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Muthiah N, Rothenberger S, Abel TJ. Socioeconomic status and healthcare utilization disparities among children with epilepsy in the United States: Results from a nationally representative sample. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21776. [PMID: 38066038 PMCID: PMC10709331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48668-3] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects 1% of the US population. Healthcare disparities are well-studied among adults with epilepsy but less so among children. We examined whether children with epilepsy (1) have lower income than or (2) utilize the emergency department (ED) differently from children without epilepsy, and (3) if income moderates ED utilization. Data from the 2016-2019 National Survey of Children's Health were used to identify children with active "epilepsy or seizure disorder". Children with versus without epilepsy were compared. Income and ED visits were modeled with logistic and Poisson regressions. This analysis included 131,326 children; 835 were diagnosed with epilepsy. Estimated population prevalence of epilepsy was 0.6%. Children from higher-income-households were less likely to have epilepsy (aOR: 0.7). Children with epilepsy were more likely to visit EDs (aOR = 10.2), see healthcare professionals (aOR: 2.7), and receive care from specialists (aOR: 10.3). Income moderated the relationship between having epilepsy and ED visits. 7.7% of children with epilepsy did not receive needed healthcare. Some barriers were acquiring appointments (aOR: 3.9) and transportation (aOR: 4.7). In conclusion, children with epilepsy were more likely than children without epilepsy to live in lower-income-households, visit EDs, see healthcare professionals, and not receive needed healthcare. Barrier-specific policy interventions may improve medical access for children with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nallammai Muthiah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Scott Rothenberger
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Taylor J Abel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
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Liao P, Trollor J, Reppermund S, Cvejic RC, Srasuebkul P, Vajdic CM. Factors associated with acute care service use after epilepsy hospitalisation in people with intellectual disability. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:1317-1335. [PMID: 36330725 PMCID: PMC10952954 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify factors associated with unplanned acute hospital readmission and emergency department (ED) presentation after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative datasets. We identified 3293 people with ID aged 5-64 years with a hospitalisation for epilepsy between 2005 and 2014 in New South Wales, Australia. We examined unplanned readmission and ED presentation within 30 or 365 days and associations with demographic, socio-economic and health status variables. Modified Poisson regression with robust estimation was used to model outcomes within 30 days. Negative binomial regression was used to account for the overdispersion of the data and to model 365-day outcome rates. RESULTS Around half of the cohort had an unplanned readmission and ED presentation within 365 days of the index hospitalisation. In fully adjusted models, being female, being a young adult and having a longer or acute care index admission, mental and physical comorbidities and a history of incarceration were associated with an elevated risk of readmission or ED presentation. The strongest association was observed between history of self-harm and 365-day readmission (incidence rate ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.41-3.29). CONCLUSIONS Socio-demographic, justice and health factors are associated with unplanned readmission and ED presentation risk after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with ID. Interventions targeting improving continuity of care should be tailored for individuals and their support workers. The findings also emphasise the importance of person-centred multidisciplinary care across different health sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Liao
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - J. Trollor
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - S. Reppermund
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - R. C. Cvejic
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - P. Srasuebkul
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - C. M. Vajdic
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
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Goenka A, Fonseca LD, Kumar G. Demographic and geographic variations in the access time of pediatric patients presenting with staring spells. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109299. [PMID: 37336135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the demographic and geographic variations in access time - defined as years between the date of symptom onset and initial date of neurological care - in pediatric patients presenting with staring spells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a retrospective chart review study from 2011 to 2021. A total of 1,353 staring spell patients, aged 0 to 17.9 years, were analyzed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, county, average county annual per capita personal income, and access time. RESULTS Patients aged 0-2.9 years had the shortest median access time of 0.3 years, compared to 1.2 years in patients aged 3-12.9 years and 1.0 year in patients aged 13-17.9 years. Statistically significant differences were seen based on race/ethnicity and insurance with White patients having shorter access time of 0.5 years compared to Black patients with 1.0 year and self-pay patients having the shortest access time of 0.4 years compared to patients with private insurance (0.7 years). Warren County had the largest annual per capita personal income of $65,855 and access time of 0.5 years compared to Preble county with the least annual per capita personal income of $45,016 and access time of 1.1 years. CONCLUSION Demographic parameters of age, race/ethnicity, insurance, and annual county per capita personal income appeared to be associated with access time to initial neurological care in patients with staring spells. These associations need to be investigated further to ensure timely access to neurological care and to ensure equity in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Goenka
- Department of Neurology, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Laura D Fonseca
- Department of Neurology, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Gogi Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA.
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Chiang JA, Tran T, Swami S, Shin E, Nussbaum N, DeLeon R, Hermann BP, Clarke D, Schraegle WA. Neighborhood disadvantage and health-related quality of life in pediatric epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109171. [PMID: 36989568 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109171] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While several demographic and epilepsy-specific characteristics are associated with diminished HRQoL in children and adolescents with epilepsy, prior investigations have failed to incorporate and address the influence of broader social contextual factors on functional outcomes. To address this gap, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the role of neighborhood disadvantage on HRQoL, including the extent to which familial and seizure-specific risk factors are impacted. METHODS Data included parental ratings on the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaire for 135 children and adolescents with epilepsy, and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) to measure neighborhood disadvantage. Bivariate correlations were conducted to identify significant associations with neighborhood disadvantage, followed by a three-stage hierarchical multiple regression to predict HRQoL. Follow-up binary logistic regressions were used to determine the risk conferred by neighborhood disadvantage on sociodemographic, seizure-specific, and HRQoL factors. RESULTS Moderate associations between neighborhood disadvantage and familial factors, including parental psychiatric history and Medicaid insurance, were identified, while disadvantage and greater seizure frequency were marginally associated. Neighborhood disadvantage independently predicted HRQoL, and was the sole significant predictor of HRQoL when familial factors were incorporated. Children with epilepsy living in disadvantaged areas were four times more likely to have diminished HRQoL, five times more likely to live with a parent with a significant psychiatric history, and four times more likely to reside with a family receiving Medicaid insurance. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of identifying high-risk groups, as the cumulative burden of social context, familial factors, and seizure-specific characteristics contribute to lower HRQoL in pediatric epilepsy which disproportionately affects patients from lower-resourced backgrounds. Potentially modifiable factors such as parental psychiatric status exist within the child's environment, emphasizing the importance of a whole-child approach to patient care. Further exploration of disadvantage in this population is needed to better understand these relationships over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Chiang
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Tran
- Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sonya Swami
- Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Elice Shin
- Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nancy Nussbaum
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rosario DeLeon
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, USA
| | - Dave Clarke
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - William A Schraegle
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA; Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Widjaja E, Demoe L, Yossofzai O, Guttmann A, Tomlinson G, Rutka J, Snead OC, Sander B. Health Care System Costs Associated With Surgery and Medical Therapy for Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Ontario. Neurology 2022; 98:e1204-e1215. [PMID: 35169008 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Improvement in seizure control after epilepsy surgery could lead to lower health care resource use and costs, but it is uncertain whether this could offset the high costs related to surgery. This study aimed to evaluate phase-specific and cumulative long-term health care costs of surgery compared to medical therapy in children with drug-resistant epilepsy from the health care payer perspective. METHODS Children who were evaluated for epilepsy surgery and treated with surgery or medical therapy from 2003 to 2018 at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto were identified from chart review and linked to their health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Inverse probability of treatment weighting with stabilized weights was used to balance the baseline covariates between the 2 groups. Patients were assigned to presurgery, surgery, short-term (first 2 years), intermediate-term (2-5 years), and long-term (>5 years) postsurgery care phases on the basis of treatment trajectory. Phase-specific and cumulative long-term health care costs were evaluated. Costs were converted from Canadian to US dollars year 2018 value. RESULTS There were 372 surgical and 258 medical patients. Costs were higher in surgical than medical patients for presurgery (3 and 39 weeks), surgery, and short-term care phase, and the attributable costs of surgery per 7 patient-days were $1,602 (95% CI $1,438-$1,785), $172 (95% CI $147-$185), $19,819 (95% CI $18,822-$20,932), and $28 (95% CI $22-$32), respectively. Costs were lower in surgical patients for intermediate- and long-term care phase, and the attributable costs were -$72 (95% CI -$124 to -$35) and -$94 (95% CI -$129 to -$63), respectively. In surgical patients, costs were highest for surgery followed by presurgery care phase, with hospitalizations accounting for the highest cost component. In medical patients, costs increased gradually from presurgery to long-term care phase. Cumulative costs were higher for surgical than medical patients in the first 7 years after surgery, but from 8 years on, costs were lower for surgical patients. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated the long-term economic benefits of epilepsy surgery compared to medical therapy for the health care system with the use of real-world data, which would justify the high costs of surgery. The results will support future economic evaluation comparing minimally invasive treatment such as laser therapy to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysa Widjaja
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lindsay Demoe
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omar Yossofzai
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Rutka
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- From the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (E.W., A.G., G.T., B.H.S.) and Leong Centre for Healthy Children (A.G.), University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging (E.W.), Division of Neurology (E.W., O.C.S.), Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.D., O.Y.), Division of Pediatric Medicine (A.G.), and Department of Neurosurgery (J.R.), Hospital for Sick Children; ICES (E.W., A.G., B.H.S.); Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (G.T., B.H.S.), University Health Network; and Public Health Ontario (B.H.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schraegle WA, Tillman R, Ailion A, Babajani-Feremi A, Titus JB, DeLeon RC, Clarke D, Hermann BP. Behavioral phenotypes of pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1177-1188. [PMID: 35174484 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A broad spectrum of emotional-behavioral problems have been reported in pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but with considerable variability in their presence and nature of expression, which hampers precise identification and treatment. The present study aimed to empirically identify latent patterns or behavioral phenotypes and their correlates. METHODS Data included parental ratings of emotional-behavioral status on the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition (BASC-2) of 81 children (mean age = 11.79, standard deviation [SD] = 3.93) with TLE. The nine clinical subscales were subjected to unsupervised machine learning to identify behavioral subgroups. To explore concurrent validity and the underlying composition of the identified clusters, we examined demographic factors, seizure characteristics, psychosocial factors, neuropsychological performance, psychiatric status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS Three behavioral phenotypes were identified, which included no behavioral concerns (Cluster 1, 43% of sample), externalizing problems (Cluster 2, 41% of sample), and internalizing problems (Cluster 3, 16% of sample). Behavioral phenotypes were characterized by important differences across clinical seizure variables, psychosocial/familial factors, everyday executive functioning, and HRQoL. Cluster 2 was associated with younger child age, lower maternal education, and higher rate of single-parent households. Cluster 3 was associated with older age at epilepsy onset and higher rates of hippocampal sclerosis and parental psychiatric history. Both Cluster 2 and 3 demonstrated elevated family stress. Concurrent validity was demonstrated through the association of psychiatric (i.e., rate of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) disorders and psychotropic medication) and parent-rated HRQoL variables. SIGNIFICANCE Youth with TLE present with three distinct behavioral phenotypes that correspond with important clinical and sociodemographic markers. The current findings demonstrate the variability of behavioral presentations in youth with TLE and provide a preliminary framework for screening and targeting intervention to enhance support for youth with TLE and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Schraegle
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rachael Tillman
- Division of Neuropsychology, Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alyssa Ailion
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abbas Babajani-Feremi
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Titus
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rosario C DeLeon
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Dave Clarke
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Bruce P Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Vinti V, Dell'Isola GB, Tascini G, Mencaroni E, Cara GD, Striano P, Verrotti A. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Psychiatric Comorbidity. Front Neurol 2021; 12:775781. [PMID: 34917019 PMCID: PMC8669948 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.775781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most focal seizures originate in the temporal lobe and are commonly divided into mesial and lateral temporal epilepsy, depending upon the neuronal circuitry involved. The hallmark features of the mesial temporal epilepsy are aura, unconsciousness, and automatisms. Symptoms often overlap with the lateral temporal epilepsy. However, the latter present a less evident psychomotor arrest, frequent clones and dystonic postures, and common focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. Sclerosis of the hippocampus is the most frequent cause of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). TLE is among all epilepsies the most frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidity. Anxiety, depression, and interictal dysphoria are recurrent psychiatric disorders in pediatric patients with TLE. In addition, these alterations are often combined with cognitive, learning, and behavioral impairment. These comorbidities occur more frequently in TLE with hippocampal sclerosis and with pharmacoresistance. According to the bidirectional hypothesis, the close relationship between TLE and psychiatric features should lead to considering common pathophysiology underlying these disorders. Psychiatric comorbidities considerably reduce the quality of life of these children and their families. Thus, early detection and appropriate management and therapeutic strategies could improve the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this review is to analyze TLE correlation with psychiatric disorders and its underlying conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini (IRCCS "G. Gaslini") Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Executive function and depressed mood are independently disruptive to health-related quality of life in pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107681. [PMID: 33360405 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Youth with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are at increased risk of depressive features and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL). To assist in the development of future behavioral interventions for youth with TLE, the current study explored potential pathways by which executive functioning (EF) and depressive features impinge upon HRQOL in the context of psychosocial and seizure-specific factors. METHODS Data included parental ratings on the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaires for 82 children (Age = 11.99, SD = 3.80) with TLE. Observed path analysis was used to simultaneously investigate the determinants of HRQOL in pediatric TLE. Indirect effects were evaluated with bootstrap analyses. RESULTS Both executive dysfunction and depressive features were negatively linked to child HRQOL, and, furthermore, EF and HRQOL were indirectly connected by depressive features. In addition, depressive features were linked to lower EF, current antiepileptic drug (AED) regimen, and the presence of hippocampal sclerosis. Diminished EF was linked to parental psychiatric history and family stress; EF mediated the relationship of parental psychiatric history and family stress on both depressive features and diminished HRQOL. Finally, a more complicated AED regimen and higher HRQOL were indirectly connected by depressive features. CONCLUSION This study underscores the importance of child depressive features and EF along with environmental and epilepsy-specific factors on HRQOL in pediatric TLE.
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Widjaja E, Guttmann A, Tomlinson G, Snead OC, Sander B. Economic burden of epilepsy in children: A population-based matched cohort study in Canada. Epilepsia 2020; 62:152-162. [PMID: 33258123 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The economic burden of childhood epilepsy to the health care system remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine phase-specific and cumulative long-term health care costs in children with epilepsy (CWE) from the health care payer perspective. METHODS This cohort study utilized linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Incident childhood epilepsy cases were identified from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2017. CWE were matched to children without epilepsy (CWOE) on age, sex, rurality, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities, and assigned prediagnosis, initial, ongoing, and final care phase based on clinical trajectory. Phase-specific, 1-year and 5-year cumulative health care costs, attributable costs of epilepsy, and distribution of costs across different ages were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 24 411 CWE were matched to CWOE. The costs were higher for prediagnosis and initial care than ongoing care in CWE. Hospitalization was the main cost component. The costs of prediagnosis, initial, and ongoing care were higher in CWE than CWOE, with the attributable costs at $490 (95% confidence interval [CI] = $352-$616), $1322 (95% CI = $1247-$1402), and $305 (95% CI = $276-$333) per 30 patient-days, respectively. Final care costs were lower in CWE than CWOE, with attributable costs at -$2515 (95% CI = -$6288 to $961) per 30 patient-days. One-year and 5-year cumulative costs were higher in CWE ($14 776 [95% CI = $13 994-$15 546] and $39 261 [95% CI = $37 132-$41 293], respectively) than CWOE ($6152 [95% CI = $5587-$6768] and $15 598 [95% CI = $14 291-$17 006], respectively). The total health care costs were highest in the first year of life in CWE for prediagnosis, initial, and ongoing care. SIGNIFICANCE Health care costs varied along the continuum of epilepsy care, and were mainly driven by hospitalization costs. The findings identified avenues for remediation, such as enhancing care around the time of epilepsy diagnosis and better care coordination for epilepsy and comorbidities, to reduce hospitalization costs and the economic burden of epilepsy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysa Widjaja
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Poverty, insurance, and region as predictors of epilepsy treatment among US adults. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 107:107050. [PMID: 32294594 PMCID: PMC7242147 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Disparities in epilepsy treatment have previously been reported. In the current study, we examine the role of socioeconomic status, health insurance, place of residence, and sociodemographic characteristics in past-year visit to a neurology or epilepsy provider and current use of antiseizure medications. Multiple years of data were compiled from the National Health Interview Surveys, Sample Adult Epilepsy Modules. The sample (n = 1655) included individuals 18 years and older who have been told by a doctor to have epilepsy or seizures. Independent variables included number of seizures in the past year, health insurance, poverty status, education, region, race/ethnicity, foreign-born status, age, and sex/gender. Two sets of weighted hierarchical logistic regression models were estimated predicting past-year epilepsy visit and current medication use. Accounting for recent seizure activity and other factors, uninsured and people residing outside of the Northeast were less likely to see an epilepsy provider, and people living in poverty were less likely to use medications, relative to their comparison groups. However, no racial/ethnic and nativity-based differences in specialty service or medication use were observed. Further research, including longitudinal studies of care trajectories and outcomes, are warranted to better understand healthcare needs of people with epilepsy, in particular treatment-resistant seizures, and to develop appropriate interventions at the policy, public health, and health system levels.
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11
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Baxter KJ, Nguyen HTMH, Wulkan ML, Raval MV. Association of Health Care Utilization With Rates of Perforated Appendicitis in Children 18 Years or Younger. JAMA Surg 2019; 153:544-550. [PMID: 29387882 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.5316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance The pediatric perforated appendix rate is a quality metric measured by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) that reflects access to care. The association of health care utilization prior to presentation with appendicitis is unknown. Objective To determine whether increased health care utilization prior to presentation with appendicitis is associated with lower perforated appendicitis rates in children. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of privately insured children drawn from large employer and insurance company administrative data found in the Truven MarketScan national insurance claims database. Cases of appendicitis were identified among 38 348 children 18 years or younger from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2013, with corresponding primary health care encounters from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2012. In all, 19 109 eligible children were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes for appendicitis after excluding those patients who did not have continuous insurance coverage during the study period. Statistical analysis was performed from September 1, 2016, to October 15, 2017. Exposures Health care utilization was determined by the number of outpatient clinic encounters for each patient in the 1 to 12 months before presentation with appendicitis. Main Outcomes and Measures Perforated appendicitis was defined according to the AHRQ by using ICD-9 codes for perforation and hospital length of stay of 3 or more days. Logistic regression models were used for perforated appendicitis after adjustment for age, sex, income, gastrointestinal comorbidities, geographic region, and insurance type. Results We identified 38 348 children 18 years or younger with ICD-9 diagnosis codes for appendicitis, and 19 109 children remained for analysis after applying exclusion criteria. Of these, 11 422 were boys (59.8%); the mean (SD) age was 12.4 (3.9) years. Of the 19 109 children identified who underwent appendectomy, 5509 (28.8%) presented with perforated appendicitis. Children with perforation had lower outpatient health care utilization in the year before presentation compared with those diagnosed with acute appendicitis (4554 of 5509 children [82.7%] vs 11 937 of 13 600 [87.8%]; P < .001). In the adjusted model, outpatient health care utilization before presentation was associated with lower odds of perforated appendicitis (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.58-0.69; P < .001). This association increased with visit frequency in the year before presentation (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.95 for 1-2 visits, P = .003; OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.55-0.67 for 3-6 visits, P < .001; and OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.38-0.48 for ≥7 visits [5-18 years], P < .001). Covariates associated with perforation included younger age, geographic region, family income, and higher out-of-pocket insurance plans. Conclusions and Relevance Among insured children 18 years or younger, increased health care utilization was associated with lower rates of perforated appendicitis. Primary health care relationships may facilitate timely presentation or serve as a marker for health-related self-efficacy, thereby contributing to outcomes for acute surgical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Baxter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hannah T M H Nguyen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark L Wulkan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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12
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Miller WR. The Projected Care Trajectory for Persons with Epilepsy. Nurs Clin North Am 2019; 54:425-435. [PMID: 31331628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2019.04.010] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurologic disease that requires both medical management and self-management. People with epilepsy and their families complete many transitions throughout the health care system in managing this disease. This article reviews key transitions for people with epilepsy and discusses strategies for improving these transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy R Miller
- Department of Community Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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13
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Riechmann J, Willems LM, Boor R, Kieslich M, Knake S, Langner C, Neubauer BA, Oberman B, Philippi H, Reese JP, Rochel M, Schubert-Bast S, Seeger J, Seipelt P, Stephani U, Rosenow F, Hamer HM, Strzelczyk A. Quality of life and correlating factors in children, adolescents with epilepsy, and their caregivers: A cross-sectional multicenter study from Germany. Seizure 2019; 69:92-98. [PMID: 31004927 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors correlating with poorer quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with epilepsy and regarding QoL and depression of their caregivers in Germany. METHOD A cross-sectional multicenter study on QoL and depression was performed in two representative German states (Hessen and Schleswig-Holstein). Variance analysis, linear regression, and bivariate correlation were used to identify correlating factors for poorer QoL and symptoms of depression. RESULTS Data from 489 children and adolescents (mean age 10.4 ± 4.2 years, range 0.5-17.8; 54.0% male) and their caregivers were collected. We identified missing seizure freedom (p = 0.046), concomitant diseases (p = 0.007), hospitalization (p = 0.049), recent status epilepticus (p = 0.035), living in a nursing home or with foster parents (p = 0.049), and relevant degree of disability (p = 0.007) to correlate with poorer QoL in children and adolescents with epilepsy. Poorer QoL of caregivers was associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.004), non-idiopathic (mainly structural-metabolic) epilepsy (p = 0.003), ongoing seizures (p = 0.003), concomitant diseases (p = 0.003), relevant disability (p = 0.003), or status epilepticus (p = 0.003) as well as with unemployment of the primary caretaker (p = 0.010). Symptoms of depression of caregivers were associated with non-idiopathic epilepsy (p = 0.003), concomitant diseases (p = 0.003), missing seizure freedom (p = 0.007), status epilepticus (p = 0.004), or a relevant disability (p = 0.004) of their ward. A poorer QoL value of the children and adolescents correlated with a poorer QoL value of the caregivers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy shows a considerable impact on QoL and symptoms of depression. Early and effective therapy should focus on reduction of seizure frequency and the probability for developing status epilepticus. Furthermore, comprehensive care should pay attention at comorbidities, consequences of disability and dependency on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Riechmann
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rainer Boor
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Northern German Epilepsy Centre for Children and Adolescents, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bettina Oberman
- Center for Social Pediatrics Frankfurt Höchst, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Heike Philippi
- Center for Social Pediatrics and Epilepsy Outpatient Clinic Frankfurt Mitte, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jens P Reese
- Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seeger
- Center for Social Pediatrics and Epilepsy Outpatient Clinic Frankfurt Mitte, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Seipelt
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Ulrich Stephani
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Northern German Epilepsy Centre for Children and Adolescents, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany; Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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14
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Strzelczyk A, Klein KM, von Podewils F. Editorial: Burden of Illness in People With Epilepsy: From Population-Based Studies to Precision Medicine. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1164. [PMID: 30687220 PMCID: PMC6333661 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karl Martin Klein
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Epilepsy Center Greifswald and Department of Neurology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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15
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Ostendorf AP, Gedela S. Effect of Epilepsy on Families, Communities, and Society. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2017; 24:340-347. [PMID: 29249514 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The effect of epilepsy extends beyond those with the diagnosis and impacts families, communities and society. Caregiver and sibling quality of life is often negatively affected by frequent seizures, comorbid behavioral and sleep disorders and stigma surrounding the diagnosis. Furthermore, the negative effects can be magnified by individual coping styles and resources available to families of those with epilepsy. Beyond the family and immediate caregivers, epilepsy affects local communities by drawing additional resources from education systems. The direct costs of caring for an individual with epilepsy and the indirect costs associated with decreased productivity place financial strain on individuals and health care systems throughout the world. This review details factors affecting family and caregiver quality of life and provides several approaches through which health care providers may address these concerns. Furthermore, we examine the financial effect of epilepsy on society and review emerging strategies to lessen health care use for individuals with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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16
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García R, Castro P. PACIENTES POLICONSULTANTES EN LOS SERVICIOS DE PEDIATRÍA: TRASTORNOS DE SOMATIZACIÓN Y TRASTORNO FACTICIO POR OTROS (SINDROME DE MÜNCHAUSEN BY PROXY). REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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17
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Marshall EG, Nadeau S, Lawson B, Gibson RJ, Ogah I. Does socio-economic status or having a chronic condition affect whether family physicians accept a new patient? A Nova Scotia population study. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2017; 108:e546-e550. [PMID: 31823282 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.108.5861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether socio-economic status (SES) and presence of a chronic condition are associated with the response a prospective patient receives when seeking a family physician (FP). METHODS Scripted telephone calls (indicating higher or lower SES and presence or absence of a chronic condition) were made to all 327 FP offices in Nova Scotia (NS) requesting an appointment. The main outcome measures were the responses to callers seeking a FP: being accepted for an appointment or being offered further assistance if not accepted (e.g., walk-in clinic, alternative provider, and telehealth), as well as the callers' perception of the experience as positive, negative, or neutral. RESULTS Only 9.9% of offices accepted callers as new patients. There were no statistically significant differences by SES or chronic condition in the proportion of calls resulting in an appointment. Callers indicating high SES were more likely to be provided further assistance than those with low SES (p = 0.06), and callers indicating a chronic condition reported a better overall experience than those without (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION First contact accessibility for prospective new patients was low across NS. Lower SES was associated with fewer offers of additional assistance than higher SES. This is particularly troubling since those with lower SES may need additional support as they may have less access to resources and networks that could provide support. This study signals the need to improve general and equitable accessibility to primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Gard Marshall
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Abbie J. Lane Building, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada.
| | - Sacha Nadeau
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Abbie J. Lane Building, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - Beverly Lawson
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Abbie J. Lane Building, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - Richard J Gibson
- Department of Family Practice, Mumford Professional Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Imhokhai Ogah
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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18
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Bellon ML, Barton C, McCaffrey N, Parker D, Hutchinson C. Seizure-related hospital admissions, readmissions and costs: Comparisons with asthma and diabetes in South Australia. Seizure 2017. [PMID: 28624716 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Seizures are listed as an Ambulatory Care Sensitive Condition (ACSC), where, in some cases, hospitalisation may be avoided with appropriate preventative and early management in primary care. We examined the frequencies, trends and financial costs of first and subsequent seizure-related hospital admissions in the adult and paediatric populations, with comparisons to bronchitis/asthma and diabetes admissions in South Australia between 2012 and 2014. METHODS De-identified hospital separation data from five major public hospitals in metropolitan South Australia were analysed to determine the number of children and adults admitted for the following Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups: seizure related conditions; bronchitis/asthma; and diabetes. Additional data included length of hospital stay and type of admission. Demographic data were analysed to identify whether social determinants influence admission, and a macro costing approach was then applied to calculate the financial costs to the Health Care System. RESULTS The rate of total seizure hospitalizations was 649 per 100,000; lower than bronchitis/asthma (751/100,000), yet higher than diabetes (500/100,000). The highest proportions of subsequent separations were recorded by children with seizures regardless of complexity (47% +CSCC; 17% -CSCC) compared with asthma (11% +CSCC; 14% -CSCC) or diabetes (14% +CSCC; 13% -CSCC), and by adults with seizures with catastrophic or severe complications/comorbidity (25%), compared with diabetes (22%) or asthma (14%). The mean cost per separation in both children and adults was highest for diabetes (AU$4438/$7656), followed by seizures (AU$2408/$5691) and asthma (AU$2084/$3295). CONCLUSIONS Following the lead of well-developed and resourced health promotion initiatives in asthma and diabetes, appropriate primary care, community education and seizure management services (including seizure clinics) should be targeted in an effort to reduce seizure related hospitalisations which may be avoidable, minimise costs to the health budget, and maximise health care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Bellon
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | | | - Nikki McCaffrey
- School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Denise Parker
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Claire Hutchinson
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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19
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Jensen MP, Brunklaus A, Dorris L, Zuberi SM, Knupp KG, Galer BS, Gammaitoni AR. The humanistic and economic burden of Dravet syndrome on caregivers and families: Implications for future research. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 70:104-109. [PMID: 28431364 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the current literature with respect to the humanistic and financial burdens of Dravet Syndrome (DS) on the caregivers of children with DS, in order to (1) identify key unanswered questions or gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed and then, based on these knowledge gaps, (2) propose a research agenda for the scientific community to address in the coming decade. The findings support the conclusion that caring for a child with DS is associated with significant humanistic burden and direct costs. However, due in part to the paucity of studies, as well as the lack of measures of specific burden domains, there remains much that is not known regarding the burden of caregiving for children with DS. To address the significant knowledge gaps in this area, research is needed that will: (1) identify the specific domains of caregivers' lives that are impacted by caring for a child with DS; (2) identify or, if needed, develop measures of caregiving impact in this area; (3) identify the factors that influence DS caregiving burden; (4) develop and evaluate the efficacy of treatments for reducing the negative impact of DS and its comorbidities on DS caregivers; (5) quantify the direct medical costs associated with DS and DS comorbidities and identify the factors that influence these costs; and (6) quantify and fully explore the indirect costs of DS. Research that addresses these goals will provide the empirical foundation needed for improving the quality of life of children with DS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Jensen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Andreas Brunklaus
- The Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Dorris
- The Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- The Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Bradley S Galer
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA
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20
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Puka K, Widjaja E, Smith ML. The influence of patient, caregiver, and family factors on symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 67:45-50. [PMID: 28088680 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the association of caregiver and family factors with symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with medically refractory localization-related epilepsy (i.e., failed at least two epilepsy medications). METHOD Forty-four children (ages 6-11years) and 65 adolescents (ages 12-18years) and their parents participated in this multicentered, observational, cross-sectional study. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the influence of multiple patient, caregiver, and family characteristics on self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in the children and adolescents. RESULTS Among children, depressive symptoms were associated with a lower proportion of life with seizures (β=.344, p=.022), caregiver depression (β=.462, p=.002), poorer family relationships (β=.384, p=.010), and poorer family mastery and social support (β=.337, p=.025); in multivariable analysis, proportion of life with epilepsy and parental depression remained significant. No significant predictors of anxiety were found among children. Among adolescents, depressive symptoms were associated with caregiver unemployment (β=.345, p=.005) and anxiety (β=.359, p=.003), low household income (β=.321, p=.012), poorer family mastery and social support (β=.334, p=.007), and greater family demands (β=.326, p=.008); in multivariable analysis, caregiver unemployment and anxiety remained significant. Greater anxiety symptoms among adolescents were associated with females (β=.320, p=.009) and caregiver depression (β=.246, p=.048) and anxiety (β=.392, p=.001) and poorer family mastery and social support (β=.247, p=.047); in multivariable analysis, female sex and caregiver anxiety remained significant. SIGNIFICANCE These findings highlight the central role of caregiver psychopathology, which is amenable to intervention, on children and adolescents' symptoms of anxiety and depression. Addressing caregiver psychopathology may improve children and adolescents' quality of life even if seizure control is not attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klajdi Puka
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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Camfield C, Camfield P, Smith B. Poor versus rich children with epilepsy have the same clinical course and remission rates but a less favorable social outcome: A population-based study with 25 years of follow-up. Epilepsia 2016; 57:1826-1833. [PMID: 27813062 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of several estimates of family socioeconomic status on the long-term clinical course and social outcomes of children with epilepsy. METHODS The Nova Scotia childhood epilepsy cohort is population based and includes all children in this Canadian province who developed epilepsy between 1977 and 1985. Eligible patients had ≥10 years of follow-up. Children with childhood absence epilepsy were excluded. Total family income at seizure onset was assessed at seizure onset and classified as "poor" (first quintile), "adequate" (second to third quintiles), and "well-off" (fourth to fifth quintiles). We also assessed parental education and home ownership. Social outcome was assessed in those with normal intelligence who were ≥18 years of age at the end of follow-up using a semistructured interview that explored eight adverse effects. RESULTS Of 584 patients, 421 (72%) were included. Average follow-up was 26 ± 5.6 years. Overall 137 families (33%) had "poor" income, 159 (38%) had "adequate income," and 125 (30%) were "well-off." Terminal remission of epilepsy occurred in 65% of the poor, 61% of the adequate, and 61% of the well-off (p = ns). Intractable epilepsy, status epilepticus, number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used, and the number of generalized tonic-clonic or focal with secondary generalization seizures through the clinical course was the same in all groups. Home ownership did not predict remission. Neither paternal nor maternal education was associated with remission. Poor children had significantly more adverse social outcomes including failure to graduate from high school, unemployment, personal poverty, inadvertent pregnancy, and psychiatric diagnoses. SIGNIFICANCE In Nova Scotia with universal health care, coming from a poor or more affluent family does not seem to affect the clinical course or long-term seizure outcome of childhood epilepsy. Unfortunately children from poor families are less likely to have a good social outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Peter Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bruce Smith
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Puka K, Smith ML, Moineddin R, Snead OC, Widjaja E. Health resource utilization varies by comorbidities in children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 57:151-154. [PMID: 26953845 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Comorbidities in adults with epilepsy have been shown to significantly increase health resource utilization (HRU). The current study aimed to determine whether a similar association exists among children with epilepsy in a universal health insurance system. METHODS Health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada were used to evaluate the frequency of neurologist visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. We evaluated the association between HRU and comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), adjusting for age, sex, residence, and socio-economic status. RESULTS The frequency of neurology visits was increased by comorbid depression, ASD, and learning disability (adjusted relative risk [aRR]=1.29-2.07; p<.01). The frequency of ED visits was increased by all comorbidities (aRR=1.26-2.83; p<.0001). The frequency of hospitalizations was increased by comorbid depression, anxiety, ASD, and learning disability (aRR=1.77-7.20; p<.0001). Learning disability had the largest impact on HRU. For each additional comorbidity, the frequency of neurology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations increased by 1.64 to 3.16 times (p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among children with epilepsy, mental health and developmental comorbidities were associated with increased HRU, and different comorbidities influenced different types of HRU. In addition, we highlight the importance of identifying and managing these comorbidities, as they increased the risks of costly HRU such as ED visits and hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klajdi Puka
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rahim Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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