing neurons. In neurological disorders, neurotransmitter's activities inevitably change; therefore, these changes can affect the HPG axis via affecting GnRH-releasing neurons, just like in epilepsy. Many investigations have attracted attention to be decreased fertility potential in males with epilepsy. It has been stated that changes in the HPG axis hormone levels have been found in these patients. Moreover, it has also been observed that sperm quality decreased in patients. It has been emphasized that a decrease in sperm quality may be related to both epilepsy and AEDs. It has been shown that AEDs caused decreased sperm quality by impairing the HPG axis, so they act like endocrine-disrupting chemicals. AEDs can affect fertility and cause additive adverse effects in terms of sperm quality together with epilepsy. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the adverse reproductive effects of AEDs, which are frequently used during reproductive ages, and determine the role of the HPG axis on potential reproductive pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Atli Eklioglu
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Sinem Ilgin
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Eskisehir, Turkey.
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Li H, Xu L, Yang F, Jia L, Cheng H, Liu W. Case Report: Hypopituitarism Presenting With Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus. Front Neurol 2021; 12:715885. [PMID: 34630288 PMCID: PMC8493291 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.715885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hypopituitarism is defined as one or more partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiencies. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) refers to a state of continuous or repetitive seizures without convulsions. In this paper, we review a case of an old female patient with hypopituitarism who presented with NCSE, which is rare in the clinic. Case Report: This paper describes a 67-year-old female patient with hypopituitarism who presented as NCSE. She had surgical resection of pituitary tumor half a year before the seizures and did not get regular hormone replacement therapy. She presented general convulsive status epilepsy as the initial symptom and got sedation and antiepileptic drug in the emergency room. The seizure was terminated but the patient fell in coma in the following days. The patient had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other inspects, and EEG showed epileptic discharges. Combining these clinical symptoms and examinations, we made the diagnosis of NCSE. Finally, she regained consciousness after the treatment with diazepam. Conclusion: This case report and literature review investigated the possible mechanism of hypopituitarism presenting with NCSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Li
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
| | - Lina Xu
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
| | - Fengbing Yang
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
| | - Longbin Jia
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
| | - Hongjiang Cheng
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Jincheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Jincheng, China
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Anwar MJ, Alenezi SK, Mahmood D, Azam F, Alharbi KS. An insight into the implications of estrogen deficiency and transforming growth factor β in antiepileptic drugs-induced bone loss. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174313. [PMID: 34245750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174313] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There have been a number of reports that chronic antiepileptic drug (AEDs) therapy is associated with abnormal bone and calcium metabolism, osteoporosis/osteomalacia, and increased risk of fractures. Bony adverse effects of long term antiepileptic drug therapy have been reported for more than four decades but the exact molecular mechanism is still lacking. Several mechanisms have been proposed regarding AEDs induced bone loss; Hypovitaminosis D, hyperparathyroidism, estrogen deficiency, calcitonin deficiency. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) is abundant in bone matrix and has been shown to regulate the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro. All isoforms of TGF- β are expressed in bone and intricately play role in bone homeostasis by modulating estrogen level. Ovariectomised animal have shown down regulation of TGF- β in bone that could also be a probable target of AEDs therapy associated bone loss. One of the widely accepted hypotheses regarding the conventional drugs induced bone loss is hypovitaminosis D which is by virtue of their microsomal enzyme inducing effect. However, despite of the lack of enzyme inducing effect of certain newer antiepileptic drugs, reduced bone mineral density with these drugs have also been reported. Thus an understanding of bone biology, pathophysiology of AEDs induced bone loss at molecular level can aid in the better management of bone loss in patients on chronic AEDs therapy. This review focuses mainly on certain new molecular targets of AEDs induced bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jamir Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sattam K Alenezi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faizul Azam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
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Felton EA, Henry-Barron BJ, Jan AK, Shegelman A, Faltersack K, Vizthum D, Cervenka MC. The Feasibility and Tolerability of Medium Chain Triglycerides in Women with a Catamenial Seizure Pattern on the Modified Atkins Diet. Nutrients 2021; 13:2261. [PMID: 34208933 PMCID: PMC8308415 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT), particularly modified Atkins diet (MAD), is increasingly recognized as a treatment for adults with epilepsy. Women with epilepsy (WWE) comprise 50% of people with epilepsy and approximately one in three have catamenial epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding a medium chain triglyceride emulsion to MAD to target catamenial seizures was feasible and well-tolerated. This was a prospective two-center study of pre-menopausal WWE with a catamenial seizure pattern on MAD. After a 1-month baseline interval with no changes in treatment, participants consumed betaquik® (Vitaflo International Ltd.) for 10 days each menstrual cycle starting 2 days prior to and encompassing the primary catamenial seizure pattern for five cycles. Participants recorded seizures, ketones, and menses, and completed surveys measuring tolerability. Sixteen women aged 20-50 years (mean 32) were enrolled and 13 (81.2%) completed the study. There was 100% adherence for consuming betaquik® in the women who completed the study and overall intervention adherence rate including the participants that dropped out was 81.2%. The most common side effects attributed to MAD alone prior to starting betaquik® were constipation and nausea, whereas abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea were reported after adding betaquik®. The high adherence rate and acceptable tolerability of betaquik® shows feasibility for future studies evaluating KDT-based treatments for catamenial seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Felton
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bobbie J. Henry-Barron
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (B.J.H.-B.); (D.V.)
| | - Amanda K. Jan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.K.J.); (A.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Abigail Shegelman
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.K.J.); (A.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Kelly Faltersack
- Department of Clinical Nutrition Services, UW Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Diane Vizthum
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA; (B.J.H.-B.); (D.V.)
| | - Mackenzie C. Cervenka
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.K.J.); (A.S.); (M.C.C.)
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20
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Karoly PJ, Rao VR, Gregg NM, Worrell GA, Bernard C, Cook MJ, Baud MO. Cycles in epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:267-284. [PMID: 33723459 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is among the most dynamic disorders in neurology. A canonical view holds that seizures, the characteristic sign of epilepsy, occur at random, but, for centuries, humans have looked for patterns of temporal organization in seizure occurrence. Observations that seizures are cyclical date back to antiquity, but recent technological advances have, for the first time, enabled cycles of seizure occurrence to be quantitatively characterized with direct brain recordings. Chronic recordings of brain activity in humans and in animals have yielded converging evidence for the existence of cycles of epileptic brain activity that operate over diverse timescales: daily (circadian), multi-day (multidien) and yearly (circannual). Here, we review this evidence, synthesizing data from historical observational studies, modern implanted devices, electronic seizure diaries and laboratory-based animal neurophysiology. We discuss advances in our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of these cycles and highlight the knowledge gaps that remain. The potential clinical applications of a knowledge of cycles in epilepsy, including seizure forecasting and chronotherapy, are discussed in the context of the emerging concept of seizure risk. In essence, this Review addresses the broad question of why seizures occur when they occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa J Karoly
- Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Vikram R Rao
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas M Gregg
- Bioelectronics, Neurophysiology and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gregory A Worrell
- Bioelectronics, Neurophysiology and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christophe Bernard
- Aix Marseille University, Inserm, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, France
| | - Mark J Cook
- Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maxime O Baud
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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21
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Nakamura J, Sorge ST, Winawer MR, Phelan JC, Chung WK, Ottman R. Reproductive decision-making in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1220-1230. [PMID: 33813741 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated factors influencing reproductive decision-making in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy. METHODS One hundred forty-nine adults with epilepsy and 149 adult biological relatives without epilepsy from families containing multiple affected individuals completed a self-administered questionnaire. Participants answered questions regarding their belief in a genetic cause of epilepsy (genetic attribution) and estimated risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected person. Participants rated factors for their influence on their reproductive plans, with responses ranging from "much more likely" to "much less likely" to want to have a child. Those with epilepsy were asked, "Do you think you would have wanted more (or any) children if you had not had epilepsy?" RESULTS Participants with epilepsy had fewer offspring than their unaffected relatives (mean = 1.2 vs. 1.9, p = .002), and this difference persisted among persons who had been married. Estimates of risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected parent were higher among participants with epilepsy than among relatives without epilepsy (mean = 27.2 vs. 19.6, p = .002). Nineteen percent of participants with epilepsy responded that they would have wanted more children if they had not had epilepsy. Twenty-five percent of participants with epilepsy responded that "the chance of having a child with epilepsy" or "having epilepsy in your family" made them less likely to want to have a child. Having these genetic concerns was significantly associated with greater genetic attribution and estimated risk of epilepsy in offspring of an affected parent. SIGNIFICANCE People with epilepsy have fewer children than their biological relatives without epilepsy. Beliefs about genetic causes of epilepsy contribute to concerns and decisions to limit childbearing. These beliefs should be addressed in genetic counseling to ensure that true risks to offspring and reproductive options are well understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Nakamura
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Shawn T Sorge
- G. H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA.,Psychology Division, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melodie R Winawer
- G. H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jo C Phelan
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruth Ottman
- G. H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
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22
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Cheng Y, Zeng X, Mai Q, Bai X, Jiang Y, Li J, Fan S, Ding H. Insulin injections inhibits PTZ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neurological deficits via the SIRT1/PGC-1α/SIRT3 pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166124. [PMID: 33727197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With an associated 20% death risk, epilepsy mainly involves seizures of an unpredictable and recurrent nature. This study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of insulin on mitochondrial disruption, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and neurological deficits after epilepsy seizures. Mice were exposed to repetitive injections of pentylenetetrazol at a dose of 37 mg per kg. The influence of insulin was assessed by many biochemical assays, histopathological studies and neurobehavioral experiments. The administration of insulin was proven to increase the latency of seizures while also decreasing their intensity. It also caused a reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorated oxidative stress. Additionally, insulin pretreatment upregulated Bcl-2, downregulated Bax, and then played a neuroprotective role against hippocampal neuron apoptosis. Furthermore, when insulin was administered, SIRT1/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signals were activated, possibly due to the fact that insulin's neuroprotective and anti-mitochondrial damage characteristics added to its observed antiepileptic functions. Finally, insulin treatment is thus extremely valuable for effecting improvements in neurological functions, as has been estimated in a series of functional tests. In conclude, the results of this study consequently demonstrate insulin to have significant potential for future application in epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qianting Mai
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinying Bai
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinjin Li
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shiqi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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23
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Ogunjimi L, Yaria J, Makanjuola A, Alabi A, Osalusi B, Oboh D, Olusola‐Bello M, Olawale O, Ogunniyi A. Polycystic ovarian syndrome in Nigerian women with epilepsy on carbamazepine/levetiracetam monotherapy. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 143:146-153. [PMID: 32885414 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study is aimed at comparing effects of older drugs like carbamazepine (CBZ) and newer agent like levetiracetam (LEV) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women with epilepsy (WWE). METHODS An interviewer-based questionnaire was used to obtain relevant clinical information from 50 WWE on CBZ and LEV monotherapy, respectively, and 50 age-matched controls. The diagnosis of epilepsy was clinical with electroencephalographic features taken into consideration and the seizures classified using the 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification. The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine. RESULTS The frequency of PCOS and its subcomponent were higher among WWE compare to controls. PCOS was present in 22 (44%) of LEV group compare to 8 (16%) CBZ group. The frequency of its subcomponent was higher among those on LEV except for comparable effect with regard to oligomenorrhea. The levels of the sex steroid hormone were comparable in both groups of WWE except luteal phase luteinizing hormone, which was lower among the LEV group (P .001). The follicular phase estradiol level was lower (P .021), and follicle-stimulating hormone level was about 2-fold higher (P .03) among WWE compare to controls. The mean value testosterone was significantly lower among controls compared to WWE. CONCLUSIONS The increased frequency of PCOS and its subcomponent and the unsatisfactory effect of LEV compared to CBZ on reproductive endocrine function underscore the need for routine reproductive endocrine evaluation to improve overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqman Ogunjimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Nigeria
| | - Joseph Yaria
- Department of Medicine University College Hospital Ibadan Nigeria
| | | | - Akinyinka Alabi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Nigeria
| | - Bamidele Osalusi
- Department of Medicine Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Nigeria
| | - David Oboh
- Department of Radiology University College Hospital Ibadan Nigeria
| | - Mojisola Olusola‐Bello
- Radiology Unit Department of Surgery Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Nigeria
| | - Olatunbosun Olawale
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Nigeria
| | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Department of Medicine University College Hospital Ibadan Nigeria
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Christian CA, Reddy DS, Maguire J, Forcelli PA. Sex Differences in the Epilepsies and Associated Comorbidities: Implications for Use and Development of Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:767-800. [PMID: 32817274 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epilepsies are common neurologic disorders characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Boys, girls, men, and women of all ages are affected by epilepsy and, in many cases, by associated comorbidities as well. The primary courses of treatment are pharmacological, dietary, and/or surgical, depending on several factors, including the areas of the brain affected and the severity of the epilepsy. There is a growing appreciation that sex differences in underlying brain function and in the neurobiology of epilepsy are important factors that should be accounted for in the design and development of new therapies. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on sex differences in epilepsy and associated comorbidities, with emphasis on those aspects most informative for the development of new pharmacotherapies. Particular focus is placed on sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of various focal and generalized epilepsies; psychiatric, cognitive, and physiologic comorbidities; catamenial epilepsy in women; sex differences in brain development; the neural actions of sex and stress hormones and their metabolites; and cellular mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling and neuronal-glial interactions. Further attention placed on potential sex differences in epilepsies, comorbidities, and drug effects will enhance therapeutic options and efficacy for all patients with epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that often presents together with various comorbidities. The features of epilepsy and seizure activity as well as comorbid afflictions can vary between men and women. In this review, we discuss sex differences in types of epilepsies, associated comorbidities, pathophysiological mechanisms, and antiepileptic drug efficacy in both clinical patient populations and preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Christian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois (C.A.C.); Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas (D.S.R.); Neuroscience Department, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (P.A.F.)
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25
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Ayipo YO, Mordi MN, Mustapha M, Damodaran T. Neuropharmacological potentials of β-carboline alkaloids for neuropsychiatric disorders. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 893:173837. [PMID: 33359647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) which are characterised by complex pathomechanisms that including homeostatic failure, malfunction, atrophy, pathology remodelling and reactivity anomaly of the neuronal system where treatment options remain challenging. β-Carboline (βC) alkaloids are scaffolds of structurally diverse tricyclic pyrido[3,4-b]indole alkaloid with vast occurrence in nature. Their unique structural features which favour interactions with enzymes and protein receptor targets account for their potent neuropharmacological properties. However, our current understanding of their biological mechanisms for these beneficial effects, especially for neuropsychiatric disorders is sparse. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of the scientific progress in the last two decades on the prospective pharmacology and physiology of the βC alkaloids in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumour, essential tremor, epilepsy and seizure, licking behaviour, dystonia, agnosia, spasm, positive ingestive response as demonstrated in non-clinical models. The current evidence supports that βC alkaloids offer potential therapeutic agents against most of these disorders and amenable for further drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Department of Chemical, Geological and Physical Sciences, Kwara State University, P. M. B., 1530, Malete, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Muzaimi Mustapha
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Thenmoly Damodaran
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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Kumar D, Iltaf S, Umer A, Fatima M, Zaheer M, Waqar K, Girdhari K. The Frequency of Catamenial Epilepsy in Female Epileptic Patients of Reproductive Age Group Presented to the Tertiary Care Hospital. Cureus 2020; 12:e11635. [PMID: 33376647 PMCID: PMC7755724 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Catamenial epilepsy is the type of seizures during the reproductive phase of menstruation due to hormonal changes during the different phases of menstruation. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of epileptic seizures in women during the menstruation cycle and its management. Material and methods This study was conducted at the neurology department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan. The study's duration was six months, from the 22nd of January 2020 to the 22nd of July 2020. The sample size for catamenial epilepsy in female epileptic patients of reproductive age was 78%. After approval by the ethical committee of JPMC, data collection started. Data was collected and analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22; IBM Inc., Armonk, USA). Mean, and the standard deviation was calculated for age, duration of epilepsy, duration of antiepileptic, and antiepileptic drug. A Chi-square test was applied, and p≤0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results A total of 184 female patients of reproductive age were selected for this study. The mean duration of epilepsy was 15.96 ± 8.85 months. The mean duration of antiepileptic drugs was 11.16 ± 7.53 months. In 73 patients (39.7%), EEG showed increased seizure activity during particular phases of the menstrual cycle. Catamenial epilepsy was seen in 73 patients (39.7%). The stratification according to age, duration of epilepsy, duration of antiepileptic drugs, the antiepileptic drug was done to observe the effect of these modifiers on catamenial epilepsy. Conclusion Catamenial epilepsy is relatively common epilepsy. The physician should evaluate patients when the seizures are refractory to the treatment. The females should manage a seizure diary, which will be beneficial in the management of epilepsy. In women with epilepsy, catamenial epilepsy should be considered in the diagnosis when the seizures are refractory to optimal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Neurology, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, PAK
| | - Samar Iltaf
- Neurology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Anila Umer
- Neurology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, PAK
| | - Meraj Fatima
- Neurology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow International Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Kiran Waqar
- Neurology, Fazia Ruth Pfau Medical College Karachi, Karachi, PAK
| | - Komal Girdhari
- Internal Medicine, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, PAK
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27
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Gynecologic Management of Adolescents and Young Women With Seizure Disorders: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 806. Obstet Gynecol 2020; 135:e213-e220. [PMID: 32332416 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Seizure disorders frequently are diagnosed and managed during adolescence; therefore, obstetrician-gynecologists who care for adolescents should be familiar with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, as well as antiepileptic drugs. Patients diagnosed with seizure disorders during childhood may have increased seizure activity with puberty and menarche due to the neuroactive properties of endogenous steroid hormones. Compared with patients without epilepsy, patients with epilepsy are more likely to experience anovulatory cycles, irregular menstrual bleeding, and amenorrhea. Although hormonal suppression should not be initiated before puberty or menarche, prepubertal counseling may be appropriate, and obstetrician-gynecologists may work with young patients and their families to develop a plan to initiate with menarche. Additionally, obstetrician-gynecologists should be aware of any medication changes, including antiepileptics, for adolescent patients with seizure disorders. Research on hormonal therapy for the treatment of epilepsy is scant; however, the anticonvulsant properties of various progestins have been explored as potential treatment. There is no conclusive evidence that combination hormonal contraception increases epileptic seizures, and epilepsy itself poses no increased risk of an adverse outcome for those using combined oral contraceptive pills, the contraceptive patch, or a contraceptive ring. Because many antiepileptic drugs are teratogenic, discussing sexual health with and providing effective contraceptive choices to this population is critical. Obstetrician-gynecologists should work with patients with seizure disorders to develop a plan when pregnancy occurs.
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28
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Schroeder GM, Diehl B, Chowdhury FA, Duncan JS, de Tisi J, Trevelyan AJ, Forsyth R, Jackson A, Taylor PN, Wang Y. Seizure pathways change on circadian and slower timescales in individual patients with focal epilepsy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11048-11058. [PMID: 32366665 PMCID: PMC7245106 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922084117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine requires that treatments adapt to not only the patient but also changing factors within each individual. Although epilepsy is a dynamic disorder characterized by pathological fluctuations in brain state, surprisingly little is known about whether and how seizures vary in the same patient. We quantitatively compared within-patient seizure network evolutions using intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings of over 500 seizures from 31 patients with focal epilepsy (mean 16.5 seizures per patient). In all patients, we found variability in seizure paths through the space of possible network dynamics. Seizures with similar pathways tended to occur closer together in time, and a simple model suggested that seizure pathways change on circadian and/or slower timescales in the majority of patients. These temporal relationships occurred independent of whether the patient underwent antiepileptic medication reduction. Our results suggest that various modulatory processes, operating at different timescales, shape within-patient seizure evolutions, leading to variable seizure pathways that may require tailored treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Schroeder
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG, United Kingdom
| | - Beate Diehl
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Fahmida A Chowdhury
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - John S Duncan
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Jane de Tisi
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Trevelyan
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Forsyth
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Jackson
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter N Taylor
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Yujiang Wang
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TG, United Kingdom;
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The management of epilepsy during pregnancy involves optimizing seizure control for the mother, while ensuring the best outcome for the developing fetus. Preconception counseling regarding contraception, folic acid, and antiseizure medications (ASMs) will maximize positive outcomes. Folic acid supplementation is recommended to decrease risk of neural tube defects, similar to the general population, and has been associated with improved cognitive outcomes and decreased risk of autistic traits in offspring. Efforts should be made to optimize the ASM regimen before pregnancy to the fewest number of ASMs, lowest effective doses, with avoidance of more teratogenic agents such as valproic acid. Valproic acid is associated with the highest increased risk of major congenital malformations, as well as reduced cognitive outcomes and neurodevelopmental disorders. Decreasing or changing ASMs during pregnancy should be done with caution, as convulsive seizures have been associated with adverse fetal outcomes including cognitive impairment. Physiologic changes during pregnancy affect ASM levels and in turn, risk for seizures, necessitating frequent monitoring of ASM serum concentrations. Mothers should also be counseled postpartum about how the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the transmission of medication into breast milk. Communication between providers (obstetrics and neurology) and pregnant women with epilepsy is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Benson
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alison Pack
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Catamenial epilepsy (CE) is exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Approximately 1.7 million women have epilepsy in the United States. CE affects more than 40% of women with epilepsy. There is a paucity of literature addressing this condition from a clinical standpoint, and the literature that does exist is limited to the neurological community. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of CE for the non-neurologist. Women with CE have early touch points in their care with numerous health care providers before ever consulting with a specialist, including OB/GYNs, pediatricians, emergency department physicians, and family medicine providers. In addition, women affected by CE have seizures that are more recalcitrant to traditional epilepsy treatment regimens. To optimize management in patients affected by CE, menstrual physiology must be understood, individualized hormonal contraception treatment considered, and adjustments and interactions with antiepileptic drugs addressed. OBSERVATIONS CE is a unique subset of seizure disorders affected by menstrual fluctuations of progesterone and estrogen. The diagnosis of CE has been refined and clarified. There is an ever-increasing understanding of the importance and variety of options of hormonal contraception available to help manage CE. Furthermore, antiepileptic drugs and contraception can interact, so attention must be directed to optimizing both regimens to prevent uncontrolled seizures and pregnancy. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE CE can be diagnosed with charting of menstrual cycles and seizure activity. Hormonal treatments that induce amenorrhea have been shown to reduce CE. Optimizing antiepileptic drug dosing and contraceptive methods also can minimize unplanned pregnancies in women affected by CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Frank
- Princeton University, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton, NJ
| | - Nichole A Tyson
- At the time of submission and acceptance in February, Dr. Tyson was affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, as of 8/31/2020 she is no longer affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. She is now affiliated with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine.,Dr. Tyson is not longer affiliated with University of California, Davis
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31
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Pennell PB, French JA, Harden CL, Davis A, Bagiella E, Andreopoulos E, Lau C, Llewellyn N, Barnard S, Allien S. Fertility and Birth Outcomes in Women With Epilepsy Seeking Pregnancy. JAMA Neurol 2019; 75:962-969. [PMID: 29710218 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.0646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Importance Prior studies report lower birth rates for women with epilepsy (WWE) but have been unable to differentiate between biological and social contributions. To our knowledge, we do not have data to inform WWE seeking pregnancy if their likelihood of achieving pregnancy is biologically reduced compared with their peers. Objective To determine if WWE without a prior diagnosis of infertility or related disorders are as likely to achieve pregnancy within 12 months as their peers without epilepsy. Design, Setting, and Participants The Women With Epilepsy: Pregnancy Outcomes and Deliveries study is an observational cohort study comparing fertility in WWE with fertility in control women (CW) without epilepsy. Participants were enrolled at 4 academic medical centers and observed up to 21 months from November 2010 to May 2015. Women seeking pregnancy aged 18 to 40 years were enrolled within 6 months of discontinuing contraception. Exclusion criteria included tobacco use and a prior diagnosis of infertility or disorders that lower fertility. Eighteen WWE and 47 CW declined the study, and 40 WWE and 170 CW did not meet study criteria. The Women With Epilepsy: Pregnancy Outcomes and Deliveries electronic diary app was used to capture data on medications, seizures, sexual activity, and menses. Data were analyzed from November 2015 to June 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was proportion of women who achieved pregnancy within 12 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes were time to pregnancy using a proportional hazard model, pregnancy outcomes, sexual activity, ovulatory rates, and analysis of epilepsy factors in WWE. All outcomes were planned prior to data collection except for time to pregnancy. Results Of the 197 women included in the study, 142 (72.1%) were white, and the mean (SD) age was 31.9 (3.5) years among the 89 WWE and 31.1 (4.2) among the 108 CW. Among 89 WWE, 54 (60.7%) achieved pregnancy vs 65 (60.2%) among 108 CW. Median time to pregnancy was no different between the groups after controlling for key covariates (WWE: median, 6.0 months; 95% CI, 3.8-10.1; CW: median, 9.0 months; 95% CI, 6.5-11.2; P = .30). Sexual activity and ovulatory rates were similar in WWE and CW. Forty-four of 54 pregnancies (81.5%) in WWE and 53 of 65 pregnancies (81.5%) in CW resulted in live births. No epilepsy factors were significant. Conclusions and Relevance Women with epilepsy seeking pregnancy without prior known infertility or related disorders have similar likelihood of achieving pregnancy, time to pregnancy, and live birth rates compared with their peers without epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Page B Pennell
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacqueline A French
- Department of Neurology, New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York
| | - Cynthia L Harden
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anne Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Emilia Bagiella
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Evie Andreopoulos
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Connie Lau
- Department of Neurology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York
| | - Nichelle Llewellyn
- Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Barnard
- Department of Neurology, New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York
| | - Stephanie Allien
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Khuda I, Aljaafari D. Epilepsy in pregnancy. A comprehensive literature review and suggestions for saudi practitioners. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23:185-193. [PMID: 30007993 PMCID: PMC8015586 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2018.3.20180129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the context of local culture and misconceptions regarding epilepsy, Saudi practitioners need a careful management plan for women with epilepsy that satisfies all the patients’ needs and ensures their spouses’ understanding. Such a management strategy needs to incorporate careful selection and monitoring of anti-epileptic drugs and regular counseling of patients. Female epileptic patients in the reproductive age group, no matter whether they are pregnant or not, should be managed by safest drugs from the earliest with folic acid supplementation along with adequate pre-marriage/conception counseling. All antiepileptic drugs are potentially teratogenic. However, valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and topiramate are least favored for use. Monotherapy is preferred over polytherapy, and the least possible dose should be used. During pregnancy, many epileptic women may need monthly drug level monitoring and dose readjustments. Normal vaginal delivery is safe in epileptic women. Post-partum follow-up with anti-epileptic drug titration may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inam Khuda
- Department of Neurology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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33
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Walker DI, Perry-Walker K, Finnell RH, Pennell KD, Tran V, May RC, McElrath TF, Meador KJ, Pennell PB, Jones DP. Metabolome-wide association study of anti-epileptic drug treatment during pregnancy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 363:122-130. [PMID: 30521819 PMCID: PMC7172934 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE) require continuous anti-epileptic drug (AED) treatment to avoid risk to themselves and fetal risks secondary to maternal seizures, resulting in prolonged AED exposure to the developing embryo and fetus. The objectives of this study were to determine whether high-resolution metabolomics is able to link the metabolite profile of PWWE receiving lamotrigine or levetiracetam for seizure control to associated pharmacodynamic (PD) biological responses. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of plasma obtained from 82 PWWE was completed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Biological alterations due to lamotrigine or levetiracetam monotherapy were determined by a metabolome-wide association study that compared patients taking either drug to those who did not require AED treatment. Metabolic changes associated with AED use were then evaluated by testing for drug-dose associated metabolic variations and pathway enrichment. AED therapy resulted in drug-associated metabolic profiles recognizable within maternal plasma. Both the parent compounds and major metabolites were detected, and each AED was correlated with other metabolic features and pathways. Changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways important to maternal health and linked to fetal neurodevelopment were detected for both drugs, including changes in one‑carbon metabolism, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and steroid metabolism. In addition, decreased levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate were detected in women taking lamotrigine, which is consistent with recent findings showing increased risk of autism spectrum disorder traits in PWWE using AED. These results represent a first step in development of pharmacometabolomic framework with potential to detect adverse AED-related metabolic changes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas I Walker
- Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kayla Perry-Walker
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Vilinh Tran
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ryan C May
- The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Page B Pennell
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dean P Jones
- Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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34
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Abstract
The current paradigm for treatment of epilepsy begins with trials of antiepileptic drugs, followed by evaluation for resective brain surgery in drug-resistant patients. If surgery is not possible or fails to control seizures, some patients benefit from implanted neurostimulation devices. In addition to their therapeutic benefit, some of these devices have diagnostic capability enabling recordings of brain activity with unprecedented chronicity. Two recent studies using different devices for chronic EEG (i.e., over months to years) yielded convergent findings of daily and multiday cycles of brain activity that help explain seizure timing. Knowledge of these patient-specific cycles can be leveraged to gauge and forecast seizure risk, empowering patients to adopt risk-stratified treatment strategies and behavioral modifications. We review evidence that epilepsy is a cyclical disorder, and we argue that implanted monitoring devices should be offered earlier in the treatment paradigm. Chronic EEG would allow pharmacologic treatments tailored to days of high seizure risk-here termed chronotherapy-and would help characterize long timescale seizure dynamics to improve subsequent surgical planning. Coupled with neuromodulation, the proposed approach could improve quality of life for patients and decrease the number ultimately requiring resective surgery. We outline challenges for chronic monitoring and seizure forecasting that demand close collaboration among engineers, neurosurgeons, and neurologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime O Baud
- From the Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center and Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology (M.O.B.), Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern; Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuro-engineering (M.O.B.), Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences (V.R.R.), University of California, San Francisco.
| | - Vikram R Rao
- From the Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Center and Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology (M.O.B.), Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern; Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuro-engineering (M.O.B.), Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences (V.R.R.), University of California, San Francisco
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35
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Yan BC, Xu P, Gao M, Wang J, Jiang D, Zhu X, Won MH, Su PQ. Changes in the Blood-Brain Barrier Function Are Associated With Hippocampal Neuron Death in a Kainic Acid Mouse Model of Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:775. [PMID: 30258402 PMCID: PMC6143688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy experimental model is widely used to study the mechanisms underlying this disorder. Recently, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has become an innovative alternative treatment target for epilepsy patients. KA causes neuronal injury and BBB damage in this experimental epilepsy model but the mechanisms underlying epilepsy-related neuronal injury, autophagy, and BBB damage remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationships among neuronal injury, the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, and changes in BBB-related proteins during the acute phase of epilepsy to further understand the mechanisms and pharmacotherapy of epilepsy. NeuN immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B (FJ-B) staining in the hippocampal CA3 region revealed that neuronal death induced by intraventricular injections of 10 μg/kg KA was greater than that induced by 3 μg/kg KA. In addition, there were transient increases in the levels of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3I/II) and Beclin-1, which are autophagy-related proteins involved in neuronal death, in this region 24 h after the administration of 10 μg/kg KA. There were also morphological changes in BBB-related cells such as astrocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and tight junctions (TJs). More specifically, there was a significant increase in the activation of astrocytes 72 h after the administration of 10 μg/kg KA as well as continuous increases in the expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and BBB-related TJ proteins (Zonula occludens-1 and Claudin-5) until 72 h after KA treatment. These results suggest that the overexpression of autophagy-related proteins and astrocytes and transient increases in the expressions of BBB-related TJ proteins may be closely related to autophagic neuronal injury. These findings provide a basis for the identification of novel therapeutic targets for patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chun Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Haian, China
| | - Manman Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Pei Qing Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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36
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Abstract
Concern about what is best practice when caring for women with neurologic disease is a common clinical scenario. Therefore, knowledge about women's health issues and their intersection with neurologic disorders is imperative. This review will discuss the appropriate gender-based considerations in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, autoimmune disease, sleep disorders, stroke, and paraneoplastic disorders.
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37
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Ogunjimi L, Yaria J, Makanjuola A, Ogunniyi A. Sexual dysfunction among Nigerian women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 83:108-112. [PMID: 29684822 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual dysfunction (SD) has been shown to be more prevalent among females with epilepsy (FWE) when compared with controls. Identified risk factors for SD among FWE include depression, antiepileptic drug (AED) type, epileptic lateralization, and temporal lobe involvement. Despite a huge population of FWE in sub-Saharan Africa and by extension Nigeria, there are limited studies on the effect of AEDs and epilepsy on sexual function among FWE in the region. We therefore studied predictors and patterns of SD among Nigerian FWE. METHOD This was a descriptive study carried out at the University College Hospital, Oyo State - a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria. The Zung Self-rating Depression Scale was used to assess mood. Sexual dysfunction was measured using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) questionnaire. RESULTS The frequency of clinically significant SD among FWE (35, 50.0%) was similar to that of controls (27, 38.6%; p = 0.173). However, the mean ASEX score was higher in FWE than in controls (p = 0.009). Using domains defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition (DSM-V), we observed that FWE had higher scores in all domains. Sexual dysfunction was also more prevalent among FWE with lesional epilepsy when compared with those with nonlesional epilepsy. Standardized beta coefficients from multiple regressions conducted suggest that age of FWE, the presence of motor weakness, and systolic blood pressure contributed to SD. SIGNIFICANCE Females with epilepsy had higher ASEX scores in all domains, with older FWE and those with lesional epilepsy more likely to have SD. Healthcare providers should pay attention to SD among FWE for improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqman Ogunjimi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Yaria
- Department of Internal Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
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38
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Baud MO, Kleen JK, Mirro EA, Andrechak JC, King-Stephens D, Chang EF, Rao VR. Multi-day rhythms modulate seizure risk in epilepsy. Nat Commun 2018; 9:88. [PMID: 29311566 PMCID: PMC5758806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is defined by the seemingly random occurrence of spontaneous seizures. The ability to anticipate seizures would enable preventative treatment strategies. A central but unresolved question concerns the relationship of seizure timing to fluctuating rates of interictal epileptiform discharges (here termed interictal epileptiform activity, IEA), a marker of brain irritability observed between seizures by electroencephalography (EEG). Here, in 37 subjects with an implanted brain stimulation device that detects IEA and seizures over years, we find that IEA oscillates with circadian and subject-specific multidien (multi-day) periods. Multidien periodicities, most commonly 20-30 days in duration, are robust and relatively stable for up to 10 years in men and women. We show that seizures occur preferentially during the rising phase of multidien IEA rhythms. Combining phase information from circadian and multidien IEA rhythms provides a novel biomarker for determining relative seizure risk with a large effect size in most subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime O Baud
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy-Center, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Jonathan K Kleen
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Emily A Mirro
- NeuroPace, Inc., 455N. Bernardo Ave, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
| | - Jason C Andrechak
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - David King-Stephens
- Department of Neurology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
| | - Edward F Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Vikram R Rao
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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39
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Levetiracetam in Men With Epilepsy: Testosterone Is Left Alone But Sperm Count Is Paramount. Epilepsy Curr 2017; 17:99-100. [PMID: 28490999 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7511.17.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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40
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Bangar S, Shastri A, El-Sayeh H, Cavanna AE. Women with epilepsy: clinically relevant issues. FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 31:127-34. [PMID: 27678205 DOI: 10.11138/fneur/2016.31.3.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Women with epilepsy (WWE) face specific challenges throughout their lifespan due to the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs on hormonal function, potentially affecting both sexual and reproductive health. This review article addresses the most common issues of practical relevance to clinicians treating WWE: epidemiology and clinical presentations (including catamenial epilepsy), contraception, reproductive and sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, lactation, menopause-related issues (including bone health), and mental health aspects. Awareness of these gender-specific issues and implementation/adaptation of effective interventions for WWE results in significantly improved health-related quality of life in this patient population.
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41
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Harden CL, Pennell PB, French JA, Davis A, Lau C, Llewellyn N, Kaufman B, Bagiella E, Kirshenbaum A. Anti-mullerian hormone is higher in seizure-free women with epilepsy compared to those with ongoing seizures. Epilepsy Res 2016; 127:66-71. [PMID: 27565413 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), a neuroactive peptide hormone and a measure of ovarian reserve, is different between women with epilepsy (WWE) and healthy controls (HC) seeking pregnancy and to evaluate epilepsy-related factors associated with AMH concentrations. METHODS Subjects were participants in Women with Epilepsy: Pregnancy Outcomes and Deliveries (WEPOD), a multi-center prospective, observational cohort study evaluating fecundity in WWE compared to HC, ages 18-40 years. WWE were divided into a Sz+ group or a Sz- group, dependent on whether they had seizures within the 9 months prior to enrollment. Serum was collected, and AMH concentrations were measured as an exploratory analysis. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations and control for covariates. RESULTS Serum AMH concentrations were measured in 72 out of 90 enrolled WWE and 97 out of 109 HC; the remaining subjects became pregnant before serum was obtained. Thirty WWE were in the Sz+ group and 40 in the Sz- group (retrospective seizure information was missing for two). All AMH concentrations were within the range, however, the normal inverse correlation between age and AMH was present in the HC and in the Sz- groups, but was lacking in the Sz+ group. Mean AMH concentration was higher in the Sz- group (3982pg/ml (SD+/-2452)) compared to the Sz+ group of WWE (2776pg/ml (SD+/-2308)) and HCs (3241 (SD±2647)). All values were within the expected range for age. In WWE, by linear regression, after controlling for age and BMI, seizure occurrence remained associated with AMH (p=0.025). In the prospective phase of the study, AMH concentrations were also associated with seizure occurrence during the menstrual cycle in which the serum sample was obtained (p=0.012). Antiepileptic drugs and other epilepsy factors were not associated with AMH concentrations. When analyzing the Sz- WWE group and the HC group by linear regression with AMH as the dependent variable, after controlling for age and BMI, the association with AMH was also present (p=0.017). AMH concentrations of the Sz+ group and HCs did not differ. SIGNIFICANCE In this exploratory analysis, seizure freedom was associated with higher AMH concentrations compared to women with ongoing seizures and to HCs. Future studies should further investigate the mechanism of the association of AMH with seizure occurrence, whether AMH could have a direct seizure-protective neuroactive hormone effect, as well as implications of AMH concentrations as a biomarker for ovarian reserve in women with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Harden
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1428 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 11029, USA.
| | - Page B Pennell
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | | | - Anne Davis
- Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Connie Lau
- Northwell Health, 611 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY, 11021, USA.
| | - Nichelle Llewellyn
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Benjamin Kaufman
- NYU School of Medicine, 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Emilia Bagiella
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1428 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 11029, USA.
| | - Ariel Kirshenbaum
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Farmen AH, Grundt JH, Tomson T, Nakken KO, Nakling J, Mowinchel P, Øie M, Lossius MI. Age-specific birth rates in women with epilepsy: a population-based study. Brain Behav 2016; 6:e00492. [PMID: 27547497 PMCID: PMC4980466 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate birth rates and use of hormonal contraception in different age groups among women with epilepsy (WWE) in comparison to women without epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographic data and medical information on more than 25,000 pregnant women (40,000 births), representing 95% of all pregnancies in Oppland County, Norway, were registered in the Oppland Perinatal Database in the period 1989-2011. Data were analyzed with respect to epilepsy diagnoses, and 176 women with a validated epilepsy diagnosis (303 pregnancies) were identified. Age-specific birth rates in these women were estimated and compared with age-specific birth rates in women without epilepsy in the same county. RESULTS In WWE over 25 years of age, birth rates were significantly lower than in those of the same age group without epilepsy. In women below 20 years of age, birth rates were similar in those with and without epilepsy. The use of hormonal contraceptives prior to pregnancy was lower among WWE under 25 years than in the corresponding age group without epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals who counsel WWE who are of fertile age should be aware of the strongly reduced birth rates in WWE over 25 years of age, and the lower rates of use of contraceptives among young WWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Huuse Farmen
- Department of Neurology Innlandet Hospital Trust Lillehammer Norway; National Center for Epilepsy Oslo University Hospital Norway
| | - Jacob Holter Grundt
- Department of Paediatrics Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden
| | - Karl O Nakken
- National Center for Epilepsy Oslo University Hospital Norway
| | - Jakob Nakling
- Department of Gynaecology Innlandet Hospital Trust Lillehammer Norway
| | - Petter Mowinchel
- Department of Paediatrics Oslo University Hospital Ullevål Oslo Norway
| | - Merete Øie
- Institute of Psychology University of Oslo Norway
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Sharma A, Boller F, Koubeissi M. Women with epilepsy. FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY 2016; 31:125-6. [PMID: 27678204 DOI: 10.11138/fneur/2016.31.3.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The cyclic hormonal underpinnings of catamenial seizure exacerbations are consistent with the neurophysiologic activity of estrogen and progesterone. For women with catamenial epilepsy who have regular menses, intermittent treatment approaches may be utilized. These interventions are targeted at adding or increasing anti-seizure treatments during established vulnerable days of the menstrual cycle, such as perimenstrually (C1 pattern), at ovulation (C2 pattern), and during the luteal phase (C3 pattern). The single large study of natural progesterone treatment showed benefit for women with clear perimenstrual seizure exacerbations (C1 pattern), but not for subjects with other catamenial patterns or for randomized women with epilepsy of reproductive age who did not have catamenial seizure exacerbations. In this protocol, natural progesterone was given at a high dose during the luteal phase and was generally well tolerated. Other intermittent cyclic treatments include benzodiazepine use, increasing the dose of an anti-seizure drug already in use, or acetazolamide. For women with irregular menses, or those in which the intermittent cyclic treatments are not effective, pharmacologically stopping the menstrual cycle altogether by using synthetic hormones such as medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or sustained oral contraceptives may be considered.
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Goldman AM, LaFrance WC, Benke T, Asato M, Drane D, Pack A, Syed T, Doss R, Lhatoo S, Fureman B, Dingledine R. 2014 Epilepsy Benchmarks Area IV: Limit or Prevent Adverse Consequence of Seizures and Their Treatment Across The Lifespan. Epilepsy Curr 2016; 16:198-205. [PMID: 27330453 PMCID: PMC4913859 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7511-16.3.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alica M. Goldman
- Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NB222, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W. Curt LaFrance
- Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence RI 02903-4923 USA
| | - Tim Benke
- Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Pharmacology and Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Miya Asato
- Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Divisionof Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dan Drane
- Assistant Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Alison Pack
- Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Tanvir Syed
- Assistant Professor of Neurology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert Doss
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Minnesota Epilepsy Group, P.A., St. Paul, MN and Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN
| | - Samden Lhatoo
- Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Brandy Fureman
- Program Director, Channels Synapses and Circuits Cluster, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ray Dingledine
- Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta GA
| | - for the American Epilepsy Society (AES)/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Epilepsy Benchmark Stewards.
- Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NB222, Houston, TX, USA
- Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence RI 02903-4923 USA
- Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Pharmacology and Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Divisionof Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Assistant Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Assistant Professor of Neurology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, Minnesota Epilepsy Group, P.A., St. Paul, MN and Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN
- Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- Program Director, Channels Synapses and Circuits Cluster, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta GA
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Abstract
Epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs affect the menstrual cycle, aspects of contraception, reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause through alteration of sex steroid hormone pathways. Sex steroid hormones often have an effect on seizure frequency and may alter the level of some antiepileptic drugs. Approximately one-third of women experience an increase in perimenstrual and/or periovulatory seizure frequency. Some women experience an increase in seizure frequency during pregnancy. Balancing maternal seizure control and the risk of congenital malformations associated with fetal antiepileptic drug exposure may be challenging. Some antiepileptic drugs are associated with cognitive and behavioral teratogenesis and should be avoided if possible during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naymeé J Vélez-Ruiz
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Miami, 1120 Northwest, 14th Street, Suite 1329, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Page B Pennell
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Noai M, Soraoka H, Kajiwara A, Tanamachi Y, Oniki K, Nakagawa K, Ishitsu T, Saruwatari J. Cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms and valproic acid-induced weight gain. Acta Neurol Scand 2016. [PMID: 26223287 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 plays a role in the biotransformation of clinically relevant drugs as well as endogenous compounds, including sex hormones, which are known to be modulators of food intake and energy balance in humans. We attempted to investigate the influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on valproic acid (VPA)-induced weight gain. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective longitudinal study included 85 VPA-treated and 93 carbamazepine (CBZ)-treated (as a reference) young patients with epilepsy. The body mass index (BMI) gap between the patient's BMI and the cutoff value for being overweight was calculated in each patient during the follow-up period. The longitudinal associations of the CYP2C19 genotype with the BMI gap and risk for becoming overweight during VPA or CBZ therapy were examined retrospectively using the generalized estimating equations approach and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS During the follow-up period, the values of the BMI gap were significantly greater (P = 0.002 or P = 0.005) and the cumulative incidence of becoming overweight tended to be higher (P = 0.032) in the VPA-treated female patients with one or two loss-of-function CYP2C19 alleles than in the females without the loss-of-function CYP2C19 alleles. No associations were observed among the VPA-treated male patients and CBZ-treated male and female patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to show a relationship between the CYP2C19 polymorphism and VPA-induced weight gain in female patients with epilepsy. Further investigations are needed to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Noai
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - H. Soraoka
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - A. Kajiwara
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - Y. Tanamachi
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - K. Oniki
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - K. Nakagawa
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
- Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
| | - T. Ishitsu
- Kumamoto Saishunso National Hospital; Koshi Japan
- Kumamoto Ezuko Ryoiku Iryo Center; Kumamoto Japan
| | - J. Saruwatari
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
- Center for Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kumamoto University; Kumamoto Japan
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Gender and age influence in daytime and nighttime seizure occurrence in epilepsy associated with mesial temporal sclerosis. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 50:14-7. [PMID: 26093513 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the daytime and nighttime seizure distribution during video-EEG monitoring in patients with epilepsy associated with unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and the role of gender, age, and lesion side on 24-hour seizure distribution. METHODS We studied 167 consecutive adult (age≥16years) patients with epilepsy associated with unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis that had three or more recorded seizures during continuous video-EEG monitoring with a minimum recording time period of 24h. Seizure onset time was classified according to occurrence in six 4-hour periods. RESULTS Seven hundred thirty-five seizures were evaluated. We observed two higher seizure occurrence periods: 08:01-12:00 (p=0.001) and 16:01-20:00 (p=0.03). Significantly fewer seizures were observed between 0:01 and 4:00 (p=0.01). Nonuniform seizure distribution was noted in women (p<0.0001), in young patients (less than 45years of age) (p<0.0001), and in both patients with left (p=0.03) and patients with right mesial temporal sclerosis (p=0.008). Men presented uniform seizure occurrence distribution (p=0.15). Women had fewer seizures than expected and fewer seizures than men between 0:01-04:00 (p<0.0001 and p=0.0015, respectively) and 04:01-08:00 (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Young patients (age<45years) had two seizure occurrence peaks, 08:01-12:00 (p=0.016) and 16:01-20:00 (p=0.004). Middle-aged/old patients (≥45years) had only one seizure occurrence peak, 08:01-12:00 (p=0.012). Young patients had more seizures than middle-aged/old patients between 16:01-20:00 (p=0.04). No differences were noted between left and right MTS. SIGNIFICANCE We observed two seizure occurrence peaks: morning and late afternoon/evening. We encountered variations in daytime and nighttime seizure distribution according to gender and age, but not according to side of MTS. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to unravel the neurobiological substrate underlying daytime and nighttime variations of seizure occurrence in different age groups and between genders.
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50
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Pennell KD, Woodin MA, Pennell PB. Quantification of neurosteroids during pregnancy using selective ion monitoring mass spectrometry. Steroids 2015; 95:24-31. [PMID: 25541057 PMCID: PMC4323841 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Analytical techniques used to quantify neurosteroids in biological samples are often compromised by non-specificity and limited dynamic range which can result in erroneous results. A relatively rapid and inexpensive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed to simultaneously measure nine neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone, estradiol, and progesterone, as well as 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 in plasma samples collected from adult women subjects during and after pregnancy. Sample preparation involved solid-phase extraction and derivatization, followed by automated injection on a GC equipped with a mass selective detector (MSD) operated in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode to yield a run time of less than 11min. Method detection limits for all neurosteroids ranged from 30 to 200pg/mL (parts per trillion), with coefficients of variation that ranged from 3% to 5% based on intra-assay comparisons run in triplicate. Although concentrations of estradiol measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) were consistent with values determined by GC-MS values, CIA yielded considerable higher values of progesterone, suggesting antibody cross reactions resulting from low specificity. Mean neurosteroid levels and representative time-course data demonstrate the ability of the method to quantify changes in multiple neurosteroids during pregnancy, including rapid declines in neurosteroid levels associated with delivery. This simplified GC-MS method holds particular promise for research and clinical laboratories that require simultaneous quantification of multiple neurosteroids, but lack the resources and expertise to support advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt D Pennell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, United States.
| | - Mark A Woodin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, United States; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, United States
| | - Page B Pennell
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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