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Singkham N, Saiwijit P, Sangliamthong P, Panthong T, Wiangkham H. Trends, prescribing patterns, and determinants of initial antiepileptic drug treatment in older epileptic patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2024:riae055. [PMID: 39356176 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is no report on the initial antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment of older Thai epileptic patients. This study aimed to determine the trends, prescribing patterns, and determinants of initial AED treatment. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data on older (≥60 years) epileptic patients gathered from one tertiary-care hospital's database from 2012 to 2022. We evaluated the trends and prescribing patterns for starting AED treatment. We used logistic regression to identify the determinants of the initial treatment with new-generation AEDs. KEY FINDINGS This study comprised 919 participants (59.19% men, 70.99 ± 8.00 years old). Between 2012 and 2022, we observed a decreasing trend in starting therapy with old-generation AEDs, from 89.16% to 64.58%. In contrast, there was an increasing trend in initiating treatment with new-generation AEDs, from 10.84% to 35.72% (P for trend <0.001 for both). Each assessment year, the most prescribed treatment pattern was monotherapy. The determinants of initial therapy with new-generation AEDs included the year treatment began (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 1.0006; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.0003-1.0008), non-Universal Coverage Scheme (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.26-3.00), liver disease (AOR = 6.44; 95% CI 2.30-18.08), opioid use (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI 1.28-6.09), and statin use (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.95). CONCLUSIONS There is a growing trend of initiating treatment with new-generation AEDs in older Thai patients with epilepsy. Factors positively associated with starting new-generation AEDs include the year treatment began, non-Universal Coverage Scheme, liver disease, and opioid use, while statin use is a negatively associated factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noppaket Singkham
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Pitsamai Saiwijit
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Papavee Sangliamthong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Tawanrat Panthong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Hataikan Wiangkham
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Linfield RY, Nguyen NN, Laprade OH, Holodniy M, Chary A. An update on drug-drug interactions in older adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:589-614. [PMID: 38753455 PMCID: PMC11233252 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2350968] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with HIV are living longer due to advances in antiretroviral therapy. With improved life expectancy comes an increased lifetime risk of comorbid conditions - such as cardiovascular disease and cancer - and polypharmacy. Older adults, particularly those living with HIV, are more vulnerable to drug interactions and adverse effects, resulting in negative health outcomes. AREA COVERED Antiretrovirals are involved in many potential drug interactions with medications used to treat common comorbidities and geriatric conditions in an aging population of people with HIV. We review the mechanisms and management of significant drug-drug interactions involving antiretroviral medications and non-antiretroviral medications commonly used among older people living with HIV. The management of these interactions may require dose adjustments, medication switches to alternatives, enhanced monitoring, and considerations of patient- and disease-specific factors. EXPERT OPINION Clinicians managing comorbid conditions among older people with HIV must be particularly vigilant to side effect profiles, drug-drug interactions, pill burden, and cost when optimizing treatment. To support healthier aging among people living with HIV, there is a growing need for antiretroviral stewardship, multidisciplinary care models, and advances that promote insight into the correlations between an individual, their conditions, and their medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy N. Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Olivia H. Laprade
- Department of Pharmacy, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Mark Holodniy
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- National Public Health Program Office, Veterans Health Administration, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aarthi Chary
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- National Public Health Program Office, Veterans Health Administration, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Badger S, Watkins LV, Bassett P, Roy A, Eyeoyibo M, Sawhney I, Purandare K, Wood L, Pugh A, Hammett J, Sheehan R, Tromans S, Shankar R. The relationship between clinical presentation and the nature of care in adults with intellectual disability and epilepsy - national comparative cohort study. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e94. [PMID: 38686441 PMCID: PMC11060072 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A quarter of People with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID) have epilepsy compared with 1% of the general population. Epilepsy in PwID is a bellwether for premature mortality, multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This group depends on their care provider to give relevant information for management, especially epilepsy. There is no research on care status relationship and clinical characteristics of PwID and epilepsy. AIM Explore and compare the clinical characteristics of PwID with epilepsy across different care settings. METHOD A retrospective multicentre cohort study across England and Wales collected information on seizure characteristics, intellectual disability severity, neurodevelopmental/biological/psychiatric comorbidities, medication including psychotropics/anti-seizure medication, and care status. Clinical characteristics were compared across different care settings, and those aged over and younger than 40 years. RESULTS Of 618 adult PwID across six centres (male:female = 61%:39%), 338 (55%) received professional care whereas 258 (42%) lived with family. Significant differences between the care groups existed in intellectual disability severity (P = 0.01), autism presence (P < 0.001), challenging behaviour (P < 0.001) and comorbid physical conditions (P = 0.008). The two groups did not vary in intellectual disability severity/genetic conditions/seizure type and frequency/psychiatric disorders. The professional care cohort experienced increased polypharmacy (P < 0.001) and antipsychotic/psychotropic use (P < 0.001/P = 0.008).The over-40s cohort had lower autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity (P < 0.001/P = 0.007), increased psychiatric comorbidity and challenging behaviour (P < 0.05), physical multimorbidity (P < 0.001), polypharmacy (P < 0.001) and antipsychotic use (P < 0.001) but reduced numbers of seizures (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION PwID and epilepsy over 40 years in professional care have more complex clinical characteristics, increased polypharmacy and antipsychotic prescribing but fewer seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Badger
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Lance V Watkins
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK; Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, UK; and Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | | | - Ashok Roy
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Indermeet Sawhney
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, St Albans, UK
| | - Kiran Purandare
- Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Laurie Wood
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Andrea Pugh
- Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, UK
| | | | - Rory Sheehan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Samuel Tromans
- SAPPHIRE Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; and Adult Learning Disability Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK; and Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, UK
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Sipilä JOT. Adult-Onset Neuroepidemiology in Finland: Lessons to Learn and Work to Do. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3972. [PMID: 37373667 PMCID: PMC10298930 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123972] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Finland is a relatively small genetic isolate with a genetically non-homogenous population. Available Finnish data on neuroepidemiology of adult-onset disorders are limited, and this paper describes the conclusions that can be drawn and their implications. Apparently, Finnish people have a (relatively) high risk of developing Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal muscular atrophy, Jokela type (SMAJ) and adult-onset dystonia. On the other hand, some disorders, such as Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and Wilson's disease (WD), are almost absent or completely absent in the population. Valid and timely data concerning even many common disorders, such as stroke, migraine, neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are unavailable, and there are virtually no data on many less-common neurological disorders, such as neurosarcoidosis or autoimmune encephalitides. There also appear to be marked regional differences in the incidence and prevalence of many diseases, suggesting that non-granular nationwide data may be misleading in many cases. Concentrated efforts to advance neuroepidemiological research in the country would be of clinical, administrative and scientific benefit, but currently, all progress is blocked by administrative and financial obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi O. T. Sipilä
- Department of Neurology, North Karelia Central Hospital, Siun Sote, 80210 Joensuu, Finland;
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Lemus HN, Sarkis RA. Epilepsy care in nursing facilities: Knowledge gaps and opportunities. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:108997. [PMID: 36442262 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy in the elderly is a complex disease, often underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach and care coordination especially if the patient resides in a nursing facility. Episodes of loss of consciousness falls, or amnestic events in those living in a nursing facility require a detailed description and an urgent assessment to rule out an epileptic seizure. Prompt recognition of seizures and the implementation of treatment protocols in those with recurrent seizures are needed to prevent unnecessary emergency visits. Although there is a myriad of antiseizure medications (ASM) to treat seizures, clinicians should be aware of common interactions, side effects, and changes in pharmacodynamics with age. There is a limited number of ASMs that have been properly studied in clinical trials to assess tolerability and efficacy in the elderly, and an over-reliance on enzyme-inducing ASMs. Strategies to improve the knowledge of health care providers include electronic resources, treatment protocols, and improving awareness of the efficacy, drug-drug interaction, and short-term and long-term monitoring of ASM side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rani A Sarkis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Watkins LV, Henley W, Sun JJ, Perera B, Angus-Leppan H, Sawhney I, Purandare K, Eyeoyibo M, Scheepers M, Lines G, Winterhalder R, Shankar R. Tackling increased risks in older adults with intellectual disability and epilepsy: data from a national multicentre cohort study. Seizure 2022; 101:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Hochbaum M, Kienitz R, Rosenow F, Schulz J, Habermehl L, Langenbruch L, Kovac S, Knake S, von Podewils F, von Brauchitsch S, Hamacher M, Strzelczyk A, Willems LM. Trends in antiseizure medication prescription patterns among all adults, women, and older adults with epilepsy: A German longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2020. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108666. [PMID: 35339390 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prescription patterns of antiseizure medication (ASM) are subject to new scientific evidence and sociodemographic and practical aspects. This study analyzed trends in ASM prescription patterns among all adults with epilepsy, with special consideration for women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and older adult (≥65 years old) patients. METHODS Data from four questionnaire-based cohort studies, conducted in 2008, 2013, 2016, and 2020, were analyzed for ASM prescription frequencies and common mono- and dual therapy regimens. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Overall, the individual prescription patterns among 1,642 adult patients with epilepsy were analyzed. A significant increase in the prescription frequency of third-generation ASMs, from 59.3% to 84.2% (p = 0.004), was accompanied by a decrease in the frequency of first- and second-generation ASMs (5.4% to 2.1% and 34.9% to 12.6%, respectively). This trend was accompanied by a significant decrease in the use of enzyme-inducing ASMs, from 23.9% to 4.6% (p = 0.004). Among frequently prescribed ASMs, prescriptions of carbamazepine (18.6% to 3.1%, p = 0.004) and valproate (15.4% to 8.7%, p = 0.004) decreased, whereas prescriptions of levetiracetam (18.0% up to 32.4%, p = 0.004) increased significantly. The prescription frequency of lamotrigine remained largely constant at approximately 20% (p = 0.859). Among WOCBP, the prescription frequencies of carbamazepine (11.4% to 2.0%, p = 0.004) and valproate (16.1% to 6.1%, p = 0.004) decreased significantly. Levetiracetam monotherapy prescriptions increased significantly (6.6% to 30.4%, p = 0.004) for WOCBP, whereas lamotrigine prescriptions remained consistent (37.7% to 44.9%, p = 0.911). Among older adult patients, a significant decrease in carbamazepine prescriptions (30.1% to 7.8%, p = 0.025) was the only relevant change in ASM regimens between 2008 and 2020. In patients with genetic generalized epilepsies, levetiracetam was frequently used as an off-label monotherapy (25.0% to 35.3%). CONCLUSION These results show a clear trend toward the use of newer and less interacting third-generation ASMs, with lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and lacosamide representing the current ASMs of choice, displacing valproate and carbamazepine over the last decade. In WOCBP, prescription patterns shifted to minimize teratogenic effects, whereas, among older adults, the decrease in carbamazepine use may reflect the avoidance of hyponatremia risks and attempts to reduce the interaction potential with other drugs and ASMs. Levetiracetam is frequently used off-label as a monotherapy in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Hochbaum
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ricardo Kienitz
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lena Habermehl
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Langenbruch
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany; Department of Neurology, Klinikum Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sophie von Brauchitsch
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mario Hamacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CEPTeR), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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O'Dwyer M, Watkins L, McCallion P, McCarron M, Henman M, Shankar R. Optimising medicines use in older adults with intellectual disability who have epilepsy: challenges and perspectives. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211025157. [PMID: 34394909 PMCID: PMC8361510 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211025157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maire O'Dwyer
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Lance Watkins
- Swansea Bay University Health Board Ringgold Standard Institution, Neath Port Talbot, UK
| | - Philip McCallion
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary McCarron
- Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Henman
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Truro, UK, and Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK
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Galovic M, Ferreira-Atuesta C, Abraira L, Döhler N, Sinka L, Brigo F, Bentes C, Zelano J, Koepp MJ. Seizures and Epilepsy After Stroke: Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Management. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:285-299. [PMID: 33619704 PMCID: PMC8007525 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of seizures and epilepsy in older adults. Patients who have larger and more severe strokes involving the cortex, are younger, and have acute symptomatic seizures and intracerebral haemorrhage are at highest risk of developing post-stroke epilepsy. Prognostic models, including the SeLECT and CAVE scores, help gauge the risk of epileptogenesis. Early electroencephalogram and blood-based biomarkers can provide information additional to the clinical risk factors of post-stroke epilepsy. The management of acute versus remote symptomatic seizures after stroke is markedly different. The choice of an ideal antiseizure medication should not only rely on efficacy but also consider adverse effects, altered pharmacodynamics in older adults, and the influence on the underlying vascular co-morbidity. Drug-drug interactions, particularly those between antiseizure medications and anticoagulants or antiplatelets, also influence treatment decisions. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, biomarkers, and management of seizures after an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. We discuss the special considerations required for the treatment of post-stroke epilepsy due to the age, co-morbidities, co-medication, and vulnerability of stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Galovic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK.
| | - Carolina Ferreira-Atuesta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Laura Abraira
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nico Döhler
- Specialist Clinic for Neurorehabilitation, Kliniken Beelitz, Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany
| | - Lucia Sinka
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Division of Neurology, "Franz Tappeiner" Hospital, Merano, Italy
| | - Carla Bentes
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health (Neurology), Hospital de Santa Maria-CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias J Koepp
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
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Assis T, Bacellar A, CÔrtes L, Santana S, Costa G, Nascimento O. Trends in prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs among older adult inpatients in a Brazilian tertiary center. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:22-29. [PMID: 33656108 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to older adult inpatients are limited. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in prescribing patterns of AEDs to older adult inpatients with late-onset epilepsy between 2009-2010 and 2015-2019, and to interpret any unexpected patterns over the 2015-2019 period. METHODS Patients aged ≥60 years with late-onset epilepsy from a tertiary center were selected. Demographic data, seizure characteristics and etiology, comorbidities, and comedications were analyzed, in addition to prescription regimens of inpatients taking AEDs to treat epilepsy. AED regimens were categorized into two groups: group 1 included appropriate AEDs (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, gabapentin, clobazam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, and lacosamide); and group 2 comprised suboptimal AEDs (phenytoin and phenobarbital). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for prescription of suboptimal AEDs. RESULTS 134 patients were included in the study (mean age: 77.2±9.6 years). A significant reduction in the prescription of suboptimal AEDs (from 73.3 to 51.5%; p<0.001) was found; however, phenytoin remained the most commonly prescribed AED to older adult inpatients. We also found an increase in the prescription of lamotrigine (from 5.5 to 33.6%) and levetiracetam (from 0 to 29.1%) over time. Convulsive status epilepticus (SE) and acute symptomatic seizures associated with remote and progressive etiologies were risk factors for the prescription of suboptimal AEDs. CONCLUSIONS Phenytoin was the main suboptimal AED prescribed in our population, and convulsive SE and acute symptomatic seizures associated with some etiologies were independent risk factors for phenytoin prescription. These results suggest ongoing commitment to reducing the prescription of suboptimal AEDs, particularly phenytoin in Brazilian emergence rooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Assis
- Hospital São Rafael, Department of Neurology, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador BA, Brazil
| | - Aroldo Bacellar
- Hospital São Rafael, Department of Neurology, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador BA, Brazil
| | - Luan CÔrtes
- Resident of the Department of Neurology, Hospital São Rafael, Monte Tabor Foundation, Italian-Brazilian Center for Health Promotion, Salvador BA, Brazil
| | - Silas Santana
- Resident of the Department of Neurology, Hospital São Rafael, Monte Tabor Foundation, Italian-Brazilian Center for Health Promotion, Salvador BA, Brazil
| | - Gersonita Costa
- Hospital São Rafael, Department of Neurology, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador BA, Brazil
| | - Osvaldo Nascimento
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Department of Neurology, Niterói RJ, Brazil
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Wojewodka G, McKinlay A, Ridsdale L. Best care for older people with epilepsy: A scoping review. Seizure 2021; 85:70-89. [PMID: 33450705 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two peaks of diagnosis of epilepsy: in childhood and in people over 65. Older people may have complex needs like co-morbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, and social isolation. This scoping review focusses on the care of older people with epilepsy beyond diagnosis and medical treatment. We sought to identify areas within the UK health service needing development either in clinical practice or through further research. The search returned 4864 papers with 33 papers included in the review. The papers were grouped into psychosocial, self-management and services themes. Only one randomised controlled trial was found. Research was mainly based on cohort and case-control studies. Older people require more information to self-manage epilepsy and more psychological support to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. People reported experiencing stigma and a reluctance to disclose their condition. This may increase the risk of isolation and difficulties in managing epilepsy. Studies reported that older people are referred less to neurologists, suggesting there may be a gap in care provision compared to younger people. Generalist health professionals may be better placed to provide holistic care, but they may need additional training to alleviate uncertainties in managing epilepsy. Care plans could help provide information, particularly for co-morbidity, but few had one. Our findings highlight psychological and self-management needs for managing epilepsy in older people. Health service staff may require upskilling to shift epilepsy management from neurologists to generalists. More research is needed regarding psychological and self-management interventions, particularly in the form of randomised controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Wojewodka
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Alison McKinlay
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Leone Ridsdale
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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