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Morgan A, Punia V. Iatrogenic Epileptogenicity Caused by CNS Drugs: A Short Case Series and Narrative Review. Neurohospitalist 2024; 14:291-295. [PMID: 38895019 PMCID: PMC11181966 DOI: 10.1177/19418744241239382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple medications are known to increase epileptogenicity in patients with and without an underlying seizure disorder. Paradoxically, some of these medications include anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and other medications, such as psychotropics, that act on the central nervous system (CNS). This article aims to discuss 3 clinical cases that highlight the gamut of epileptogenic reactivity secondary to CNS drugs ranging from increased epileptogenicity in the form of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) without seizures, increased epileptogenicity on electroencephalogram (EEG) with associated non-epileptic movement disorders, and frank, de novo seizures. We also analyze the relevant literature on the impact of CNS medications on epileptogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Morgan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vineet Punia
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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D'Onofrio G, Roberti R, Riva A, Russo E, Verrotti A, Striano P, Belcastro V. Pharmacodynamic rationale for the choice of antiseizure medications in the paediatric population. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00344. [PMID: 38521667 PMCID: PMC11070715 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment, over 20 anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have gained approval from Drug Regulatory Agencies, each delineating clear indications. However, the complexity of managing drug-resistant epilepsy often necessitates the concurrent use of multiple medications. This therapeutic challenge highlights a notable gap: the absence of standardized guidelines, compelling clinicians to rely on empirical clinical experience when selecting combination therapies. This comprehensive review aims to explore current evidence elucidating the preferential utilization of specific ASMs or their combinations, with a primary emphasis on pharmacodynamic considerations. The fundamental objective underlying rational polytherapy is the strategic combination of medications, harnessing diverse mechanisms of action to optimize efficacy while mitigating shared side effects. Moreover, the intricate interplay between epilepsy and comorbidities partly may influence the treatment selection process. Despite advancements, unresolved queries persist, notably concerning the mechanisms underpinning drug resistance and the paradoxical exacerbation of seizures. By synthesizing existing evidence and addressing pertinent unresolved issues, this review aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment strategies, paving the way for more informed and efficacious therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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Gauer L, Baer S, Valenti-Hirsch MP, De Saint-Martin A, Hirsch E. Drug-resistant generalized epilepsies: Revisiting the frontiers of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:290-297. [PMID: 38508955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.001] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification suggested that the term "genetic generalized epilepsies" (GGEs) should be used for the broad group of epilepsies with so-called "generalized" seizure types and "generalized" spike-wave activity on EEG, based on a presumed genetic etiology. Within this framework, idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) are described as a subset of GGEs and include only four epileptic syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. The recent 2022 ILAE definition of IGEs is based on the current state of knowledge and reflects a community consensus and is designed to evolve as knowledge advances. The term "frontiers of IGEs" refers to the actual limits of our understanding of these four syndromes. Indeed, among patients presenting with a syndrome compatible with the 2022 definition of IGEs, we still observe a significant proportion of patients presenting with specific clinical features, refractory seizures, or drug-resistant epilepsies. This leads to the discussion of the boundaries of IGEs and GGEs, or what is accepted within a clinical spectrum of a definite IGE. Here, we discuss several entities that have been described in the literature for many years and that may either constitute rare features of IGEs or a distinct differential diagnosis. Their recognition by clinicians may allow a more individualized approach and improve the management of patients presenting with such entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gauer
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France.
| | - S Baer
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pediatric Neurology Department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - M-P Valenti-Hirsch
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - A De Saint-Martin
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Pediatric Neurology Department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
| | - E Hirsch
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Neurology department, Strasbourg, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies (CRéER), Strasbourg, France
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Cerulli Irelli E, Cocchi E, Morano A, Gesche J, Caraballo RH, Lattanzi S, Strigaro G, Catania C, Ferlazzo E, Pascarella A, Casciato S, Quarato P, Pizzanelli C, Pulitano P, Giuliano L, Viola V, Mostacci B, Fortunato F, Marini C, Di Gennaro G, Gambardella A, Labate A, Operto FF, Giallonardo AT, Baykan B, Beier CP, Di Bonaventura C. Levetiracetam vs Lamotrigine as First-Line Antiseizure Medication in Female Patients With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1174-1181. [PMID: 37782485 PMCID: PMC10546294 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance After the recent limitations to prescribing valproate, many studies have highlighted the challenging management of female patients of reproductive age with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). However, no study, to the authors' knowledge, has addressed the comparative effectiveness of alternative antiseizure medications (ASMs) in these patients. Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of levetiracetam and lamotrigine as initial monotherapy in female patients of childbearing age with IGE. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a multicenter, retrospective, comparative effectiveness cohort study analyzing data from patients followed up from 1994 to 2022. Patients were recruited from 22 primary, secondary, and tertiary adult and child epilepsy centers from 4 countries. Eligible patients were female individuals of childbearing age, diagnosed with IGE according to International League Against Epilepsy (2022) criteria and who initiated levetiracetam or lamotrigine as initial monotherapy. Patients were excluded due to insufficient follow-up after ASM prescription. Exposures Levetiracetam or lamotrigine as initial monotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to compare treatment failure (TF) among patients who received levetiracetam or lamotrigine as initial monotherapy. Results A total of 543 patients were included in the study, with a median (IQR) age at ASM prescription of 17 (15-21) years and a median (IQR) follow-up of 60 (24-108) months. Of the study population, 312 patients (57.5%) were prescribed levetiracetam, and 231 (42.5%) were prescribed lamotrigine. An IPTW-adjusted Cox model showed that levetiracetam was associated with a reduced risk of treatment failure after adjustment for all baseline variables (IPTW-adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-0.99; P = .04). However, after stratification according to different IGE syndromes, the higher effectiveness of levetiracetam was confirmed only in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME; IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.32-0.68; P < .001), whereas no significant differences were found in other syndromes. Patients treated with levetiracetam experienced adverse effects more frequently compared with those treated with lamotrigine (88 of 312 [28.2%] vs 42 of 231 [18.1%]), whereas the 2 ASMs had similar retention rates during follow-up (IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.65-1.23; P = .60). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this comparative effectiveness research study suggest the use of levetiracetam as initial alternative monotherapy in female patients with JME. Further studies are needed to identify the most effective ASM alternative in other IGE syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrico Cocchi
- Department of Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Joanna Gesche
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Roberto H. Caraballo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P Garrahan”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gionata Strigaro
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, Novara, Italy
| | - Cecilia Catania
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, “Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli” Great Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Pascarella
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, “Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli” Great Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Pizzanelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Loretta Giuliano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Veronica Viola
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Mostacci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. Salesi, United Hospitals of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Angelo Labate
- Neurophysiopatology and Movement Disorders Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca F. Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Betul Baykan
- Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology and EMAR Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christoph P. Beier
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Trinka E, Alsaadi T, Goji H, Maehara T, Takahashi S, Jacobs J, Renna R, Gil-López FJ, McMurray R, Sáinz-Fuertes R, Villanueva V. Perampanel for the treatment of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy in clinical practice. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2094-2107. [PMID: 37114853 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate perampanel (PER) when used under real-world conditions to treat people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) included in the PERaMpanel pooled analysIs of effecTiveness and tolerability (PERMIT) study. METHODS The multinational, retrospective, pooled analysis PERMIT explored the use of PER in people with focal and generalized epilepsy treated in clinical practice across 17 countries. This subgroup analysis included PERMIT participants with IGE. Time points for retention and effectiveness measurements were 3, 6, and 12 months (last observation carried forward, defined as "last visit," was also applied to effectiveness). Effectiveness was evaluated by seizure type (total seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures [GTCS], myoclonic seizures, absence seizures) and included ≥50% responder rate and seizure freedom rate (defined as no seizures since at least the previous visit). Safety/tolerability was monitored throughout PER treatment and evaluated by documenting the incidence of adverse events (AEs), including psychiatric AEs and those leading to treatment discontinuation. RESULTS The Full Analysis Set included 544 people with IGE (51.9% women, mean age = 33.3 years, mean epilepsy duration = 18.1 years). At 3, 6, and 12 months, 92.4%, 85.5%, and 77.3% of participants were retained on PER treatment, respectively (Retention Population, n = 497). At the last visit, responder and seizure freedom rates were, respectively, 74.2% and 54.6% (total seizures), 81.2% and 61.5% (GTCS), 85.7% and 66.0% (myoclonic seizures), and 90.5% and 81.0% (absence seizures) (Effectiveness Population, n = 467). AEs occurred in 42.9% of patients and included irritability (9.6%), dizziness/vertigo (9.2%), and somnolence (6.3%) (Tolerability Population, n = 520). Treatment discontinuation due to AEs was 12.4% over 12 months. SIGNIFICANCE This subgroup analysis of the PERMIT study demonstrated the effectiveness and good tolerability of PER in people with IGE when administered under everyday clinical practice conditions. These findings are in line with clinical trial evidence, supporting PER's use as broad-spectrum antiseizure medication for the treatment of IGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian-Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision-Making, and HTA, UMIT-Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics, and Technology, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Taoufik Alsaadi
- Department of Neurology, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hiroko Goji
- Neuropsychiatric Department, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Taketoshi Maehara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- University Medical Center Freiburg, Member of EpiCARE, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rosaria Renna
- Neurological Clinic and Stroke Unit, "A. Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, member of EpiCARE, Valencia, Spain
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Pascarella A, Manzo L, Marsico O, Gasparini S, Mechelli A, Cianci V, Bova V, Mammì A, Ieracitano R, Aguglia U, Ferlazzo E. Myoclonic status epilepticus in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Case reports and review of the literature. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:429-433. [PMID: 36942390 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Content available: Video
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Pascarella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Oreste Marsico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sara Gasparini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mechelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Valentina Bova
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Anna Mammì
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rossella Ieracitano
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
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Morris NA, Sarwal A. Neurologic Complications of Critical Medical Illness. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2023; 29:848-886. [PMID: 37341333 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article reviews the neurologic complications encountered in patients admitted to non-neurologic intensive care units, outlines various scenarios in which a neurologic consultation can add to the diagnosis or management of a critically ill patient, and provides advice on the best diagnostic approach in the evaluation of these patients. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Increasing recognition of neurologic complications and their adverse impact on long-term outcomes has led to increased neurology involvement in non-neurologic intensive care units. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a structured clinical approach to neurologic complications of critical illness as well as the critical care management of patients with chronic neurologic disabilities. ESSENTIAL POINTS Critical illness is often accompanied by neurologic complications. Neurologists need to be aware of the unique needs of critically ill patients, especially the nuances of the neurologic examination, challenges in diagnostic testing, and neuropharmacologic aspects of commonly used medications.
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Bencsik N, Oueslati Morales CO, Hausser A, Schlett K. Endocytosis of AMPA receptors: Role in neurological conditions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 196:59-97. [PMID: 36813366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AMPA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels, present in a wide range of neuron types and in glial cells. Their main role is to mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission, and therefore, they are critical for normal brain function. In neurons, AMPA receptors undergo constitutive and activity-dependent trafficking between the synaptic, extrasynaptic and intracellular pools. The kinetics of AMPA receptor trafficking is crucial for the precise functioning of both individual neurons and neural networks involved in information processing and learning. Many of the neurological diseases evoked by neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative malfunctions or traumatic injuries are caused by impaired synaptic function in the central nervous system. For example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), tumors, seizures, ischemic strokes, and traumatic brain injury are all characterized by impaired glutamate homeostasis and associated neuronal death, typically caused by excitotoxicity. Given the important role of AMPA receptors in neuronal function, it is not surprising that perturbations in AMPA receptor trafficking are associated with these neurological disorders. In this book chapter, we will first introduce the structure, physiology and synthesis of AMPA receptors, followed by an in-depth description of the molecular mechanisms that control AMPA receptor endocytosis and surface levels under basal conditions or synaptic plasticity. Finally, we will discuss how impairments in AMPA receptor trafficking, particularly endocytosis, contribute to the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders and what efforts are being made to therapeutically target this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Bencsik
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Carlos Omar Oueslati Morales
- Membrane Trafficking and Signalling Group, Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Angelika Hausser
- Membrane Trafficking and Signalling Group, Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany; Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katalin Schlett
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Piña-Garza JE, Villanueva V, Rosenfeld W, Yoshinaga H, Patten A, Malhotra M. Assessment of the long-term efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel in adolescent patients with epilepsy: Post hoc analysis of open-label extension studies. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 135:108901. [PMID: 36122531 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108901] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis of four open-label extension (OLEx) studies evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel in adolescent patients (aged 12 to ≤17 years) with focal-onset seizures (FOS), with/without focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS), or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). METHODS Patients who completed one of six double-blind, placebo-controlled studies could enter one of four OLEx studies comprising a blinded Conversion Period (6-16 weeks) followed by a Maintenance Phase (27 to ≤256 weeks; perampanel dose: ≤12 mg/day). Exposure, retention, seizure outcomes, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were analyzed. Efficacy outcomes were analyzed using observed case and last observation carried forward (LOCF) approaches; the latter was used to account for early dropouts. RESULTS The Full Analysis Set comprised 309 adolescents with FOS (FBTCS, n = 109) and 19 with GTCS, and the Safety Analysis Set comprised 311 with FOS (FBTCS, n = 110) and 19 with GTCS. Mean (standard deviation) cumulative duration of perampanel exposure (weeks) was: FOS, 77.7 (58.7); FBTCS, 88.7 (63.8); and GTCS, 97.0 (35.5). Retention rates were maintained for ≤2 years (FOS, 50.0 %; FBTCS, 57.1 %; GTCS, 41.7 %). Seizure control (median percent reduction in seizure frequency/28 days) was sustained for up to 2 years; FOS (59.4 %, n = 113), FBTCS (64.6 %, n = 53), and GTCS (86.5 %, n = 17). At Year 2, 50 % responder rates were: FOS, 58.4 % (n = 66); FBTCS, 54.7 % (n = 29); and GTCS, 82.4 % (n = 14); seizure-freedom rates were: FOS, 5.3 % (n = 6); FBTCS, 24.5 % (n = 13); and GTCS, 35.3 % (n = 6). Long-term seizure control was observed even in LOCF analyses. The incidence of TEAEs was highest during Year 1 (FOS, n = 269 [86.5 %]; FBTCS, n = 95 [86.4 %]; GTCS, n = 15 [78.9 %]), compared with Years 2-4; the most common (≥10 % of patients) were dizziness, somnolence, and nasopharyngitis. No new safety signals emerged with long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS This post hoc analysis suggests that long-term (≤2 years) adjunctive perampanel (≤12 mg/day) is efficacious and generally well tolerated in adolescent patients with FOS, with or without FBTCS, or GTCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eric Piña-Garza
- The Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial, 330 23rd Avenue North, Suite 580, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Avinguda de Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain.
| | - William Rosenfeld
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Center for Children and Adults, 11134 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63131, USA.
| | - Harumi Yoshinaga
- National Hospital Organization, Minami-Okayama Medical Center, 4066 Hayashimacho Hayashima, Tsukubo-gun, Okayama 701-0304, Japan.
| | - Anna Patten
- Eisai Europe Ltd., Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9SN, UK.
| | - Manoj Malhotra
- Formerly: Eisai Inc., 200 Metro Blvd., Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.
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Fernández-Torre JL, Hernández-Hernández MA, Orizaola P, Paramio-Paz A, Vázquez-Higuera JL, Marco de Lucas E. Typical absence status epilepticus in older people: syndromic delineation. Epileptic Disord 2022; 24:1-6. [PMID: 35653081 DOI: 10.1684/epd.2022.1422] [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: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective We describe the clinical, electroencephalograph^ and neuroimaging findings of older patients with typical absence status epilepticus (ASE). Methods This investigation was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected consecutive patients between January 2011 and October 2021. All patients ≥60 years with impairment of awareness and continuous generalized, rhythmic, synchronous and symmetric epileptiform discharges and normal background on video-electroencephalogram (vEEG) were included. Results Six patients were identified with a diagnosis of typical ASE. The mean age was 67 years. Five could be classified as idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) though two had been erroneously categorized as cryptogenic focal epilepsy (FE). In one, the episode of ASE was thought to represent the beginning of late-onset IGE (de novo late-onset typical ASE). In all cases, ASE was controlled within the first 24 hours. Significance Typical ASE is a rare cause of confusion in the elderly population requiring urgent vEEG evaluation. It most frequently represents reactivation of a previous IGE, in effect related to patients with epilepsy with onset in childhood or adolescence, not previously diagnosed or treated, representing rather the debut of (de novo) late-onset IGE.
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11
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Hirsch E, French J, Scheffer IE, Bogacz A, Alsaadi T, Sperling MR, Abdulla F, Zuberi SM, Trinka E, Specchio N, Somerville E, Samia P, Riney K, Nabbout R, Jain S, Wilmshurst JM, Auvin S, Wiebe S, Perucca E, Moshé SL, Tinuper P, Wirrell EC. ILAE definition of the Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy Syndromes: Position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1475-1499. [PMID: 35503716 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification of Epilepsies described the "genetic generalized epilepsies" (GGEs), which contained the "idiopathic generalized epilepsies" (IGEs). The goal of this paper is to delineate the four syndromes comprising the IGEs, namely childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. We provide updated diagnostic criteria for these IGE syndromes determined by the expert consensus opinion of the ILAE's Task Force on Nosology and Definitions (2017-2021) and international external experts outside our Task Force. We incorporate current knowledge from recent advances in genetic, imaging, and electroencephalographic studies, together with current terminology and classification of seizures and epilepsies. Patients that do not fulfill criteria for one of these syndromes, but that have one, or a combination, of the following generalized seizure types: absence, myoclonic, tonic-clonic and myoclonic-tonic-clonic seizures, with 2.5-5.5 Hz generalized spike-wave should be classified as having GGE. Recognizing these four IGE syndromes as a special grouping among the GGEs is helpful, as they carry prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Hirsch
- Francis Rohmer Neurology Epilepsy Units, National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1258, Federation of Translational Medicine of Strasbourg, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacqueline French
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital, Florey Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Bogacz
- Institute of Neurology, Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Taoufik Alsaadi
- Department of Neurology, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michael R Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fatema Abdulla
- Salmaniya Medical Complex-Government Hospital, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children and Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, member of EpiCARE, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, member of EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Public Health, Health Services Research, and Health Technology Assessment, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics, and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, member of EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernest Somerville
- Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pauline Samia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, member of EpiCARE, Imagine Institute, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Mixed Unit of Research 1163, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephane Auvin
- Pediatric Neurology, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Robert Debré Hospital, NeuroDiderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Department Medico-Universitaire, Innovation Robert-Debré, University of Paris, Paris, France.,University Institute of France, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, and Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, member of EpiCARE, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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12
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French JA, Wechsler RT, Trinka E, Brandt C, O'Brien TJ, Patten A, Salah A, Malhotra M. Long-term open-label perampanel: generalized tonic-clonic seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:393-405. [PMID: 35445567 PMCID: PMC9436298 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Assess the longer‐term efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel (up to 12 mg/day) in patients aged ≥12 years with generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures from the Open‐label Extension (OLEx) Phase of Study 332 to determine whether responses obtained during the Core Study are maintained during long‐term treatment. Methods Patients with GTC seizures previously enrolled in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of perampanel could enter an OLEx Phase comprising 6‐week blinded conversion (during which patients previously randomized to placebo‐switched to perampanel) and up to 136‐week maintenance periods (maximum perampanel dose of 12 mg/day). A 4‐week follow‐up period was completed by all patients after the last on‐treatment visit during the OLEx. We assessed seizure frequency outcomes from preperampanel baseline and the Core Study Pre‐randomization Phase, retention rates, doses selected, and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results Overall, 138 patients entered the OLEx. Median percent reductions in GTC seizures per 28 days from preperampanel were 77% (Weeks 1‐13) and 90% (Weeks 40‐52). Retention rates were 88% (6 months) and 75% (12 months). Seizure‐freedom rates were maintained for at least 2 years regardless of prior treatment received during the Core Study. Most common modal daily dose was >4‐8 mg/day (n = 93). Across the Core and OLEx Phases, 120 (87%) patients experienced TEAEs; the most common was dizziness. Significance Perampanel was generally well‐tolerated, and the TEAEs reported here are consistent with the known safety profile of perampanel. Perampanel offers a long‐term treatment option for patients (aged ≥12 years) with GTC seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Pracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Public Health, UMIT-University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Christian Brandt
- Bethel Epilepsy Center, University Hospital for Epileptology, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anna Patten
- Eisai Europe Ltd., Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Alejandro Salah
- Formerly: Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA; 11Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
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13
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Resnick T, Patten A, Ngo LY, Malhotra M. Sustained seizure freedom with adjunctive perampanel in patients with convulsive seizures: Post hoc analysis of open-label extension studies 307 and 332. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108528. [PMID: 35078116 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since increased mortality rates have been associated with convulsive seizures, it is important to achieve seizure control in these patients. Here, we report post hoc analyses to assess long-term seizure-freedom rates with adjunctive perampanel in patients (aged ≥ 12 years) with refractory focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) who participated in open-label extension (OLEx) studies. METHODS Patients with focal-onset seizures, with/without FBTCS, who completed double-blind, Phase III Studies 304, 305, or 306 could enter OLEx Study 307 (16-week blinded Conversion; 256-week Maintenance). Patients with GTCS who completed the double-blind phase of Study 332 could enter the OLEx Phase (6-week blinded Conversion; 136-week Maintenance). Maximum perampanel dose: 12 mg/day. Seizure-freedom rates for up to 24 months were assessed in perampanel-treated patients who achieved seizure freedom during the double-blind studies to determine if their seizure-free status was maintained during the OLEx. In addition, to ensure any patients who only achieved seizure freedom during the OLEx were captured, seizure-freedom rates were also assessed in all patients who achieved and maintained a seizure-free status for a period of at least six consecutive months at any time during the double-blind and/or OLEx studies; some of these patients may have received placebo during the double-blind study but only their time on perampanel is included in the seizure-free analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictive factors for achieving seizure freedom for at least 6 months. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 53.8% (n = 42/78) of patients who received perampanel and were FBTCS free during the double-blind studies remained seizure free for up to 24 months during Study 307, and 31.6% (n = 6/19) of patients who were GTCS free during the double-blind phase of Study 332 remained seizure free for up to 24 months during the OLEx Phase. Over 40% (FBTCS, 41.5% [n = 197/475]; GTCS, 52.9% [n = 73/138]) of patients were seizure free for a period of at least six consecutive months. Multivariate analysis showed that the best predictors of achieving seizure freedom from FBTCS for at least 6 months were lower baseline seizure frequency (p = 0.0014) and absence of enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medications at baseline (p = 0.0056); multivariate analysis was not conducted for GTCS since only one variable was identified as a significant predictor of seizure freedom in the univariate analysis (lower baseline seizure frequency). Perampanel was generally well tolerated with no new safety signals identified. The most common TEAE was dizziness. For both seizure types, 10% or fewer seizure-free patients discontinued perampanel due to TEAEs. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that adjunctive perampanel may be a suitable long-term treatment option for patients (aged ≥ 12 years) with convulsive seizures to achieve and maintain seizure freedom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Resnick
- Department of Neurology, Brain Institute, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, 3200 SW 60 Court #302, Miami, FL 33155, United States.
| | - Anna Patten
- Eisai Europe Ltd., Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9SN, United Kingdom
| | - Leock Y Ngo
- Eisai Inc., 100 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, United States
| | - Manoj Malhotra
- Eisai Inc., 100 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, United States
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14
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Xiao F, Caciagli L, Wandschneider B, Joshi B, Vos SB, Hill A, Galovic M, Long L, Sone D, Trimmel K, Sander JW, Zhou D, Thompson PJ, Baxendale S, Duncan JS, Koepp MJ. Effect of Anti-seizure Medications on Functional Anatomy of Language: A Perspective From Language Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:787272. [PMID: 35280343 PMCID: PMC8908426 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.787272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In epilepsy, cognitive difficulties are common, partly a consequence of anti-seizure medications (ASM), and cognitive side-effects are often considered to be more disabling than seizures and significantly affect quality of life. Functional MRI during verbal fluency tasks demonstrated impaired frontal activation patterns and failed default mode network deactivation in people taking ASM with unfavourable cognitive profiles. The cognitive effect of ASMs given at different dosages in monotherapy, or in different combinations, remains to be determined. Methods Here, we compared the effects of different drug loads on verbal fluency functional MRI (fMRI) in people (i) taking dual therapy of ASMs either considered to be associated with moderate (levetiracetam, lamotrigine, lacosamide, carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine, valproic acid; n = 119, 56 females) or severe (topiramate, zonisamide) side-effects; n = 119, 56 females), (ii) taking moderate ASMs in either mono-, dual- or triple-therapy (60 subjects in each group), or (iii) taking different dosages of ASMs with moderate side-effect profiles (n = 180). “Drug load” was defined as a composite value of numbers and dosages of medications, normalised to account for the highest and lowest dose of each specific prescribed medication. Results In people taking “moderate” ASMs (n = 119), we observed higher verbal-fluency related to left inferior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal fMRI activations than in people taking “severe” ASMs (n = 119). Irrespective of the specific ASM, people on monotherapy (n = 60), showed greater frontal activations than people taking two (n = 60), or three ASMs (n = 60). People on two ASMs showed less default mode (precuneus) deactivation than those on monotherapy. In people treated with “moderate” ASMs (n = 180), increased drug load correlated with reduced activation of language-related regions and the right piriform cortex. Conclusion Our study delineates the effects of polytherapy and high doses of ASMs when given in monotherapy on the functional anatomy of language. Irrespective of the cognitive profile of individual ASMs, each additional ASM results in additional alterations of cognitive activation patterns. Selection of ASMs with moderate cognitive side effects, and low doses of ASMs when given in polytherapy, could reduce the cognitive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglai Xiao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Caciagli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Britta Wandschneider
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, The Royal London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bhavini Joshi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Sjoerd B. Vos
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroradiology, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Hill
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Marian Galovic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Daichi Sone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Trimmel
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josemir W. Sander
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pamela J. Thompson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Sallie Baxendale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - John S. Duncan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias J. Koepp
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Matthias J. Koepp,
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15
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Genetic generalized epilepsies in adults - challenging assumptions and dogmas. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:71-83. [PMID: 34837042 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) syndromes start during childhood or adolescence, and four commonly persist into adulthood, making up 15-20% of all cases of epilepsy in adults. These four GGE syndromes are childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. However, in ~20% of patients with GGE, characteristics of more than one syndrome are present. Novel insights into the genetic aetiology, comorbidities and prognosis of the GGE syndromes have emerged and challenge traditional concepts about these conditions. Evidence has shown that the mode of inheritance in GGE is mostly polygenic. Neuropsychological and imaging studies indicate similar abnormalities in unaffected relatives of patients with GGE, supporting the concept that underlying alterations in bilateral frontothalamocortical networks are genetically determined. Contrary to popular belief, first-line anti-seizure medication often fails to provide seizure freedom in combination with good tolerability. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up studies have shown that with advancing age, many patients can discontinue their anti-seizure medication without seizure relapses. Several outcome predictors have been identified, but prognosis across the syndromes is more homogeneous than previously assumed. Overall, overlap in pathophysiology, seizure types, treatment responses and outcomes support the idea that GGEs are not separate nosological entities but represent a neurobiological continuum.
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16
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Tabatabaee S, Bahrami F, Janahmadi M. The Critical Modulatory Role of Spiny Stellate Cells in Seizure Onset Based on Dynamic Analysis of a Neural Mass Model. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:743720. [PMID: 35002598 PMCID: PMC8739215 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.743720] [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: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that excitatory neurons in the brain play a significant role in seizure generation. Nonetheless, spiny stellate cells are cortical excitatory non-pyramidal neurons in the brain, whose basic role in seizure occurrence is not well understood. In the present research, we study the critical role of spiny stellate cells or the excitatory interneurons (EI), for the first time, in epileptic seizure generation using an extended neural mass model inspired by a thalamocortical model originally introduced by another research group. Applying bifurcation analysis on this modified model, we investigated the rich dynamics corresponding to the epileptic seizure onset and transition between interictal and ictal states caused by EI connectivity to other cell types. Our results indicate that the transition between interictal and ictal states (preictal signal) corresponds to a supercritical Hopf bifurcation, and thus, the extended model suggests that before seizure onset, the amplitude and frequency of neural activities gradually increase. Moreover, we showed that (1) the altered function of GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors of EI can cause seizure, and (2) the pathway between the thalamic relay nucleus and EI facilitates the transition from interictal to ictal activity by decreasing the preictal period. Thereafter, we considered both sensory and cortical periodic inputs to study model responses to various harmonic stimulations. Bifurcation analysis of the model, in this case, suggests that the initial state of the model might be the main cause for the transition between interictal and ictal states as the stimulus frequency changes. The extended thalamocortical model shows also that the amplitude jump phenomenon and non-linear resonance behavior result from the preictal state of the modified model. These results can be considered as a step forward to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the transition from normal activities to epileptic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Tabatabaee
- Human Motor Control and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Bahrami
- Human Motor Control and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Eslicarbazepine Acetate as Adjunctive Therapy for Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Adults: A Prospective Observational Study. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:1113-1119. [PMID: 36178588 PMCID: PMC9550753 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00954-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), a novel sodium channel blocker, is approved for mono and adjunctive treatment of partial epileptic seizures with or without secondary generalization. Its efficacy in primary generalized seizures has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESL in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) in an observational study. METHODS The data were collected from a prospective population-based register. Effectiveness was measured as relative reduction in standardized seizure frequency (SSF), responder rate (≥ 50% reduction in SSF), and seizure freedom rate at 6 and 12 months after initiation of ESL. Safety and tolerability were evaluated using patients' diaries. RESULTS Fifty-six adult patients with PGTCS were treated with ESL as adjunctive therapy. Of these, 30.4% (n = 17) had myoclonic seizures in addition to PGTCS. The retention rate after 12 months was 80.4% (n = 45). After initiating ESL therapy, reduction in SSF for PGTCS on ESL was 56.0% after 6 months and 56.9% after 12 months (p < 0.01), whereas myoclonic seizures did not show any significant improvement in frequency. The responder rate for PGTCS was 64.3% after 6 months and 66.1% after 12 months, and seizure freedom was achieved in 32.1% and 35.7%, respectively. Forty-three patients (73.2%) reported no side effects. Among the reported side effects of ESL therapy, headache (7.1%), dizziness (8.9%), tiredness (7.1%), nausea (5.4%), and hyponatremia (5.4%) were the most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that ESL may provide additional benefits in the treatment of patients with PGTCS and motivate randomized controlled trials in this indication.
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18
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Cerulli Irelli E, Morano A, Fanella M, Orlando B, Salamone EM, Giallonardo AT, Di Bonaventura C. Reconsidering the role of selective sodium channel blockers in genetic generalized epilepsy. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:647-654. [PMID: 34314016 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13509] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Selective sodium channel blockers (SSCBs) have a limited use in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), due to their well-known risk of seizure worsening. Although their therapeutic potential in GGE has been suggested by recent evidence, electro-clinical data supporting their prescription are lacking. We aimed to investigate SSCB safety and effectiveness in a GGE cohort. METHODS Subjects who received SSCBs and had ≥5-year follow-up were enrolled. Lamotrigine was excluded from analysis due to its broader pharmacodynamic spectrum and its better-documented efficacy in GGE. RESULTS Fifty-six patients (median follow-up 28.5 years) were included. The most used SSCB was carbamazepine in 40 subjects. At the last medical observation, only 9 subjects were still receiving SSCBs. The occurrence of generalized polyspike-wave discharges (GPSWDs) predicted reduced SSCB retention in Cox multivariate analysis. A seizure reduction ≥50% occurred in 53.5% (30/56) of subjects when considering all seizure types; however, the proportion of responders increased to 67.9% when considering only generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). GPSWDs were significantly associated with a reduced response rate, whereas GGE with GTCS only syndrome with a better outcome. The switch from SSCBs to antiseizure medications licensed for GGE improved seizure control in 65% of patients. Seizure worsening was reported in 5/56 patients; juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and a family history of epilepsy were significantly associated with seizure aggravation. CONCLUSION SSCBs appeared effective on GTCS, but epilepsy aggravation and unsatisfactory control of other seizure types were not uncommon. Our study contributes to identifying new clinical and EEG variables associated with SSCB effectiveness and safety which may help neurologists in patients' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cerulli Irelli
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Martina Fanella
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Biagio Orlando
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Enrico M Salamone
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Anna T Giallonardo
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Epilepsy Unit Department of Human Neurosciences Policlinico Umberto I Sapienza University of Rome Italy
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19
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Doddamani RS, Agrawal M, Samala R, Ramanujam B, Chandra PS, Tripathi M. Vagal Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Epilepsy - Recent Concepts. Neurol India 2021; 68:S259-S267. [PMID: 33318360 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.302475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery currently offers the best treatment for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE). Resective surgery, in the presence of a well-localized epileptogenic focus, remains the best modality towards achieving seizure freedom. However, localization of the focus may not be possible in all the cases of DRE, despite comprehensive epilepsy workup. Neuromodulation techniques such as vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) may be a good alternative in these cases. This article intends to provide an overview of VNS in the management of DRE, including indications, comprehensive preoperative workup, exemplified by case illustrations and outcomes by reviewing the evidence available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohit Agrawal
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raghu Samala
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhargavi Ramanujam
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Manjari Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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20
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Ascoli M, Mastroianni G, Gasparini S, Striano P, Cianci V, Neri S, Bova V, Mammì A, Gambardella A, Labate A, Aguglia U, Ferlazzo E. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to drug-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1265-1273. [PMID: 33993822 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1931126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), also known as Janz syndrome, is a common form of generalized epilepsy of presumed genetic origin representing up to 10% of all epilepsy cases. Despite adequate anti-seizure medication (ASM) treatment, seizures persist in one-third of JME patients. AREAS COVERED A literature search was conducted using Pubmed search on the topics of drug-resistant JME. EXPERT OPINION About 30% of JME patients are drug-resistant. Valproate (VPA) is considered the first-choice drug. In women of childbearing potential, levetiracetam (LEV) should represent the first-choice treatment. Alternative monotherapy or add-on therapy should be considered in subjects with resistant seizures after the exclusion of pseudo-drug resistance. The choice of the add-on ASM depends on the predominant seizure type. In subjects with persistent bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, LEV or lamotrigine should be firstly considered. In patients with difficult-to-treat myoclonic seizures, clonazepam or LEV are recommended. In case of persistent absences, ethosuximide should be considered. With appropriate selection and safeguards in place, VPA should remain available as an option in women of childbearing potential whose seizures are resistant to other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ascoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mastroianni
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Sara Gasparini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Institute "Giannina Gaslini", Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Sabrina Neri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Bova
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Anna Mammì
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Labate
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Via Melacrino, Reggio, Calabria, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
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21
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Murthy JMK. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Myoclonic Status Epilepticus without Coma - Report of Three Cases. J Epilepsy Res 2021; 10:92-95. [PMID: 33659202 PMCID: PMC7903047 DOI: 10.14581/jer.20015] [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: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is rare in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). This report presents three patients with myoclonic status epilepticus (MSE). MSE is defined as prolonged period of myoclonic jerks that are correlated with epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram. The precipitating factors among the three patients were: introduction of carbamazepine in case1, missing the dose in case2, and introduction of oxcarbazepine in case3. Of the three patients, one patient was a misdiagnosed case of JME. In him the diagnosis of JME was established after 35 years when he developed MSE with the addition of oxcarbazepine to the antiseizure medication (ASM) which he was taking. Detailed review of the history revealed that he used to get occasional myoclonic jerks with deprived sleep and stress. This patient illustrates that the diagnosis of JME can be missed or delayed if history of myoclonic jerks is not elicited, particularly in patents with pubertal onset epilepsy. The other lesson is that possibility of JME should be considered in patients with drug resistant epilepsy (pseudo-drug resistance).
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22
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Gesche J, Hjalgrim H, Rubboli G, Beier CP. Risk factors of paradoxical reactions to anti-seizure medication in genetic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2021; 170:106547. [PMID: 33421702 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106547] [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: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at providing valid estimates for the risk of clinically relevant seizure aggravation by recommended anti-seizure medications in patients with Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE). To this aim, treatment response, side effects and paradoxical reactions to anti-seizure treatment were retrospectively assessed in a near-population based cohort comprising 471 adult GGE patients. A total of 1046 treatment attempts were analyzed (lamotrigine: 351, valproic acid: 295, levetiracetam: 249, primidone/phenobarbital: 94, zonisamide: 57). Under lamotrigine, seizure aggravation was observed in 15 patients (two patients during levetiracetam, one patient during zonisamide, none during phenobarbital and valproic acid). All but two patients with paradoxical reactions to lamotrigine were diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), otherwise, the clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics of patients with paradoxical reactions did not differ. At treatment start, the estimated risk of a paradoxical reaction to lamotrigine was 7.9 % in JME patients (n = 190). For all GGE patients (incl. JME), the estimated risk of clinically relevant seizure aggravation under treatment with lamotrigine was 3.7 % (1.8 % for zonisamide and 0.8 % for levetiracetam). In conclusion, clinical significant aggravation of seizure frequency is common in lamotrigine-treated JME patients but rare in patients with other GGE subsyndromes or under treatment with other recommended anti-seizure medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Gesche
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Guido Rubboli
- Danish Epilepsy Center, Dianalund, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoph Patrick Beier
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
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23
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Guery D, Rheims S. Clinical Management of Drug Resistant Epilepsy: A Review on Current Strategies. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:2229-2242. [PMID: 34285484 PMCID: PMC8286073 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s256699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) is defined as the persistence of seizures despite at least two syndrome-adapted antiseizure drugs (ASD) used at efficacious daily dose. Despite the increasing number of available ASD, about a third of patients with epilepsy still suffer from drug resistance. Several factors are associated with the risk of evolution to DRE in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, including epilepsy onset in the infancy, intellectual disability, symptomatic epilepsy and abnormal neurological exam. Pharmacological management often consists in ASD polytherapy. However, because quality of life is driven by several factors in patients with DRE, including the tolerability of the treatment, ASD management should try to optimize efficacy while anticipating the risks of drug-related adverse events. All patients with DRE should be evaluated at least once in a tertiary epilepsy center, especially to discuss eligibility for non-pharmacological therapies. This is of paramount importance in patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy in whom epilepsy surgery can result in long-term seizure freedom. Vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation or cortical stimulation can also improve seizure control. Lastly, considering the effect of DRE on psychologic status and social integration, comprehensive care adaptations are always needed in order to improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Guery
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils De Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils De Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Lyon's Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France.,Epilepsy Institute, Lyon, France
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24
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Abstract
Absence seizures are commonly encountered in clinical practice. The diagnosis is usually straightforward in majority of cases. However, it may be challenging in patients with some atypical clinical or EEG features or less common epilepsy syndromes. This narrative review describes the clinical and EEG features, treatment and prognosis of the usual and the unusual epilepsy syndromes associated with absence seizures. Absence status epilepticus is also discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Jain
- Epilepsy Program, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1X8, Canada.
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25
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Guery D, Rheims S. Is the mechanism of action of antiseizure drugs a key element in the choice of treatment? Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2020; 35:552-563. [PMID: 33090514 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
About 25 antiseizure drugs are available for the treatment of patients with epilepsy. The choice of the most suited drug for a specific patient is primarily based on the results of the pivotal randomized clinical trials and on the patient's characteristics and comorbidities. Whether or not the mechanism of action of the antiseizure drugs should be also taken into account to better predict the patient's response to the treatment remains a matter of debate. Despite the apparent complexity and diversity of antiseizure drug mechanisms of action, the reality unfortunately remains that they are very close, in particular with regard to their relationship with the pathophysiology of epilepsy. With the only exception of the association between lamotrigine and sodium valproate, there are no clinical data that formally support a synergistic association between certain antiseizure drugs in terms of efficacy. However, anticipating risk of adverse events by limiting as far as possible the combination of drugs, which share the same mechanisms of action, is undoubtedly an important driver of daily therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Guery
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Lyon's Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028 / CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France.,Epilepsy Institute, Lyon, France
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26
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Vossler DG, Knake S, O'Brien TJ, Watanabe M, Brock M, Steiniger-Brach B, Williams P, Roebling R. Efficacy and safety of adjunctive lacosamide in the treatment of primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:1067-1075. [PMID: 32817358 PMCID: PMC7509528 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-323524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate efficacy and safety of lacosamide (up to 12 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/day) as adjunctive treatment for uncontrolled primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) in patients (≥4 years) with idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE). METHODS Phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (SP0982; NCT02408523) in patients with IGE and PGTCS taking 1-3 concomitant antiepileptic drugs. Primary outcome was time to second PGTCS during 24-week treatment. RESULTS 242 patients were randomised and received ≥1 dose of trial medication (lacosamide/placebo: n=121/n=121). Patients (mean age: 27.7 years; 58.7% female) had a history of generalised-onset seizures (tonic-clonic 99.6%; myoclonic 38.8%; absence 37.2%). Median treatment duration with lacosamide/placebo was 143/65 days. Risk of developing a second PGTCS during 24-week treatment was significantly lower with lacosamide than placebo (Kaplan-Meier survival estimates 55.27%/33.37%; HR 0.540, 95% CI 0.377 to 0.774; p<0.001; n=118/n=121). Median time to second PGTCS could not be estimated for lacosamide (>50% of patients did not experience a second PGTCS) and was 77.0 days for placebo. Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom from PGTCS at end of the 24-week treatment period (day 166) for lacosamide/placebo was 31.3%/17.2% (difference 14.1%; p=0.011). More patients on lacosamide than placebo had ≥50% (68.1%/46.3%) or ≥75% (57.1%/36.4%) reduction from baseline in PGTCS frequency/28 days, or observed freedom from PGTCS during treatment (27.5%/13.2%) (n=119/n=121). 96/121 (79.3%) patients on lacosamide had treatment-emergent adverse events (placebo 79/121 (65.3%)), most commonly dizziness (23.1%), somnolence (16.5%), headache (14.0%). No patients died during the trial. CONCLUSIONS Lacosamide was efficacious and generally safe as adjunctive treatment for uncontrolled PGTCS in patients with IGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Vossler
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA .,Neuroscience Institute, Valley Medical Center, Renton, Washington, USA
| | - Susanne Knake
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Centre Hessen, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Masako Watanabe
- Shinjuku Neuro Clinic, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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27
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Rektor I, Krauss GL, Inoue Y, Kaneko S, Williams B, Patten A, Malhotra M, Laurenza A, Wechsler RT. Assessment of the long-term efficacy and safety of adjunctive perampanel in tonic-clonic seizures: Analysis of four open-label extension studies. Epilepsia 2020; 61:1491-1502. [PMID: 32645213 PMCID: PMC7497073 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This post hoc analysis evaluated long-term efficacy and safety in patients with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) who entered open-label extension (OLEx) studies to receive long-term adjunctive perampanel. METHODS Patients aged 12 years and older who completed phase II or III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies could enter an OLEx study, each comprising a blinded conversion period followed by an open-label maintenance period (32-424 weeks; maximum perampanel dose = 12 mg/d). Exposure, seizure outcomes, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were analyzed. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were generally balanced between patients with FBTCS (n = 720) and GTCS (n = 138). Mean (standard deviation) cumulative duration of perampanel exposure was 102.3 (70.3) weeks (FBTCS) and 83.9 (38.4) weeks (GTCS). Retention rates were 50.0% for up to 4 years (FBTCS) and 49.2% for up to 2 years (GTCS). Across OLEx treatment durations, median reductions in seizure frequency per 28 days were 66.7% (FBTCS) and 80.6% (GTCS). Fifty percent and 75% responder and seizure-freedom rates were 59.5%, 45.3%, and 18.4%, respectively (FBTCS), and 72.5%, 51.5%, and 16.7%, respectively (GTCS). Efficacy was sustained for up to 4 years (FBTCS) and up to 3 years (GTCS), even when accounting for early dropouts. TEAE incidence was highest during Year 1 (FBTCS, 85.3%; GTCS, 86.2%); most common were dizziness and somnolence. During Year 1, serious TEAEs were reported in 81 (11.3%; FBTCS) and 10 (7.2%; GTCS) patients. TEAEs were consistent with the known safety profile of perampanel; no new safety signals were identified with long-term treatment. SIGNIFICANCE This post hoc analysis suggests long-term (up to 4 years) adjunctive perampanel (up to 12 mg/d) is efficacious and well tolerated in patients (aged 12 years and older) with FBTCS or GTCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rektor
- Brno Epilepsy Center and Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gregory L Krauss
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yushi Inoue
- National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Sunao Kaneko
- North Tohoku Epilepsy Center, Minato Hospital, Hachinohe, Japan
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28
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Brandt C, Wechsler RT, O'Brien TJ, Patten A, Malhotra M, Ngo LY, Steinhoff BJ. Adjunctive perampanel and myoclonic and absence seizures: Post hoc analysis of data from study 332 in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Seizure 2020; 80:115-123. [PMID: 32563171 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This post hoc analysis assessed the effects of adjunctive perampanel on myoclonic and absence seizure outcomes in patients (aged ≥12 years) with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures during the double-blind (up to 8 mg/day) and open-label extension (OLEx; up to 12 mg/day) phases of Study 332. METHODS Patients experiencing myoclonic and/or absence seizures during study baseline were included. Assessments for myoclonic and absence seizures included: median percent change in seizure frequency, number of seizure days and seizure-free days (all per 28 days), 50 % and 75 % responder rates, seizure-freedom rates, seizure worsening, and monitoring of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS During the double-blind phase, myoclonic and/or absence seizures were reported in 47/163 and 60/163 patients, respectively. Median percent reductions in seizure frequency per 28 days from study baseline were 52.5% and 24.5% (myoclonic seizures) and 7.6 % and 41.2 % (absence seizures) for placebo and perampanel, respectively; seizure-freedom rates were 13.0 % and 16.7 % (myoclonic seizures) and 12.1 % and 22.2 % (absence seizures), respectively. During the OLEx phase, 46/138 and 52/138 patients experienced myoclonic and/or absence seizures, respectively. Responses during the double-blind phase were maintained during long-term (>104 weeks) adjunctive perampanel treatment. The frequency/type of TEAEs was consistent with the known safety profile of perampanel. CONCLUSION In this post hoc analysis, adjunctive perampanel was not associated with any overall worsening of absence seizures. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of adjunctive perampanel in IGE patients with myoclonic and/or absence seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert T Wechsler
- Idaho Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, 1499 West Hays St., Boise, ID, 83702, USA.
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- The Department of Neuroscience, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia; The Departments of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St., Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Anna Patten
- Eisai Ltd., Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9SN, UK.
| | - Manoj Malhotra
- Eisai Inc., 100 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677, USA.
| | - Leock Y Ngo
- Eisai Inc., 100 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677, USA.
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29
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Ikemoto S, Hamano SI, Yokota S, Koichihara R, Hirata Y, Matsuura R. High-power, frontal-dominant ripples in absence status epilepticus during childhood. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:1204-1209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Nilo A, Gelisse P, Crespel A. Genetic/idiopathic generalized epilepsies: Not so good as that! Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:427-438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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31
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Valton L, Benaiteau M, Denuelle M, Rulquin F, Hachon Le Camus C, Hein C, Viguier A, Curot J. Etiological assessment of status epilepticus. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:408-426. [PMID: 32331701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a potentially serious condition that can affect vital and functional prognosis and requires urgent treatment. Etiology is a determining factor in the patient's functional outcome and in almost half of all cases justifies specific treatment to stop progression. Therefore, identifying and addressing the cause of SE is a key priority in SE management. However, the etiology can be difficult to identify among acute and remote causes, which can also be multiple and interrelated. The most common etiologies are the discontinuation of antiepileptic medication in patients with a prior history of epilepsy, and acute brain aggression in cases of new onset SE (cerebrovascular pathologies are the most common). The list of remaining possible etiologies includes heterogeneous pathological contexts. Refractory SE and especially New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) lead to an extension of the etiological assessment in the search for encephalitis of autoimmune or infectious origin in adults and in children, as well as a genetic pathology in children in particular. This is an overview of current knowledge of SE etiologies and a pragmatic approach for carrying out an etiological assessment based on the following steps: - Which etiological orientation is identified according to the field and clinical presentation?; - Which etiologies to look for in an inaugural SE?; - Which first-line assessment should be carried out? The place of the biological, EEG and imaging assessment is discussed; - Which etiologies to look for in case of refractory SE?
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Affiliation(s)
- L Valton
- Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, Toulouse, France; CerCo, UMR 5549, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse Mind and Brain Institute, Toulouse, France.
| | - M Benaiteau
- Unité Cognition, Épilepsie, Mouvements Anormaux, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - M Denuelle
- Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, Toulouse, France; CerCo, UMR 5549, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse Mind and Brain Institute, Toulouse, France
| | - F Rulquin
- Post-Urgence Neurologique, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - C Hachon Le Camus
- Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital des Enfants, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - C Hein
- Neurogériatrie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - A Viguier
- Soins Intensifs Neurovasculaires, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - J Curot
- Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pierre-Paul-Riquet, Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, Toulouse, France; CerCo, UMR 5549, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse Mind and Brain Institute, Toulouse, France
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Bartolini E, Sander JW. Dealing with the storm: An overview of seizure precipitants and spontaneous seizure worsening in drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:212-218. [PMID: 31254841 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In drug-resistant epilepsy, periods of seizure stability may alternate with abrupt worsening, with frequent seizures limiting the individual's independence and physical, social, and psychological well-being. Here, we review the literature focusing on different clinical scenarios related to seizure aggravation in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. The role of antiseizure medication (ASM) changes is examined, especially focusing on paradoxical seizure aggravation after increased treatment. The external provocative factors that unbalance the brittle equilibrium of seizure control are reviewed, distinguishing between unspecific triggering factors, specific precipitants, and 'reflex' mechanisms. The chance of intervening surgical or medical conditions, including somatic comorbidities and epilepsy surgery failure, causing increased seizures is discussed. Spontaneous exacerbation is also explored, emphasizing recent findings on subject-specific circadian and ultradian rhythms. Awareness of external precipitants and understanding the subject-specific spontaneous epilepsy course may allow individuals to modify their lifestyles. It also allows clinicians to counsel appropriately and to institute suitable medical treatment to avoid sudden loss of seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bartolini
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Nuovo Ospedale Santo Stefano, via suor Niccolina Infermiera 20, 59100 Prato, Italy.
| | - Josemir W Sander
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom; Stichting Epilepsie Instelligen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, Heemstede 2103 SW, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Focal-onset seizures are among the most common forms of seizures in children and adolescents and can be caused by a wide diversity of acquired or genetic etiologies. Despite the increasing array of antiseizure drugs available, treatment of focal-onset seizures in this population remains problematic, with as many as one-third of children having seizures refractory to medications. This review discusses contemporary concepts in focal seizure classification and pathophysiology and describes the antiseizure medications most commonly chosen for this age group. As antiseizure drug efficacy is comparable in children and adults, here we focus on pharmacokinetic aspects, drug-drug interactions, and side effect profiles. Finally, we provide some suggestions for choosing the optimal medication for the appropriate patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Stevens
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rubenstein Bldg 2157, 200N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rubenstein Bldg 2157, 200N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Umashankar MS, Kumar AB. Clinical Case Presentation on Absence Seizures Diagnosis and Treatment Care Services and Outcomes in an Adult Patient. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2019; 10:154-157. [PMID: 30765995 PMCID: PMC6337990 DOI: 10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_191_18] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence seizures are often associated with impaired or loss of consciousness clinically proved to have an impact on motor and cognitive abnormalities of the nerve cells of the brain. Seizure admits several etiopathophysiological events leading to several neurofunctional changes in the reticulothalamocortical circuitry zones of the central nervous system. This paves the episodes of absence seizure events. A clinical case report of absence seizure in a 25 years age adult patient came to the hospital with impaired consciousness. The brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning of the patient detected a small focal flair hypertensive area in the right parasellar region close to cavernous sinus with mild flair hypersensitivity in the left cavernous sinuses, right maxillary, and ethmoid sinusitis. The electroencephalogram of the brain showed normal waves with electrode artifacts was observed. The patient was confirmed with absence seizures, and he was treated with oxcarbazepine 150 mg twice daily. The patient was recovered from seizure and discharged with medications. He was called for follow-up examination once in 3-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Umashankar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Bharath Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
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Bosak M, Pawełczak D, Słowik A. Status epilepticus in patients with genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:1585-1592. [PMID: 31417260 PMCID: PMC6593751 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s209084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsies (GGEs) account for nearly one-third of all epilepsies. The frequency of status epilepticus (SE) in patients with GGEs has been poorly studied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency of different forms of SE in a cohort of patients with GGEs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Among 153 patients with GGEs treated at the university epilepsy clinic in the period between 1998 and 2018, those with SE were retrospectively identified. RESULTS Absence SE was diagnosed in 8 patients (13 episodes), while myoclonic SE was found in 2 patients (2 episodes). No cases of tonic-clonic SE were detected in the study cohort. Most SE episodes were found to be provoked by ill-advised antiepileptic drugs or changes in drug regimen. In all the subjects, SE was stopped by intravenous administration of diazepam and/or valproate. Long-term outcome of epilepsy was good, with most patients (70%) being seizure-free. CONCLUSION Status epilepticus is not a rare phenomenon in patients with genetic generalized epilepsies, with absence SE being the most common type. Most cases of SE are provoked by ill-advised AEDs or changes in drug regimen. Status epilepticus in GGEs can be easily treated with benozdiazepines and/or valproate. Status epilepticus in GGEs can be easily treated with benozdiazepines and/or valproate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bosak
- Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominika Pawełczak
- Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Słowik
- Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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36
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Reif PS, Männer A, Willems LM, Kay L, Zöllner JP, Klein KM, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Intravenous lacosamide for treatment of absence status epilepticus in genetic generalized epilepsy: A case report and review of literature. Acta Neurol Scand 2018; 138:259-262. [PMID: 29633241 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 10 years after its introduction into the market, the significance of lacosamide in genetic generalized epilepsies is still unclear. Its new mode of action may qualify lacosamide as a therapeutic agent in this entity, but only a limited number of cases have been published so far. AIM To describe the efficacy of lacosamide as treatment in a patient with the absence status epilepticus. METHOD We report on a 28-year-old woman with genetic generalized epilepsy who suffered recurrent absence status epilepticus during video-EEG-monitoring. After treatment failure of first- and second-line medication, lacosamide was administered. The outcome in this patient was evaluated, and a systematic literature review was performed for the use of lacosamide in the absence status epilepticus. RESULTS After application of 400 mg lacosamide intravenously, the absence status epilepticus terminated within 30 minutes. No further seizures or epileptiform discharges reoccurred until the end of video-EEG-Monitoring 3 days later. CONCLUSIONS The role of lacosamide as a therapeutic option in patients with the absence status epilepticus is unclear. Only two cases have been reported so far with conflicting results. Further randomized controlled studies are required to validate the relevance of lacosamide as treatment for status epilepticus in genetic generalized and the absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. S. Reif
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - A. Männer
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - L. M. Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - L. Kay
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - J. P. Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - K. M. Klein
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - F. Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - A. Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
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Mazzocchetti C, Striano P, Verrotti A. How to select the appropriate pharmacotherapy for absence seizures in children. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1045-1047. [PMID: 29924667 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1484902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazzocchetti
- a Department of Pediatrics, San Salvatore Hospital , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- b Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, DINOGMI-Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute , Genova , Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- a Department of Pediatrics, San Salvatore Hospital , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
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Grabowski DC, Fishman J, Wild I, Lavin B. Changing the neurology policy landscape in the United States: Misconceptions and facts about epilepsy. Health Policy 2018; 122:797-802. [PMID: 29908672 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy has a relatively high prevalence, and diagnosis and treatment are often challenging. Seizure freedom without significant side effects is the ultimate goal for both physicians and patients, but not always achievable. In those cases, the treatment goals of patients and providers may differ. In the United States, many clinicians continue to prescribe older AEDs, even though newer AEDs have a more desirable safety and tolerability profile, fewer drug-drug interactions, and are associated with lower epilepsy-related hospital visits. Newer AEDs are more commonly prescribed by neurologists and epilepsy center physicians, highlighting the importance of access to specialty care. We report that antiepileptic drugs are not the dominant cost driver for patients with epilepsy and costs are considerably higher in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. Poor drug adherence is considered a main cause of unsuccessful epilepsy treatment and is associated with increases in inpatient and emergency department admissions and related costs. Interventions and educational programs are needed to address the reasons for nonadherence. Coverage policies placing a higher cost burden on patients with epilepsy lead to lower treatment adherence, which can result in higher future health care spending. Epilepsy is lagging behind other neurological conditions in terms of funding and treatment innovation. Increased investment in epilepsy research may be particularly beneficial given current funding levels and the high prevalence of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Grabowski
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5899, USA.
| | - Jesse Fishman
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
| | - Imane Wild
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
| | - Bruce Lavin
- UCB Pharma, 1950 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA.
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Celli R, Santolini I, Guiducci M, van Luijtelaar G, Parisi P, Striano P, Gradini R, Battaglia G, Ngomba RT, Nicoletti F. The α2δ Subunit and Absence Epilepsy: Beyond Calcium Channels? Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:918-925. [PMID: 28290248 PMCID: PMC5652034 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170309105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spike-wave discharges, underlying absence seizures, are generated within a cortico-thalamo-cortical network that involves the somatosensory cortex, the reticular thalamic nucleus, and the ventrobasal thalamic nuclei. Activation of T-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) contributes to the pathological oscillatory activity of this network, and some of the first-line drugs used in the treatment of absence epilepsy inhibit T-type calcium channels. The α2δ subunit is a component of high voltage-activated VSCCs (i.e., L-, N-, P/Q-, and R channels) and studies carried out in heterologous expression systems suggest that it may also associate with T channels. The α2δ subunit is also targeted by thrombospondins, which regulate synaptogenesis in the central nervous system. Objective: To discuss the potential role for the thrombospondin/α2δ axis in the pathophysiology of absence epilepsy. Methods: We searched PubMed articles for the terms “absence epilepsy”, “T-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels”, “α2δ subunit”, “ducky mice”, “pregabalin”, “gabapentin”, “thrombospondins”, and included papers focusing this Review's scope. Results: We moved from the evidence that mice lacking the α2δ-2 subunit show absence seizures and α2δ ligands (gabapentin and pregabalin) are detrimental in the treatment of absence epilepsy. This suggests that α2δ may be protective against absence epilepsy via a mechanism that does not involve T channels. We discuss the interaction between thrombospondins and α2δ and its potential relevance in the regulation of excitatory synaptic formation in the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. Conclusion: We speculate on the possibility that the thrombospondin/α2δ axis is critical for the correct functioning of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network, and that abnormalities in this axis may play a role in the pathophysiology of absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Celli
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Neuropharmacology Unit, Pozzilli, (IS), Italy
| | - Ines Santolini
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Neuropharmacology Unit, Pozzilli, (IS), Italy
| | - Michela Guiducci
- Departments of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Gilles van Luijtelaar
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen. Netherlands
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Departments of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Gradini
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Neuropharmacology Unit, Pozzilli, (IS), Italy
| | | | - Richard T Ngomba
- University of Lincoln, School of Pharmacy, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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41
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Aguglia U, Sueri C, Gasparini S, Beghi E, Labate A, Gambardella A, Specchio LM, Ferlazzo E. Relevance of clinical context in the diagnostic-therapeutic approach to status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2018; 57:1527-9. [PMID: 27594403 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy. .,Regional Epilepsy Center, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy. .,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sueri
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sara Gasparini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Center, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Labate
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Regional Epilepsy Center, Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
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Shih JJ, Fountain NB, Herman ST, Bagic A, Lado F, Arnold S, Zupanc ML, Riker E, Labiner DM. Indications and methodology for video‐electroencephalographic studies in the epilepsy monitoring unit. Epilepsia 2017; 59:27-36. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.13938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan T. Herman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Anto Bagic
- University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA
| | | | - Susan Arnold
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas TX USA
| | - Mary L. Zupanc
- Children's Hospital of Orange County/University of California, Irvine Orange CA USA
| | - Ellen Riker
- National Association of Epilepsy Centers Washington DC USA
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Kinney MO, Craig JJ, Kaplan PW. Hidden in plain sight: Non-convulsive status epilepticus-Recognition and management. Acta Neurol Scand 2017; 136:280-292. [PMID: 28144933 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is an electroclinical state associated with an altered level of consciousness but lacking convulsive motor activity. It can present in a multitude of ways, but classification based on the clinical presentation and electroencephalographic appearances assists in determining prognosis and planning treatment. The aggressiveness of treatment should be based on the likely prognosis and the underlying cause of the NCSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. O. Kinney
- Department of Neurology; Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast; Antrim UK
| | - J. J. Craig
- Department of Neurology; Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast; Antrim UK
| | - P. W. Kaplan
- Department of Neurology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Centre; Baltimore MD USA
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Santolini I, Celli R, Cannella M, Imbriglio T, Guiducci M, Parisi P, Schubert J, Iacomino M, Zara F, Lerche H, Moyanova S, Ngomba RT, van Luijtelaar G, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Striano P, Nicoletti F. Alterations in the α 2 δ ligand, thrombospondin-1, in a rat model of spontaneous absence epilepsy and in patients with idiopathic/genetic generalized epilepsies. Epilepsia 2017; 58:1993-2001. [PMID: 28913875 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thrombospondins, which are known to interact with the α2 δ subunit of voltage-sensitive calcium channels to stimulate the formation of excitatory synapses, have recently been implicated in the process of epileptogenesis. No studies have been so far performed on thrombospondins in models of absence epilepsy. We examined whether expression of the gene encoding for thrombospondin-1 was altered in the brain of WAG/Rij rats, which model absence epilepsy in humans. In addition, we examined the frequency of genetic variants of THBS1 in a large cohort of children affected by idiopathic/genetic generalized epilepsies (IGE/GGEs). METHODS We measured the transcripts of thrombospondin-1 and α2 δ subunit, and protein levels of α2 δ, Rab3A, and the vesicular glutamate transporter, VGLUT1, in the somatosensory cortex and ventrobasal thalamus of presymptomatic and symptomatic WAG/Rij rats and in two control strains by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting. We examined the genetic variants of THBS1 and CACNA2D1 in two independent cohorts of patients affected by IGE/GGE recruited through the Genetic Commission of the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE) and the EuroEPINOMICS-CoGIE Consortium. RESULTS Thrombospondin-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were largely reduced in the ventrobasal thalamus of both presymptomatic and symptomatic WAG/Rij rats, whereas levels in the somatosensory cortex were unchanged. VGLUT1 protein levels were also reduced in the ventrobasal thalamus of WAG/Rij rats. Genetic variants of THBS1 were significantly more frequent in patients affected by IGE/GGE than in nonepileptic controls, whereas the frequency of CACNA2D1 was unchanged. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that thrombospondin-1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of IGE/GGEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michela Guiducci
- Departments of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Departments of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Julian Schubert
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Valeria Bruno
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Departments of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, "G. Gaslini" Institute, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Abarrategui B, García-García ME, Toledano R, Parejo-Carbonell B, Gil-Nagel A, García-Morales I. Lacosamide for refractory generalized tonic-clonic seizures of non-focal origin in clinical practice: A clinical and VEEG study. EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS 2017; 8:63-65. [PMID: 28948142 PMCID: PMC5602820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
7 of 9 patients with GGE reduced ≥ 50% their tonic–clonic seizure frequency on LCM. All 7 patients remained seizure free for > 1 year, and 2 of them for > 5 years. In 2 of the 9 patients, both with Juvenile Absence Epilepsy, absences aggravated. One aggravation consisted on a myoclonia and absence status, in a patient with no history of myoclonia. VEEG paralleled clinical improvement but didn't change in a case of absence worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Abarrategui
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Eugenia García-García
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Toledano
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Ruber Internacional, La Masó 38, Mirasierra, 28034 Madrid, Spain.,Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Ctra M-607 Colmenar Viejo, 910, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Parejo-Carbonell
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Ruber Internacional, La Masó 38, Mirasierra, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene García-Morales
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.,Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Ruber Internacional, La Masó 38, Mirasierra, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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Activity Clamp Provides Insights into Paradoxical Effects of the Anti-Seizure Drug Carbamazepine. J Neurosci 2017; 37:5484-5495. [PMID: 28473648 PMCID: PMC5452340 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3697-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in experimental epilepsy research is to reconcile the effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on individual neurons with their network-level actions. Highlighting this difficulty, it is unclear why carbamazepine (CBZ), a frontline AED with a known molecular mechanism, has been reported to increase epileptiform activity in several clinical and experimental studies. We confirmed in an in vitro mouse model (in both sexes) that the frequency of interictal bursts increased after CBZ perfusion. To address the underlying mechanisms, we developed a method, activity clamp, to distinguish the response of individual neurons from network-level actions of CBZ. We first recorded barrages of synaptic conductances from neurons during epileptiform activity and then replayed them in pharmacologically isolated neurons under control conditions and in the presence of CBZ. CBZ consistently decreased the reliability of the second action potential in each burst of activity. Conventional current-clamp recordings using excitatory ramp or square-step current injections failed to reveal this effect. Network modeling showed that a CBZ-induced decrease of neuron recruitment during epileptic bursts can lead to an increase in burst frequency at the network level by reducing the refractoriness of excitatory transmission. By combining activity clamp with computer simulations, the present study provides a potential explanation for the paradoxical effects of CBZ on epileptiform activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The effects of anti-epileptic drugs on individual neurons are difficult to separate from their network-level actions. Although carbamazepine (CBZ) has a known anti-epileptic mechanism, paradoxically, it has also been reported to increase epileptiform activity in clinical and experimental studies. To investigate this paradox during realistic neuronal epileptiform activity, we developed a method, activity clamp, to distinguish the effects of CBZ on individual neurons from network-level actions. We demonstrate that CBZ consistently decreases the reliability of the second action potential in each burst of epileptiform activity. Network modeling shows that this effect on individual neuronal responses could explain the paradoxical effect of CBZ at the network level.
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Barad Z, Grattan DR, Leitch B. NMDA Receptor Expression in the Thalamus of the Stargazer Model of Absence Epilepsy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42926. [PMID: 28220891 PMCID: PMC5318904 DOI: 10.1038/srep42926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the stargazer mouse model of absence epilepsy, altered corticothalamic excitation of reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) neurons has been suggested to contribute to abnormal synchronicity in the corticothalamic-thalamocortical circuit, leading to spike-wave discharges, the hallmark of absence seizures. AMPA receptor expression and function are decreased in stargazer RTN, due to a mutation of AMPAR auxiliary subunit stargazin. It is unresolved and debated, however, if decreased excitation of RTN is compatible with epileptogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that relative NMDAR expression may be increased in RTN and/or thalamic synapses in stargazers using Western blot on dissected thalamic nuclei and biochemically isolated synapses, as well as immunogold cytochemistry in RTN. Expression of main NMDAR subunits was variable in stargazer RTN and relay thalamus; however, mean expression values were not statistically significantly different compared to controls. Furthermore, no systematic changes in synaptic NMDAR levels could be detected in stargazer thalamus. In contrast, AMPAR subunits were markedly decreased in both nucleus-specific and synaptic preparations. Thus, defective AMPAR trafficking in stargazer thalamus does not appear to lead to a ubiquitous compensatory increase in total and synaptic NMDAR expression, suggesting that elevated NMDAR function is not mediated by changes in protein expression in stargazer mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Barad
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D R Grattan
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - B Leitch
- Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Resembling Clinical Absence with Atypical EEG Pattern. Case Rep Neurol Med 2017; 2017:6987821. [PMID: 28203468 PMCID: PMC5288509 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6987821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. We are reporting two cases: a patient with steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) and another patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), both presenting with altered mental status (AMS) and later diagnosed with nonconvulsive atypical absence status epilepticus (AS), with atypical EEG changes. Methods. A report of two cases. Results. A patient with history of SREAT and the other with SPMS had multiple admissions due to AMS. For both, EEG revealed the presence of a high voltage generalized sharply contoured theta activity. A diagnosis of NCSE with clinical features of AS was made based on both clinical and EEG features. There was significant clinical and electrographic improvement with administration of levetiracetam for both patients in addition to sodium valproate and Solumedrol for the SREAT patient. Both patients continued to be seizure free on follow-up few months later. Conclusions. This is a report of two cases of atypical AS, with atypical EEG, in patients with different neurological conditions. Prompt clinical and EEG recovery occurred following appropriate medical treatment. We think that this condition might be underreported and could significantly benefit from prompt treatment when appropriately diagnosed.
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Pediatric Absence Status Epilepticus: Prolonged Altered Mental Status in an 8-Year-Old Boy. Case Rep Neurol Med 2017; 2016:9238310. [PMID: 28042487 PMCID: PMC5128694 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9238310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence status epilepticus is characterized by a prolonged state of impaired consciousness or altered sensorium with generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities. It is most commonly diagnosed in patients with known idiopathic generalized epilepsy; however, it may also be the first presentation of epilepsy. Due to the subtle and variable manifestations of the condition, absence status epilepticus may be underrecognized, particularly in children. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy who experienced two episodes of prolonged altered mental status, subsequently determined to be absence status epilepticus with idiopathic generalized epilepsy with phantom absences. We discuss the classification, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and electroencephalographic findings of pediatric absence status epilepticus and provide a practical overview for management.
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The topographical distribution of epileptic spikes in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy with and without photosensitivity. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 128:176-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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