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Leng X, Hu G, Wang X, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Song C, Yang F, Jiang W, Wang Y, Wang X. Risk of COVID-19 infection and seizure exacerbation among patients with epilepsy during the peak of Omicron wave. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1416-1425. [PMID: 38795316 PMCID: PMC11296108 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Existing data regarding the risk of COVID-19 infection and its effects on seizure control in patients with epilepsy (PWE) are inconclusive. Our research aims to investigate the PWE who are susceptible to COVID-19 and what factors contribute to seizure exacerbation. METHODS From Dec 28, 2022 to Feb 19, 2023, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among adult PWE was conducted. The demographics, epilepsy-related information, COVID-19-related variables, and seizure outcomes after COVID-19 infection were collected. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to determine the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection and exacerbated seizures. RESULTS Of 1557 PWE, 829 (53.2%) were infected with COVID-19 and 136 (16.4%) developed seizure exacerbation after COVID-19 infection. Overweight/obesity (OR 1.372, 95% CI 1.075-1.753, p = 0.011), immunocompromised (OR 3.301, 95% CI 1.093-9.974, p = 0.031), active epilepsy (OR 1.700, 95% CI 1.378-2.097, p < 0.001), and antiseizure medication (ASM) polytherapy (OR 1.314, 95% CI 1.065-1.621, p = 0.011) were associated with COVID-19 infection. Active epilepsy (OR 4.696, 95% CI 2.568-8.586, p < 0.001) and fever-associated seizures (OR 4.298, 95%CI 2.659-6.946, p < 0.001) were associated with seizure exacerbation. SIGNIFICANCE PWE with overweight/obesity, immunocompromised, active epilepsy, and ASM polytherapy were at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Once infected with COVID-19, seizures were exacerbated in PWE with active epilepsy and fever-associated seizures. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Patients with epilepsy (PWE) do not appear to be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection than general population. Once infected with COVID-19, 16.4% of PWE had seizure exacerbation. The PWE who have experienced seizures within the past 12 months before infection tend to contract COVID-19 more often, and are more likely to experience seizure exacerbations following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Leng
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Gengyao Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yingchi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yaomin Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Changgeng Song
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Xiaomu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
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Panahi P, Zafardoust H, Mirzohreh ST, Khamnian Z, Alizadeh M. The study of mental health status of people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109834. [PMID: 38852496 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people with epilepsy (PWE) in various ways. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the mental health status and prevalence of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress among PWE. Furthermore, this study evaluates changes in sleep patterns and presence of sleep disturbances among them. The findings of this systematic review can help health organizations, policymakers, and health workers to better prepare and respond to future health crises for PWE and other chronic disease patients. METHOD This systematic review was prepared using PRISMA reporting guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies that reported data on mental health parameters including depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, quality of life, and sleep quality, during the pandemic until May 2023. The analytical procedures were executed through the utilization of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS In our study, a total of 61 carefully selected studies were analyzed, yielding valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of various mental health indicators among PWE. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of PWE experienced distressing psychological symptoms, with depression being reported by 34% of participants. Additionally, anxiety was prevalent among 43% of individuals, while stress symptoms were reported by 49% of respondents. Moreover, a substantial portion of PWE, approximately 38%, reported experiencing poor sleep quality, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by this population. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to address the mental health concerns and sleep disturbances faced by individuals living with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The findings revealed that a substantial number of PWE experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality. These results emphasize the importance of considering mental health and sleep assessments as integral components of care for individuals with epilepsy. The study underscores the need for further research and targeted interventions to address the mental health burden faced by this population. By prioritizing and addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhila Khamnian
- Department of Community Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Alizadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Ayar D, Bektas M, Ünalp A, Yılmaz Ü, Kos FM, Okur TD, Kırkgöz HH, Yanar S. The effect of illness-related fears of parents of children with epilepsy during the COVID-19 period on their children's seizure self-efficacy. Arch Pediatr 2024; 31:326-332. [PMID: 38853083 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2024.02.008] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seizure-related self-efficacy is the belief individuals have that they can perform the necessary actions to cope effectively with their seizures. Determining, developing, strengthening, and maintaining the perception of self-efficacy in children with epilepsy facilitates the child's disease management and their ability to cope with it. This study aimed to assess the impact of epilepsy-related parental fears during the COVID-19 period on the seizure self-efficacy of their children. METHODS A total of 321 children with epilepsy and their parents participated in this descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected through the Descriptive Information Form, the Seizure Self-Efficacy Scale for Children (SSES-C), and the Epilepsy-Related Fears in Parents Questionnaire (EFPQ). Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean scores, were used to analyze the characteristics of the children and their parents. The Shapiro-Wilk test was utilized to assess the normality of the scale data. Pearson correlation analysis examined the relationship between parents' epilepsy-related fears and their children's seizure self-efficacy, while multiple regression analysis determined the effect of parental fears on children's seizure self-efficacy. RESULTS The mean age of children included in the study was 12.65±2.37 years. Analysis revealed a strong and significant negative correlation between parents' epilepsy-related fears during the COVID-19 period and the seizure self-efficacy of their children. In the model created with regression analysis, The mean scores of parents on the short-term fears of parents about epilepsy of the EFPQ explained 85 % of children's seizure self-efficacy. The mean scores of parents on the long-term fears of parents about epilepsy of the EFPQ explained 85 % of children's seizure self-efficacy. It was determined that all of these variables together explained 85 % of the seizure self-efficacy of children with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The findings of the study underscore the importance of addressing parents' fears regarding epilepsy, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of and provide support for these concerns. Future studies should focus on interventions to enhance the seizure self-efficacy of children with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijle Ayar
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Health Science, Pediatric Nursing Department, Alanya, Turkey.
| | - Murat Bektas
- Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Department, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aycan Ünalp
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Izmir Faculty of Medicine, Behçet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Yılmaz
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Izmir Faculty of Medicine, Behçet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fulya Merve Kos
- Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Faculty of Health Science, Bilecik, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Derya Okur
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Behçet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hatice Hilal Kırkgöz
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Behçet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Saliha Yanar
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Behçet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
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Rider F, Hauser WA, Yakovlev A, Shpak A, Guekht A. Incidence, severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in age and gender matched adults with and without epilepsy in Moscow: A historical cohort study. Seizure 2023; 112:32-39. [PMID: 37741151 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that PWE have an increased risk to acquire COVID-19. This was a historical cohort study to determine COVID-19 incidence, severity, mortality and risk factors in adults with active epilepsy (PWE) compared to residents of Moscow without epilepsy matched by age, gender, and region of residence - Moscow Community Comparisons (MCC). METHODS Subjects were derived from a cohort of adult PWE and a cohort of age- and gender-matched population-based MCC without epilepsy identified in 2018. Incidence of COVID-19 was compared in each cohort from 01.03.2020 through 28.02.21. Influence of age, gender, comorbidities, and for the PWE cohort, epilepsy type, seizure frequency, and number/class of antiseizure medications was evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We found 887 COVID-19 positive people in the two cohorts: 156 in PWE (51.8 ± 19.7 years) and 731 in MCC (52.0 ± 17.3 years,). COVID-19 incidence was lower in PWE: 13.8 % versus 18.7 % in MCC (p = 0.0002). In PWE no specific epilepsy related variables influenced incidence. Despite no difference in severity distribution in PWE versus MCC, hospitalization rate (37.6 % versus 25.5 %, p = 0.002), disease duration (57.1 % versus 47.1, p = 0.023), and mortality (10.9% versus 4.2 %, p = 0.0009) were significantly higher in PWE. Age and number of comorbidities significantly influenced COVID-19 incidence, severity, duration, and outcomes in both cohorts. SIGNIFICANCE Incidence of COVID-19 in PWE in Moscow was significantly lower compared to MCC. Age and comorbidities were strongly associated with severity, duration and outcomes of COVID-19 for all infected persons. Higher mortality in PWE may be explained by a higher number of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Rider
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - W Allen Hauser
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Alexander Yakovlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Shpak
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation; The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Zhang N, Niu C, Li P, Du X, Zhao M, Li M, Jing W. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy and epilepsy specialists. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109389. [PMID: 37619465 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the global population experienced changes in diagnosis and treatment patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy (PWE) and epilepsy specialists in China. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated newly diagnosed PWE from January 2018 to January 2022 at Shanxi Bethune Hospital. The clinical characteristics of PWE and the prescription habits of epilepsy specialists were analyzed. We also explored changes in seizure control among PWE as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed the possible causes. RESULTS After excluding 49 PWE who were lost to follow-up, 421 PWE were included in the study. They were divided into a prepandemic group and a pandemic group, with December 2019 as the boundary. By comparing the two groups, we found that the duration between first symptom detection and diagnosis was longer in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group. Epilepsy specialists preferred prescribing the fast-acting antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) in the pandemic group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 49.57% of PWE reported difficulties in accessing their epilepsy healthcare provider, and 26.96% reported that appointments with their providers occurred as usual. A lack of anti-seizure medication (ASM) availability was reported by 32.17% of subjects. An increase in seizure frequency was noted in 25.22% of the PWE during the pandemic. The factors increasing seizure frequency during the pandemic were fear of COVID-19, exacerbation of mental states, sleep deprivation, cancelation of regular medical visits, difficulties accessing epilepsy healthcare providers, and a lack of ASM availability. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic exposed PWE to harmful consequences mainly due to medical shortages and worse life states. During the pandemic, there were delays in the diagnosis of PWE, and doctors' prescription habits changed. We must consider the lessons learned during this period of social restrictions and employ recent technological advances to improve treatment for PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030032, Taiyuan, China; Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
| | - Cailang Niu
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, 030032, Taiyuan, China
| | - Penghong Li
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, 030032, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xueqing Du
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, 030032, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mina Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, 030032, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030032, Taiyuan, China; Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 030032, Taiyuan, China; Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
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Li D, Shi Y, Wang B, Zhou J, Wang X, Huang S, Yang L. Changes in sleep quality of children with epilepsy and anxiety of their caregivers after COVID-19 infection: a case-series report. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1239322. [PMID: 37675391 PMCID: PMC10477778 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1239322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the changes in epileptic seizures and sleep quality in children with epilepsy (CWE) and the changes in anxiety of their caregivers after infection with COVID-19. Methods Outpatients and inpatients of CWEs were selected as subjects and a questionnaire survey was used to carry out this case-series study. The demographic information of the CWEs and their caregivers, information about epilepsy, and information about the vaccination, infection, and treatment of COVID-19 were collected. The changes in sleep quality of CWEs and the changes in anxiety of their caregivers were assessed by the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Caregiver Anxiety Scale (CAS). Risk factors affecting sleep habits in CWEs and caregiver anxiety were further analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results A total of 312 children were included in the study. Among them, 134 patients (42.9%) were female. The average age of the children was 9.30 ± 3.88 years, and the duration of epilepsy was 4.59 ± 3.36 years. A total of 221 of the 312 children were infected with COVID-19, and all the infected children developed fever, which lasted for 1.71 ± 1.13 days. 10 children were satisfied with controlled seizures for more than 1 year and relapsed after COVID-19 infection (4.2%), 4 cases (3.6%) with increased seizures, and 8 children with reduced seizures (7.7%), 17 children (7.7%) had no change in seizures, and 182 children (82.3%) remained seizure-free after the COVID-19 infection. The average sleep time of the CWEs was 9.25 ± 1.04 h and the average total score of the CSHQ was 37.25 ± 5.19, among which 44 cases (14.1%) had more than 41 points. As the result of the CAS, 16 of them (5.13%) scored above 50 and the average total score was 31.49 ± 8.09. The control of seizures, age of onset, types of anti-seizure medicines (ASMs), and seizure duration were risk factors affecting sleep quality. Accordingly, the score of CAS was significantly lower when there was more than one caregiver who cared for the CWE. Conclusions COVID-19 infection did not cause an increase in seizures in CWEs, nor did it worsen their sleep quality of them or aggravate the anxiety of their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yongjing Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shaoping Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Mbizvo GK, Schnier C, Ramsay J, Duncan SE, Chin RF. Epilepsy-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study of routine Scottish data. Seizure 2023; 110:160-168. [PMID: 37393862 PMCID: PMC10257947 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether epilepsy-related deaths increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and if the proportion with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause is different between people experiencing epilepsy-related deaths and those experiencing deaths unrelated to epilepsy. METHODS This was a Scotland-wide, population-based, cross-sectional study of routinely-collected mortality data pertaining to March-August of 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic peak) compared to the corresponding periods in 2015-2019. ICD-10-coded causes of death of deceased people of any age were obtained from a national mortality registry of death certificates in order to identify those experiencing epilepsy-related deaths (coded G40-41), deaths with COVID-19 listed as a cause (coded U07.1-07.2), and deaths unrelated to epilepsy (death without G40-41 coded). The number of epilepsy-related deaths in 2020 were compared to the mean observed through 2015-2019 on an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model (overall, men, women). Proportionate mortality and odds ratios (OR) for deaths with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause were determined for the epilepsy-related deaths compared to deaths unrelated to epilepsy, reporting 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A mean number of 164 epilepsy-related deaths occurred through March-August of 2015-2019 (of which a mean of 71 were in women and 93 in men). There were subsequently 189 epilepsy-related deaths during the pandemic March-August 2020 (89 women, 100 men). This was 25 more epilepsy-related deaths (18 women, 7 men) compared to the mean through 2015-2019. The increase in women was beyond the mean year-to-year variation seen in 2015-2019. Proportionate mortality with COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause was similar between people experiencing epilepsy-related deaths (21/189, 11.1%, CI 7.0-16.5%) and deaths unrelated to epilepsy (3,879/27,428, 14.1%, CI 13.7-14.6%), OR 0.76 (CI 0.48-1.20). Ten of 18 excess epilepsy-related deaths in women had COVID-19 listed as an additional cause. CONCLUSIONS There is little evidence to suggest there have been any major increases in epilepsy-related deaths in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is a common underlying cause of both epilepsy-related and unrelated deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashirai K Mbizvo
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom; Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Christian Schnier
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Ramsay
- Vital Events Statistics, National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E Duncan
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Fm Chin
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Li X, Sun S, Yan C, Liu X. Interaction between COVID-19 and epilepsy during the omicron surge: A cross-sectional survey conducted in China tertiary hospital. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2023; 23:100613. [PMID: 37501889 PMCID: PMC10368756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2023.100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective It is unclear whether patients with epilepsy are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether they experience more severe manifestations of COVID-19, and whether seizures worsen after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study aims to explore these points and provide comprehensive and practical guidance for patients with epilepsy. Methods We designed a questionnaire to collect variables from epilepsy patients. We used the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test to analyze differences between the two groups. Multiple logistic regressions were employed to determine the risk factors for relevant outcome variables. Results We identified a total of 181 patients, with 74% (n = 134) reporting COVID-19. The patients' educational level was found to be a risk factor for COVID-19 (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, P = 0.013). When comparing seizure frequency changes between epilepsy patients with and without COVID-19, no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). However, an increase in seizure frequency was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.005). Conclusion The risk of COVID-19 infection may be increased in patients with epilepsy. COVID-19 infection does not seem to worsen seizures in epilepsy patients. Patients with epilepsy rarely develop more severe clinical manifestations of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with epilepsy who also suffer from anxiety and depression may experience an increase in the frequency of their seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangliang Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sujuan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cuihua Yan
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Tang TR, Wang M, Li H, Yang SC, Zhang CC, Lin WR, Ke XC, Zhang HY, Su J, Zhu SL. Untreated depression and anxiety in patients with common skin diseases: a cross-sectional study in China. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1150998. [PMID: 37260960 PMCID: PMC10227509 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1150998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to analyze the current status and reasons for the neglect of the psychological need of patients with common skin diseases. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in China using an online self-assessment questionnaire distributed via social media. Demographic, clinical and psychological data were collected, and the main outcomes, i.e., depression (evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and anxiety (evaluated using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7). Multivariate regression analysis was used for the prediction of variates of mental health service seeking behaviors. Results A total of 1,010 patients participated in the survey, and 273 (27.0%) patients met the "with need" criteria, i.e., having the need for mental health intervention but not being treated. In the multivariate regression model, income (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.65-0.99), duration of disease (OR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.95) and suicide ideation (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.14-3.87) were significant factors. For patients who did not receive mental health care, the lack of knowledge about the availability of mental health services, lack of knowledge of where to seek help, concerns about the side effects of treatment, failure to seek treatment for severe skin diseases, and absence of current psychological distress were associated with their need for psychological intervention. Conclusion This study examined the current status of the need for psychological intervention and the reasons why the need was unmet in patients with skin diseases. Due to the confusion and a lack of knowledge about their mental health issues, mental health services are often underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Ran Tang
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, Changsha, China
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Li
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Song-Chun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Rui Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Chen Ke
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Han-Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Lin Zhu
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan, Changsha, China
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Dal-Pai J, Dos Santos MP, Donida NDS, Cesarino MR, de Oliveira VHMS, Nunes ML. Health consequences and daily life modifications in children and adolescents with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic - a systematic review: Running Title: Covid-19 Pandemic in Children/Adolescents with Epilepsy. Seizure 2023; 108:102-115. [PMID: 37146514 PMCID: PMC10140054 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health care and daily life of children and adolescents with epilepsy. METHODS This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42021255931). The PECO (Patient, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework criteria were as follows: people with epilepsy (0-18 years old); exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic; and outcomes, including epilepsy type, time of clinical diagnosis, seizure exacerbation, treatment and medications, need for emergency because of seizures, sleep, behavior, comorbidities and/or concerns, social and/or economic impact, insurance status, electronic device use, telemedicine, and distance learning. Literature searches for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted on Embase and PubMed. The methodological quality of identified studies was assessed using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS Data were extracted from 23 eligible out of 597 identified articles and included 31,673 patients. The mean NOS scores for cross-sectional study design was 3.84/10, and for longitudinal, it was 3.5/8 stars. Seizure exacerbations were reported in three studies, difficulties with access to anti-seizure medications in two, changes in dosage in five, and visit postponed or cancelation in five studies. Problems with sleep were highlighted in three, issues related to distance learning in two, an increased time spent on electronic devices in three, and increased behavioral problems in eight studies. Telemedicine, when available, was described as useful and supporting patient's needs. CONCLUSION The pandemic affected the health care and lifestyle of young individuals with epilepsy. The main problems described revolved around seizure control, accessing anti-seizure medication, sleep and behavioral complains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise Dal-Pai
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Michele Paula Dos Santos
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natalie da Silveira Donida
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Matheus Ribeiro Cesarino
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Midões Santana de Oliveira
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Magda Lahorgue Nunes
- Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer / PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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11
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Fang X, Qiao S, Zhang R, Yang T, Wang Z, Kong Q, Sun M, Geng J, Fang C, Chen Y, Sun Y, Zhang D, Qu L, Shang W, Wang J, Liu X. Effects of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on seizures in patients with epilepsy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:571-577. [PMID: 36848187 PMCID: PMC10106124 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002558] [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: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that seizures may be triggered by vaccination, this study aimed to evaluate the risk and correlative factors of seizures in patients with epilepsy (PWE) after being vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled PWE who were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the epilepsy centers of 11 hospitals in China. We divided the PWE into two groups as follows: (1) patients who developed seizures within 14 days of vaccination were assigned to the SAV (with seizures after vaccination) group; (2) patients who were seizure-free within 14 days of vaccination were assigned to the SFAV (seizure-free after vaccination) group. To identify potential risk factors for seizure reccurence, the binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Besides, 67 PWE who had not been vaccinated were also included for elucidating the effects of vaccination on seizures recurrence, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether vaccination would affect the recurrence rate of PWE who had drug reduction or withdrawal. RESULTS The study included a total of 407 patients; of which, 48 (11.8%) developed seizures within 14 days after vaccination (SAV group), whereas 359 (88.2%) remained seizure-free (SFAV group). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of seizure freedom ( P < 0.001) and withdrawal from anti-seizure medications (ASMs) or reduction in their dosage during the peri-vaccination period were significantly associated with the recurrence of seizures (odds ratio = 7.384, 95% confidence interval = 1.732-31.488, P = 0.007). In addition, 32 of 33 patients (97.0%) who were seizure-free for more than three months before vaccination and had a normal electroencephalogram before vaccination did not have any seizures within 14 days of vaccination. A total of 92 (22.6%) patients experienced non-epileptic adverse reactions after vaccination. Binary logistic regression analysis results showed that vaccine did not significantly affect the recurrence rate of PWE who had the behavior of ASMs dose reduction or withdrawal ( P = 0.143). CONCLUSIONS PWE need protection from the COVID-19 vaccine. PWE who are seizure-free for >3 months before vaccination should be vaccinated. Whether the remaining PWE should be vaccinated depends on the local prevalence of COVID-19. Finally, PWE should avoid discontinuing ASMs or reducing their dosage during the peri-vaccination period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqin Fang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Qingxia Kong
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Jining, Shandong 272000, China
| | - Meihua Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 277599, China
| | - Jianhong Geng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261000, China
| | - Chunyan Fang
- Department of Neurology, Zhucheng People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 262200, China
| | - Yanxiu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Yanping Sun
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276000, China
| | - Lixing Qu
- Department of Neurology, Dezhou People's Hospital, Dezhou, Shandong 253000, China
| | - Wei Shang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
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12
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Zhang S, He J, Yang Q, Du Y, Xiao W, Gao J, Li H. Anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic in prisoners who had high risks to suffer from mood disorders: A longitudinal study before and during the COVID‐19. Stress Health 2023; 39:162-168. [PMID: 35730404 PMCID: PMC9350077 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We compared the anxiety levels in prisoners before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and analyzed the causes of the changes in anxiety. The first survey was conducted in October 2019 (T0), and the second was conducted in March 2020 (T1). Generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Insomnia Severity Index scales were selected to assess the quality of emotion and sleep among prisoners (N = 803). Three subjective questions were asked to evaluate prisoners' personal feelings on the COVID-19. Paired Samples T-test, Binary, and Multivariate Logistic Stepwise Regression were used to analyze the data. GAD-7 scores decreased at T1 (p < 0.001). For the prisoners without anxiety at T0 (n = 480), GAD-7's mean value at T1 raised (p < 0.001), whereas the mean value decreased (p < 0.001) for the prisoners with anxiety at T0 (n = 323). For the prisoners without anxiety, shorter years of education (OR = 0.843), COVID-19 (OR = 4.936), severer depression at T1 (OR = 1.683), and severer insomnia at T1 (OR = 1.134) were associated with the new onset of anxiety. For the prisoners with anxiety, anxiety was alleviated in 71.2% and exacerbated in 10.5% at T1. For the alleviators, severer depression at T1 (OR = 0.667) and COVID-19 (OR = 0.258) were associated with anxiety unrelief; severer anxiety at T0 (OR = 1.343) was associated with anxiety alleviation. For the exacerbators, severer anxiety at T0 (OR = 0.517) was associated with anxiety unaggravation; severer depression at T1 (OR = 1.196), COVID-19 (OR = 22.882), and severer depression at T0 (OR = 1.181) were associated with anxiety exacerbation. At the outbreak of COVID-19, prisoners' anxiety was reduced. The main factor was the baseline anxiety levels. That may be related to prison management and the Downward Social Comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jin He
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Qingzhen Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yizhi Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Weixia Xiao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical CollegeXinxiangHenanChina
| | - Jindi Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Hengfen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
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13
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Wang G, Bai L, Zhao M, Wang S. Global landscape of COVID-19 and epilepsy research: A bibliometric analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1034070. [PMID: 36353128 PMCID: PMC9637663 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1034070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of papers regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and epilepsy have been published since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is no bibliometric analysis on these papers. In this study, we aimed to analyze the bibliometric characteristics of these papers, thus identifying the trends and future directions of COVID-19 and epilepsy research. Methods Scientific papers regarding COVID-19 and epilepsy were retrieved through searches of the Web of Science Core Collection database. Title, authors, contributing institute, country, source journal, times cited, and additional information were extracted from each selected paper. Microsoft Excel 2019 and GraphPad Prism 8 were used to analyze the extracted data and export the bar charts and tables whilst VOSviewer software was used to perform and visualize co-authorship analysis and co-occurrence analysis of keywords. Results A total of 317 papers regarding COVID-19 and epilepsy were included in the final analysis. Epilepsy & Behavior published the largest number of papers (n = 84). J. Helen Cross and Naoto Kuroda were the most prolific authors (n = 13 each). The United States (n = 88) and the University of London (n = 23) were the country and organization with the most contributions, respectively. The strongest authors' collaborations were between Giovanni Assenza and Jacopo Lanzone and between J. Helen Cross and Nathalie Jette. Selected author keywords were organized into seven clusters, and the keywords in clusters 1 and cluster 4 had the largest average appearing year of any clusters. Conclusion This is the first bibliometric analysis of papers regarding COVID-19 and epilepsy. Our results showed that the United States was the leading country whilst J. Helen Cross was the most influential scholar in COVID-19 and epilepsy research. psychological consequences of COVID-19, and the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people with epilepsy, are possible areas for future research on COVID-19 and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxin Wang
- Shandong Innovation Center of Intelligent Diagnosis, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pediatics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Lian Bai
- General Medical Department, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingxue Zhao
- Shandong Innovation Center of Intelligent Diagnosis, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pediatics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shumei Wang
- General Medical Department, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Shumei Wang
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14
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Shah U, Rajeshree S, Ravat P, Kalika M, Mehta S, Sapre A, Ravat SH. Challenges for low middle-income people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learnt, call for action. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:665-673. [PMID: 36005396 PMCID: PMC9538458 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12646] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the care of people with epilepsy (PWE). Several online surveys were conducted but there is limited data regarding the impact on low-income PWE from lower-middle income countries (LMICs) who have no access or ability to answer online surveys. The purpose of this interview was to understand the challenges faced by low-income PWE during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. METHOD PWE visiting the epilepsy specialty outpatient department of a tertiary referral government hospital to avail of subsidized services were interviewed. In the interview, they discussed challenges in obtaining medical care, the impact on wellbeing, employment, and vaccination status during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. RESULTS Out of the 214 PWE interviewed, 20.6% had increased seizure frequency, 28.9% did not have access to medication mainly due to travel restrictions, 30.5% reported lack of availability of medication and 50% were not able to afford the medication mainly due to loss of income. 51% were unable to have follow-up consultations. 36% reported worsening of mood and some reported impact on other aspects of wellbeing. The impact on wellbeing was significantly associated with an increase in seizure frequency (P < .05). The study revealed hesitation related to vaccines in the majority and expectations of financial support by the government and assistance for procuring medication. There was a lack of awareness about telemedicine services and the same was not adequately offered by government hospitals. SIGNIFICANCE The study underscores the need to learn lessons from the challenging experiences of low-income PWE and create an action plan for the future to address the issues of lack of affordability of medical care and access to telemedicine. It is critical that the care of the marginalized, underrepresented PWE from lower-middle income countries is not neglected during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvashi Shah
- Department of NeurologySeth GSMC and KEM HospitalMumbaiIndia
| | | | - Parthvi Ravat
- Department of NeurologySeth GSMC and KEM HospitalMumbaiIndia
| | - Mayuri Kalika
- Department of NeurologySeth GSMC and KEM HospitalMumbaiIndia
| | - Saloni Mehta
- Department of NeurologySeth GSMC and KEM HospitalMumbaiIndia
| | - Antara Sapre
- Department of NeurologySeth GSMC and KEM HospitalMumbaiIndia
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15
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Chan CCH, Choi C, Lui WT, Ip B, Ma K, Ma SH, Fan FSY, Au L, Lau A, Chan A, Ip V, Soo Y, Leung T, Mok V, Leung H. A cross-sectional study of COVID-19 vaccination patterns among patients with epilepsy in Hong Kong. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:570-577. [PMID: 35867810 PMCID: PMC9349844 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As Hong Kong faced the 5th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facilitators and hurdles toward effective vaccination is important for healthcare professionals to understand the vaccination gap among patients with epilepsy. METHODS A cross-sectional, pragmatic study of COVID-19 vaccination was performed at a tertiary epilepsy center with regards to patterns of vaccination and any unusually high rate of adverse events. Patients having recent visits at the epilepsy center (4 months) had their anonymized electronic linkage records examined 12 months after the inception of vaccination program for types of vaccines, seizure demographics, and adverse events following immunization (AEFI). RESULTS A total of 200 patients with epilepsy and their anonymized data were analyzed. The vaccine uptake was approximately 60% of that of the general population. Twice as many patients with epilepsy chose to receive mRNA vaccine as compared with inactivated vaccine. The proportion of patients who kept up-to-date with all available dosing was 7%. Patients with epilepsy with genetic etiology were least likely to receive vaccination (13/38, 34%, P = .02). There was no unreasonably high rate of unacceptable side effects after vaccination among patients with epilepsy. Only 3 patients reported worsening of seizures without meeting the criteria for AEFI. Refractory epilepsy, allergy to antiseizure medications and elder age (≥65) did not confer any significant difference in vaccination patterns or adverse effects. SIGNIFICANCE A vaccination gap exists among epilepsy patients which calls for actionable strategies for improving vaccine uptake, including education and outreach programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie CH Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chun‐Ho Choi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Wai Ting Lui
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Bonaventure Ip
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Karen KY Ma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Sze Ho Ma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Florence SY Fan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Lisa Au
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Alexander Lau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Anne YY Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Vincent Ip
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Yannie Soo
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Thomas Leung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Vincent Mok
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Howan Leung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina,Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsPrince of Wales HospitalHong Kong SARChina
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16
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Kuroda N, Gajera PK, Yu H, Kubota T. Seizure Control in Patients with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Intern Med 2022; 61:2287-2293. [PMID: 35650127 PMCID: PMC9424088 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9321-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, and the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Studies that reported seizure control in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of patients with epilepsy who experienced seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of the assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed, excluding studies with reports of seizures worsening from caregivers. Results A total of 24 studies with 6,492 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of seizure worsening was 18.5% (95% CI: 13.9-23.6; I2=96%; p<0.01). The pooled proportion of seizure worsening in the subgroup analysis was 18.9% (95% CI: 13.5-25.0; I2=96%; p<0.01). Conclusion Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of seizure worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians should be aware of the likelihood of worsening seizures in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, USA
- Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | - Hongxuyang Yu
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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17
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Muccioli L, Zenesini C, Taruffi L, Licchetta L, Mostacci B, Di Vito L, Pasini E, Volpi L, Riguzzi P, Ferri L, Baccari F, Nonino F, Michelucci R, Tinuper P, Vignatelli L, Bisulli F. Risk of hospitalization and death for COVID-19 in persons with epilepsy over a 20-month period: the EpiLink Bologna cohort, Italy. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2279-2289. [PMID: 35778963 PMCID: PMC9349826 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective Data on COVID‐19 outcomes in persons with epilepsy (PWE) are scarce and inconclusive. We aimed to study the risk of hospitalization and death for COVID‐19 in a large cohort of PWE from March 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021. Methods The historical cohort design (EpiLink Bologna) compared adult PWE grouped into people with focal epilepsy (PFE), idiopathic generalized epilepsy (PIGE), and developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy (PDEE), and a population cohort matched (ratio 1:10) for age, sex, residence, and comorbidity (assessed with the multisource comorbidity score), living in the local health trust of Bologna (approximately 800 000 residents). Clinical data were linked to health administrative data. Results In both cohorts (EpiLink: n = 1575 subjects, 1128 PFE, 267 PIGE, 148 PDEE, 32 other; controls: n = 15 326 subjects), 52% were females, and the mean age was 50 years (SD = 18). Hospital admissions for COVID‐19 in the whole period were 49 (3.1%) in PWE and 225 (1.5%) in controls. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) in PWE was 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–2.7). The subgroups at higher risk were PFE (aHR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3–2.8) and PDEE (aHR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.7–8.7), whereas PIGE had a risk comparable to the controls (aHR = 1.1, 95% CI = .3–3.5). Stratified analyses of the two main epidemic waves (March–May 2020, October 2020–May 2021) disclosed a higher risk of COVID‐19‐related hospitalization during the first epidemic wave (March–May 2020; aHR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.2–6.7). Polytherapy with antiseizure medications contributed to a higher risk of hospital admission. Thirty‐day risk of death after hospitalization was 14% in both PWE and controls. Significance During the first 20 months since the outbreak of COVID‐19 in Bologna, PWE had a doubled risk of COVID‐19 hospital admission compared to a matched control population. Conversely, epilepsy did not represent a risk factor for COVID‐19‐related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Muccioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lisa Taruffi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Licchetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Mostacci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lidia Di Vito
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Pasini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lilia Volpi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Riguzzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flavia Baccari
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Vignatelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Fernández SF, Pérez Sánchez JR, Pérez GH, Pérez MR, Castro CG, García-Azorín D, Ezpeleta D. Seizures and COVID-19: Results from the Spanish Society of Neurology's COVID-19 registry. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 101:112-117. [PMID: 35594831 PMCID: PMC9108087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We describea series of patients with COVID-19 who presented with seizures, reported in the Spanish Society of Neurology's COVID-19 Registry. This observational, descriptive,multicentre, registry-based study includes patients with confirmed COVID-19 who experienced seizures during active infection.Wedescribe theclinicalpresentation of COVID-19,seizures,and resultsof complementary tests.Wealsodescribe the suspectedaetiologyof the seizures. Of 232 reported cases, 26 (11.2%) presented with seizures;7 of these patients (26.9%) had prior history of epilepsy, whereas the remaining 19 (73.1%) had no history of seizures.In most cases, seizures presented on days 0 and 7 after onset of COVID-19. By seizure type, 8 patients (30.7%) presentedgeneralised tonic-clonic seizures, 7 (26.9%) status epilepticus, 8 (30.7%) focal impaired-awareness seizures, and 4 (11.7%) secondary generalised seizures.Six patients (23.1%) also presented other neurological symptoms, includingaltered mental status and decreased level of consciousness. Predisposing factors for seizures (eg, dementia, tumour, cerebrovascular disease) were observed in 10 of the 19 patients with no prior history of epilepsy (52.6%). Patients with COVID-19 may present with seizures over the course of the disease,either alone or in the context of encephalopathy.Seizures may present in patients with no prior history of epilepsy; however, most of these patients present predisposing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guillermo Hernández Pérez
- HospitalUniversitari de Bellvitge, L' Hospitalet de Llobregat, C/ de la FeixaLlarga, s/n, 08907 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Rabasa Pérez
- Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Camino del Molino, 2, 28942 Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David García-Azorín
- Hospital Clínico Universitario, Paseo de Zorrilla, 1, 47007 Valladolid, Spain
| | - David Ezpeleta
- Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, c/ Diego de Velázquez, 1, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Relevamiento sobre la atención médica en pacientes con epilepsia durante la pandemia del coronavirus. NEUROLOGÍA ARGENTINA 2022. [PMCID: PMC9197955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuarg.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introducción La pandemia por el coronavirus 2019 significó un gran desafío para el sistema de salud. La demanda de camas de internación y de recursos destinados al tratamiento del coronavirus ha obligado al servicio sanitario a reorganizarse y al gobierno nacional a implementar estrictas medidas para disminuir la tasa de contagios. Objetivo El objetivo del trabajo se centró en determinar si se vio afectada la atención y el acceso a la medicación de los pacientes con epilepsia durante la cuarentena obligatoria. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal en 2 centros médicos de salud, uno público y otro privado, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se diseñó una encuesta en la plataforma Google Forms que se envió por correo electrónico entre abril y junio de 2020 a los pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia de ambas instituciones. Se incluyeron preguntas sobre características demográficas, vías de acceso al sistema de salud y cambios en la frecuencia de crisis comiciales. Resultados Se contactó a 488 pacientes, obteniendo una respuesta del 50,8%. Con respecto a la cobertura médica el 36,5% de los pacientes no contaban con ninguna. El 49,1% tuvo dificultades en el acceso a la medicación. El 29,7% de los pacientes contactados refirió aumento de frecuencia de crisis. Los métodos de contacto más utilizados con el sistema de salud fueron el correo electrónico (35%) y la vía telefónica (15,4%). El 59,6% obtuvo sus recetas por métodos alternativos al presencial, en tanto que el 13% refirió no tener acceso a ellas. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados reflejan la importancia de incorporar vías alternativas de comunicación ante situaciones especiales para garantizar la atención y el tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas.
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Karakas C, Ward R, Hegazy M, Skrehot H, Haneef Z. Seizure control during the COVID-19 pandemic: Correlating Responsive Neurostimulation System data with patient reports. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 139:106-113. [PMID: 35598434 PMCID: PMC9090858 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective To understand the impact of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on seizure frequency in persons with epilepsy with a Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) system implanted. Methods Weekly long episode counts (LEC) were used as a proxy for seizures for six months pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 period. Telephone surveys and chart reviews were conducted to assess patient mental health during the pandemic. The change in LEC between the two time periods was correlated to reported stressors. Results Twenty patients were included. Comparing the pre-COVID-19 period to the COVID-19 period, we found that only 5 (25%) patients had increased seizures, which was positively correlated with change in anti-seizure medications (ASM, p = 0.03) and bitemporal seizures (p = 0.03). Increased seizures were not correlated to anxiety (p = 1.00), depression (p = 0.58), and sleep disturbances (p = 1.00). The correlation between RNS-detected and patient-reported seizures was poor (p = 0.32). Conclusions Most of our patients did not have an increase in seizures following the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in ASM and bitemporal seizures were positively correlated to increased LEC. There was no correlation between pandemic-related stress and seizures in those found to have increased seizures. Significance This is the first study correlating RNS-derived objective LECs with patient self-reports and potential seizure risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Karakas
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Norton Children's Medical Group, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Ryan Ward
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mohamed Hegazy
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Henry Skrehot
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zulfi Haneef
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Neurology Care Line, VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kuroda N, Kubota T, Horinouchi T, Ikegaya N, Kitazawa Y, Kodama S, Kuramochi I, Matsubara T, Nagino N, Neshige S, Soga T, Takayama Y, Sone D. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on epilepsy care in Japan: A national-level multicenter retrospective cohort study. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:431-441. [PMID: 35633311 PMCID: PMC9348370 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on epilepsy care across Japan was investigated by conducting a multicenter retrospective cohort study. METHODS This study included monthly data on the frequency of (1) visits by outpatients with epilepsy, (2) outpatient electroencephalography (EEG) studies, (3) telemedicine for epilepsy, (4) admissions for epilepsy, (5) EEG monitoring, and (6) epilepsy surgery in epilepsy centers and clinics across Japan between January 2019 and December 2020. We defined the primary outcome as epilepsy-center-specific monthly data divided by the 12-month average in 2019 for each facility. We determined whether the COVID-19 pandemic-related factors (such as year [2019 or 2020], COVID-19 cases in each prefecture in the previous month, and the state of emergency) were independently associated with these outcomes. RESULTS In 2020, the frequency of outpatient EEG studies (-10.7%, p<0.001) and cases with telemedicine (+2,608%, p=0.031) were affected. The number of COVID-19 cases was an independent associated factor for epilepsy admission (-3.75*10-3 % per case, p<0.001) and EEG monitoring (-3.81*10-3 % per case, p = 0.004). Further, the state of emergency was an independent factor associated with outpatient with epilepsy (-11.9%, p<0.001), outpatient EEG (-32.3%, p<0.001), telemedicine for epilepsy (+12,915%, p<0.001), epilepsy admissions (-35.3%; p<0.001), EEG monitoring (-24.7%: p<0.001), and epilepsy surgery (-50.3%, p<0.001). SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrated the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on epilepsy care. These results support those of previous studies and clarify the effect size of each pandemic-related factor on epilepsy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State UniversityDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Toru Horinouchi
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurologyHokkaido University Graduate School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Naoki Ikegaya
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of MedicineYokohama City UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Yu Kitazawa
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Neurology and Stroke MedicineYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Satoshi Kodama
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Izumi Kuramochi
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Teppei Matsubara
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalCharlestownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Naoto Nagino
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Epilepsy Center, TMG Asaka Medical CenterSaitamaJapan
| | - Shuichiro Neshige
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima UniversityGraduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshimaJapan
| | - Temma Soga
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of EpileptologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineMiyagiJapan
| | - Yutaro Takayama
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Center HospitalNational Center of Neurology and PsychiatryTokyoJapan
| | - Daichi Sone
- Japan Young Epilepsy Section (YES‐Japan)TokyoJapan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
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22
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Epilepsy and COVID 2021. Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:398-403. [DOI: 10.1177/15357597221101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) has infected over 400 million people worldwide. Although COVID-19 causes predominantly respiratory symptoms, it can affect other organs including the brain, producing neurological symptoms. People with epilepsy (PWE) have been particularly impacted during the pandemic with decreased access to care, increased stress, and worsening seizures in up to 22% of them probably due to multiple factors. COVID-19 vaccines were produced in a record short time and have yielded outstanding protection with very rare serious side effects. Studies have found that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase seizures in the majority of PWE. COVID-19 does not produce a pathognomonic EEG or seizure phenotype, but rather 1 that can be seen in other types of encephalopathy. COVID-19 infection and its complications can lead to seizures, status epilepticus and post-COVID inflammatory syndrome with potential multi-organ damage in people without pre-existing epilepsy. The lack of access to care during the pandemic has forced patients and doctors to rapidly implement telemedicine. The use of phone videos and smart telemedicine are helping to treat patients during this pandemic and are becoming standard of care. Investment in infrastructure is important to make sure patients can have access to care even during a pandemic.
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Assenza G, Ricci L, Lanzone J, Boscarino M, Vico C, Narducci F, Sancetta B, Di Lazzaro V, Tombini M. Understanding and managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on patients with epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:145-153. [PMID: 35098850 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2031984] [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
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represented a relevant issue for people with epilepsy (PwE). Medical care and social restrictions exposed PwE to a high risk of seizure worsening. Medical institutions answered to the pandemic assuring only emergency care and implementing a remote assistance that highlighted the technological obsolescence of the medical care paradigms for PwE. AREA COVERED We reviewed the literature on the COVID-19-related factors influencing the epilepsy course, from the evidence of seizure risk in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected PwE to anti-Sars-Cov-2 drugs interactions with antiseizure medications and the perceived changes of seizures in PwE. EXPERT OPINION COVID-19 pandemic was a problematic experience for PwE. We must make treasure of the lessons learned during this period of social restrictions and employ the recent technological advances to improve PwE assistance, in particular telemedicine and electronic media for patients' education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Assenza
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ricci
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lanzone
- Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Neuroscience, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Boscarino
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Vico
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Narducci
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio Sancetta
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Tombini
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
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Pellinen J, Holmes MG. Evaluation and Treatment of Seizures and Epilepsy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:11-17. [PMID: 35080752 PMCID: PMC8790547 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Seizures, including status epilepticus, have been reported in association with acute COVID-19 infection. People with epilepsy (PWE) have suffered from seizure exacerbations during the pandemic. This article reviews the data for clinical and electrographic seizures associated with COVID-19, technical EEG considerations for reducing risk of transmission, and factors contributing to seizure exacerbations in PWE as well as strategies to address this issue. Recent Findings An increasing number of studies of larger cohorts, accounting for a variety of variables and often utilizing EEG with standardized terminology, are assessing the prevalence of seizures in hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 infections, and gaining insight into the prevalence of seizures and their effect on outcomes. Additionally, recent studies are evaluating the effect of the pandemic on PWE, barriers faced, and the usefulness of telehealth. Summary Although there is still much to learn regarding COVID-19, current studies help in assessing the risk of seizures, guiding EEG utilization, and optimizing the use of telehealth during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Pellinen
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Manisha Gupte Holmes
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY USA
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25
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Kikuchi K, Hamano SI, Horiguchi A, Nonoyama H, Hirata Y, Matsuura R, Koichihara R, Oka A, Hirano D. Telemedicine in epilepsy management during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14972. [PMID: 34460985 PMCID: PMC8661659 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine has spread rapidly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and shown its usefulness, particularly for patients with epilepsy, compared to face-to-face visits. We sought to evaluate the clinical features of patients with childhood onset epilepsy associated with consultations by telephone call during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients with childhood onset epilepsy who visited an outpatient clinic in Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan, from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020. To find the clinical features of patients who utilized telemedicine consultation (by telephone call), we divided the patients into the telemedicine group and the face-to-face group. We then reviewed the clinical features. Telemedicine consultation was not implemented for new patients. RESULTS We enrolled 776 outpatients in total, and 294 patients (37.9%) utilized telemedicine consultations. The total number of visits was 2,299 and the total number of telemedicine consultations was 373 (16.2%). No clinical feature was associated with telemedicine consultations except for age at onset of epilepsy. The number of oral antiepileptic drugs prescriptions decreased in 23 of 776 (3.0%) of the patients who did not experience seizure deterioration, including status epilepticus, or who visited the emergency room. CONCLUSION Telemedicine consultations were successfully utilized for epilepsy treatment at our outpatient clinic, regardless of epilepsy type, etiology, seizure frequency, comorbidities, and patients' residential areas. Thus, telemedicine by telephone call may be a useful resource in the management of patients with childhood onset epilepsy during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Kikuchi
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hamano
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ayumi Horiguchi
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hazuki Nonoyama
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Hirata
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ryuki Matsuura
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Reiko Koichihara
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Oka
- Division of Neurology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daishi Hirano
- Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Kwok S, Engle J, Datta AN. Resilience of adolescents and teenagers with self-limited and genetic-generalized epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 17:100520. [PMID: 34977525 PMCID: PMC8709791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There were no significant differences in anxiety and depression before and during the pandemic. Overall, there was no reported change in seizure frequency during the pandemic. On the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale, only 6% were in the dysfunctional range. A subgroup experienced pandemic-related disruptive changes. Some disruptive changes may be related to modifiable factors, such as sleep and exercise.
Introduction The study-objective was to determine the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with self-limited and genetic-generalized epilepsy. Methods Patients completed the Children’s Depression Inventory-2 (CDI-2) and Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children 2nd Edition (MASC-2) questionnaires before and during the pandemic. Via tele-visits, a pandemic-lifestyle survey and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) was administered. Results Fifty subjects with a mean (SD) age of 14.44 (2.97) years and 4.85 (2.97) years of epilepsy were included. Overall, mood (62%), anxiety (61%), sleep (68%) and seizure frequency (88%) were unchanged/improved during the pandemic. There was no significant difference in pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 CDI-2 and MASC-2 total T-scores. In 24% with a worsening CDI-2 total T-score, associations included higher total OCS score (p = 0.001), poor sleep (p = 0.013) and pre-existing psychiatric history (p = 0.0450). In 28% with a worsening MASC-2 total T-score, associations included less exercise during the pandemic (p = 0.028) and lower maternal education history (p = 0.022). On OCS, 6% were in the dysfunctional range. Conclusions This cohort demonstrated emotional resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, screening is important, as a subgroup experienced disruptive changes, possibly related to modifiable factors, such as sleep and exercise. Lay summary To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with epilepsy (CWE), 50 CWE completed a pandemic-lifestyle survey. Questionnaires for anxiety and depression completed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also compared. Overall, there was no worsening of seizures, anxiety, or depression during the pandemic. During the pandemic, 24% had more depressive symptoms (associations: poor sleep and psychiatric history) and 28% had more anxiety (associations: less exercise and lower maternal education).This cohort showed emotional resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular screening is important, as some CWE experienced disruptive changes, related to modifiable-factors, such as sleep and exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kwok
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Engle
- Department of Psychology, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anita N Datta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Neshige S, Aoki S, Takebayashi Y, Shishido T, Yamazaki Y, Iida K, Maruyama H. A longitudinal seizure outcome following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021: Transient exacerbation or sustainable mitigation. J Neurol Sci 2021; 434:120100. [PMID: 34952346 PMCID: PMC8689575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective To study the longitudinal seizure outcomes of people with epilepsy (PWE) following the acute and chronic phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods Consecutive PWE who were treated at the epilepsy center of Hiroshima University Hospital between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. We evaluated the incidence of seizure frequency increase or decrease following the pandemic during observational periods in 2020 and 2021. Data between 2018 and 2019 were used as a control set. The sustainability of the altered seizure frequency condition was evaluated throughout the study period. We analyzed the clinical, psychological, and social factors associated with PWE with seizure exacerbation or amelioration. Results Among the 223 PWE who were evaluated (mean age 37.8 ± 16.3 years), seizure frequency increased for 40 (16.8%) and decreased for 34 (15.2%) after the pandemic began. While seizure exacerbation tended to be a transient episode during 2020, seizure amelioration was likely to maintain excellent status over the observation periods; the sustainability of the altered seizure frequency condition was more prominent for amelioration than exacerbation (p < 0.001). Seizure exacerbation was significantly associated with “no housemate” (odds ratio [OR] 3.37; p = 0.045) and “comorbidity of insomnia” (OR 5.80; p = 0.004). Conversely, “structural abnormality of MRI” (OR 2.57; p = 0.039) and “two-generation householding” (OR 3.70; p = 0.004) were independently associated with seizure amelioration. Conclusion This longitudinal observation confirmed that seizure exacerbation and amelioration emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the stark difference that social support systems can make on outcomes for PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichiro Neshige
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan; Epilepsy Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan.
| | - Shiro Aoki
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Takebayashi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Takeo Shishido
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Yu Yamazaki
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Koji Iida
- Epilepsy Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Maruyama
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Japan; Epilepsy Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
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Antonazzo IC, Fornari C, Maumus-Robert S, Cei E, Paoletti O, Conti S, Cortesi PA, Mantovani LG, Gini R, Mazzaglia G. Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown, during the Two Waves, on Drug Use and Emergency Department Access in People with Epilepsy: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413253. [PMID: 34948862 PMCID: PMC8701966 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy implemented two national lockdowns aimed at reducing virus transmission. We assessed whether these lockdowns affected anti-seizure medication (ASM) use and epilepsy-related access to emergency departments (ED) in the general population. METHODS We performed a population-based study using the healthcare administrative database of Tuscany. We defined the weekly time series of prevalence and incidence of ASM, along with the incidence of epilepsy-related ED access from 1 January 2018 to 27 December 2020 in the general population. An interrupted time-series analysis was used to assess the effect of lockdowns on the observed outcomes. RESULTS Compared to pre-lockdown, we observed a relevant reduction of ASM incidence (0.65; 95% Confidence Intervals: 0.59-0.72) and ED access (0.72; 0.64-0.82), and a slight decrease of ASM prevalence (0.95; 0.94-0.96). During the post-lockdown the ASM incidence reported higher values compared to pre-lockdown, whereas ASM prevalence and ED access remained lower. Results also indicate a lower impact of the second lockdown for both ASM prevalence (0.97; 0.96-0.98) and incidence (0.89; 0.80-0.99). CONCLUSION The lockdowns implemented during the COVID-19 outbreaks significantly affected ASM use and epilepsy-related ED access. The potential consequences of these phenomenon are still unknown, although an increased incidence of epilepsy-related symptoms after the first lockdown has been observed. These findings emphasize the need of ensuring continuous care of epileptic patients in stressful conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippazio Cosimo Antonazzo
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Carla Fornari
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandy Maumus-Robert
- Team Pharmacoepidemiology, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm U1219, University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Eleonora Cei
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Olga Paoletti
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Agency for Healthcare Services of Tuscany, 50141 Florence, Italy; (O.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Sara Conti
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paolo Angelo Cortesi
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
- Value-Based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - Rosa Gini
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Agency for Healthcare Services of Tuscany, 50141 Florence, Italy; (O.P.); (R.G.)
| | - Giampiero Mazzaglia
- Research Centre on Public Health (CESP), University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (I.C.A.); (E.C.); (S.C.); (P.A.C.); (L.G.M.); (G.M.)
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Li P, Lin J, Wu C, Huang S, Zhu S. The impact of social factors, especially psychological worries on anxiety and depression in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108376. [PMID: 34775247 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108376] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social factors are believed to affect mental health in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, there is still a lack of sufficient manifest proof, given the difficulty of exposing PWE to relatively consistent natural social environments with a low or high level of social interaction to study their significant role. METHODS This single-center, longitudinal study was conducted via online questionnaires during the coronavirus disease 2019. PWE were recruited from downtown Wuhan and surrounding areas. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to assess psychological status. RESULTS We analyzed 588 questionnaires completed by 294 PWE who participated in the dual survey. Under lockdown and reopening, the prevalence of anxiety was 13.6%/22.5%, and the prevalence of depression was 19.4%/34.0%. Raising children and seizure-related characteristics, including uncontrolled seizures, seizure exacerbation, seizure frequency ≥ 2/m, and changes in drug regimen, were risk factors in the first and second surveys. A high education level (OR = 1.946, 95% CI = 1.191-3.182), low life satisfaction (OR = 1.940, 95% CI = 1.007-3.737), worry about unanticipated seizures (OR = 2.147, 95% CI = 1.049-4.309), and worry about purchasing medication outside (OR = 2.063, 95% CI = 1.060-4.016) were risk factors for higher scores after reopening. Worry about unanticipated seizures (OR = 3.012, 95% CI = 1.302-6.965) and in-person medical consultation (OR = 2.319, 95% CI = 1.262-4.261) were related to newly diagnosed patients with psychological disorder after reopening. CONCLUSIONS We identified an association between social variables and epileptic psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahe Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunmei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China.
| | - Suiqiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, China.
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COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in people with epilepsy: A nation-wide multicenter study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108379. [PMID: 34731719 PMCID: PMC9759834 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence, severity, and mortality of COVID-19 in people with epilepsy (PWE) and evaluate seizure control in PWE during and after COVID-19. METHODS Retrospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 14 hospitals. Medical records of randomly selected PWE followed at neurology outpatient clinics were reviewed. Proportion of PWE with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 during 2020 was calculated. Risk factors associated with COVID-19 and its morbimortality were evaluated. RESULTS 2751 PWE were included, mean age 48.8 years (18-99), 72.4% had focal epilepsy, and 35% were drug-refractory. COVID-19 prevalence in PWE was 5.53%, while in the Spanish population was 4.26%. Proportion of admissions to hospital, ICU, and deaths in PWE were 17.1%, 2%, and 4.61% of COVID-19 cases, while in Spanish population were 10.81%, 0.95%, and 2.57%, respectively. A severe form of COVID-19 occurred in 11.8%; dyslipidemia, institutionalization at long-term care facilities, intellectual disability, and older age were associated risk factors. Older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiac disease, and institutionalization were associated with mortality from COVID-19. Seizure control was stable in 90.1% of PWE during acute COVID-19, while 8.6% reported an increase in seizure frequency. During post-COVID-19 follow-up, 4.6% reported seizure control worsening. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 was moderately prevalent in PWE. One out of 5 patients required medical attention and 4.6% died due to COVID-19. Older age, dyslipidemia, institutionalization, and intellectual disability were significant risk factors associated with severe COVID-19. Seizure control remained stable during COVID-19 and throughout long-term follow-up in most PWE who contracted the infection.
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Tashakori-Miyanroudi M, Souresrafil A, Hashemi P, Jafar Ehsanzadeh S, Farrahizadeh M, Behroozi Z. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in patients with epilepsy during COVID-19: A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108410. [PMID: 34781062 PMCID: PMC8586733 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 pandemic disease has profound consequences for physical and mental health. In this regard, health care for chronic diseases, especially epilepsy is neglected The purpose of this systematic review study was to investigate the epidemic effect of COVID-19 on increasing the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders in people with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Web of science, Scopus, and Psych info databases for studies that estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in PWE during the COVID-19 until December 2020. Inclusion criteria included samples of population, with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy. RESULTS Irrespective of PWE or people without epilepsy (PWOE), all experienced stress and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the studies showed that PWE and even PWOE during the pandemic, suffer from depression. The highest rate of depression was attributed to female PWE with financial problems (66.7%) and the lowest rate of depression in PWE was reported in 8.6%. 7.1-71.2% and 28.2% of patients reported sleep disorders and insomnia, respectively. Less than 2% experienced a sleep improvement. LIMITATIONS Due to a large amount of heterogeneities across the results, we could not evaluate the exact rate of prevalence in spite of using effective measures. CONCLUSIONS People with epilepsy were considered as a susceptible group to the impact of the pandemic. Therefore, great attention should be paid to PWE and adequate psychological supports provided in this period to relieve or inhibit risks to mental health in PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aghdas Souresrafil
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Hashemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Jafar Ehsanzadeh
- English Language Department, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Farrahizadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behroozi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Siahaan YMT, Ketaren RJ, Hartoyo V, Hariyanto TI. Epilepsy and the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108437. [PMID: 34839246 PMCID: PMC8590948 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with epilepsy experience seizures, which have been reported to increase and worsen during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the association between epilepsy and COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze whether patients with epilepsy have an increased risk of having poor COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS We comprehensively evaluated potential articles extracted from the medRxiv, Europe PMC, and PubMed databases until June 30, 2021, using selected keywords. All published studies on epilepsy and COVID-19 were selected. We used the Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS Thirteen studies with 67,131 patients with COVID-19 were included in the analysis. Evaluation of the collated data revealed an association between epilepsy and increased severity of COVID-19 (OR, 1.69; 95%CI: 1.11-2.59; p = 0.010; I2 = 29%; random-effect modeling) and mortality from COVID-19 (OR, 1.71; 95%CI: 1.14-2.56; p = 0.010; I2 = 53%; random-effect modeling). The results also showed that the association between epilepsy and increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 is influenced by sex and neurodegenerative disease. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that patients with epilepsy are at risk of having poor COVID-19 outcomes. Patients with epilepsy need special attention and should be prioritized for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Registration details: PROSPERO (CRD42021264979).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusak Mangara Tua Siahaan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang 15811, Indonesia
| | - Retno Jayantri Ketaren
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang 15811, Indonesia
| | - Vinson Hartoyo
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Karawaci, Tangerang 15811, Indonesia
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Menon S, Sander JW. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medication adherence: In the case of antiseizure medications, A scoping review. Seizure 2021; 93:81-87. [PMID: 34717290 PMCID: PMC8526436 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since early 2020, an unprecedented public global health emergency caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in national governments' imposing confinement measures. Lockdowns and isolation during pandemics complicate disease management and medication adherence. Chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, require linear adherence patterns to prevent breakthrough seizures and to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death. Limited access to health care facilities for routine care and medicines management further hampers this. Social isolation exacerbates stress, depression and decreases social support, which may combine to reduce adherence to antiseizure medication (ASM) during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a literature scoping review to explore ASM adherence among people with epilepsy, non-infected or infected SARS-CoV-2 or recovered from COVID-19 during the pandemic and explore risk factors for adherence. We search Pubmed for articles up to 16 September 2021. Search terms included the thematic of ASM adherence and COVID-19. We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for reporting scoping reviews. Results Six articles were retained after the screening, which covered four overarching themes: change of ASM compliance and as risk factors, lack of follow-up, difficulties accessing ASM, and behavioural risk factors. Our review underscores the lack of evidence on ASM adherence among people with epilepsy infected or recovered from COVID-19. No study retrieved took place in a low-income setting, warranting a cautionary approach to be employed when extrapolating findings on a global scale. Recommendations for practice Missing information on past SARS-CoV2 infections impact people with epilepsy precludes exploring a direct effect of SARS-CoV2 on ASM adherence. A more comprehensive chronic disease model based on the burden of co-cardiovascular and neuro-behavioural comorbidities should be envisaged for this population in preparation for future pandemics. A monitoring algorithm needs to be in place to establish a telemedicine framework and community pharmacists' potential to contribute to the model recognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Menon
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), Inserm, F-75004, Paris, France; Cochrane France, F 75004 Paris, France.
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Neurology, West of China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Netherlands
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Gogia B, Thottempudi N, Ajam Y, Singh A, Ghanayem T, Dabi A, Fang X, Masel T, Rai P. EEG Characteristics in COVID-19 Survivors and Non-survivors With Seizures and Encephalopathy. Cureus 2021; 13:e18476. [PMID: 34659916 PMCID: PMC8502751 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to report EEG findings in both COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors who underwent EEG either due to seizure or encephalopathy. Out of total 1468 COVID-19-positive patients, 19 patients underwent EEG. Eight out of 19 patients had a history of seizure disorder and in the remaining 11 with no prior history of seizures, four had a clinical seizure during their hospital stay. Only one had new-onset complex focal status epilepticus on EEG. Amongst the survivors (13/19), the most common EEG findings were normal followed by mild diffuse slowing. Amongst the non-survivors (6/19), the most common EEG finding was moderate to severe slowing in 50% of the patients. It can be deduced that COVID-19 infection does not increase the propensity of epileptiform discharges on EEG. There is perhaps a trend towards increased risk of new-onset status epilepticus in patients with encephalopathy and focal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Gogia
- Vascular Neurology/Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Yousaf Ajam
- Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Tamer Ghanayem
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
| | - Alok Dabi
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
| | - Xiang Fang
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
| | - Todd Masel
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
| | - Prashant Rai
- Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
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Gonzalez‐Martinez A, Planchuelo‐Gómez Á, Vieira Campos A, Martínez‐Dubarbie F, Vivancos J, De Toledo‐Heras M. Medium-term changes in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:450-459. [PMID: 34195984 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13481] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to social distancing measures and impaired medical care of chronic neurological diseases, including epilepsy, which may have adversely affected well-being and quality of life of patients with epilepsy (PWE). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the levels of anxiety, depression, somnolence, and quality of life using validated scales in PWE in real-life clinical practice. MATERIALS & METHODS Self-administered scales of anxiety disorders (GAD-7), depression (NDDI-E), somnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS), and quality of life (QOLIE-31-P) in PWE treated in a Refractory Epilepsy Unit were longitudinally analyzed. Data were collected before the beginning (December 2019 - March 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2020-January 2021). RESULTS 158 patients (85 from the first round and 73 from the second round) 45.0 ± 17.3 years of age, 43.2% women, epilepsy duration 23.0 ± 14.9 years, number of antiepileptic drugs 2.1 ± 1.4, completed the survey. Significant longitudinal reduction of QOLIE-31-P (from 58.9 ± 19.7 to 56.2 ± 16.2, p = .035) and GAD-7 scores (from 8.8 ± 6.2 to 8.3 ± 5.9, corrected p = .024) was identified. No statistically significant longitudinal changes in the number of seizures (from 0.9 ± 1.9 to 2.5 ± 6.2, p = .125) or NDDI-E scores (from 12.3 ± 4.3 to 13.4 ± 4.4, p = .065) were found. Significant longitudinal increase of ESS (from 4.9 ± 3.7 to 7.4 ± 4.9, p = .001) was found. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, quality of life and anxiety levels were lower in PWE, and sleepiness levels were raised, without seizure change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez‐Martinez
- Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | | | - Alba Vieira Campos
- Epilepsy Unit Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | | | - José Vivancos
- Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
| | - María De Toledo‐Heras
- Epilepsy Unit Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de La Princesa & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa Madrid Spain
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Healthy brain-muscle interface in epilepsy and COVID-19: Increased muscle effort is the alternative. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108267. [PMID: 34481755 PMCID: PMC9189139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Giza E, Lefkopoulou M, Dimitrakopoulos D, Karachristianou S, Liasidis C. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on a Greek cohort of patients with epilepsy. Hippokratia 2021; 25:145-150. [PMID: 36743863 PMCID: PMC9894308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdown, and the measures of social distancing may have had adverse effects on patients with epilepsy (PWE). This study was designed to assess the pandemic's psychological impact on the Greek non-infected PWE and possible changes in their seizure control. METHOD The patients were evaluated utilizing a semi-structured interview consisting of open questions regarding their demographic, social, and clinical characteristics, followed by five questions (on a scale of 0-10) related to the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing measures. Anxiety and depression of PWE were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which consists of HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression subscales. RESULTS We evaluated 65 PWE in the outpatient clinic (60 %) or via telephone interview (40 %). None of these patients experienced changes in seizure control. The mean scores of the Covid-19-related questions were 6.1 ± 2.7 (fear of getting infected), 4.7 ± 3.3 (fear of death), 7.1 ± 2.7 (fear of sickness for their relatives), 6.4 ± 3.1 (stress during lockdown), and 3.0 ± 2.9 (fear of antiepileptic drugs unavailability). Thirty-nine (60 %) patients screened positive for anxiety and thirty-three (50.8 %) for depression. CONCLUSION The psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing measures on non-infected PWE was moderate without changes in their seizure control. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (4):145-150.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giza
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Lefkopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly and National Hellenic Research Foundation, Larissa, Greece
| | - D Dimitrakopoulos
- Medical Student, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Karachristianou
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - C Liasidis
- Department of Neurology, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Cross JH, Kwon C, Asadi‐Pooya AA, Balagura G, Gómez‐Iglesias P, Guekht A, Hall J, Ikeda A, Kishk NA, Murphy P, Kissani N, Naji Y, Perucca E, Pérez‐Poveda JC, Sanya EO, Trinka E, Zhou D, Wiebe S, Jette N. Epilepsy care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2322-2332. [PMID: 34428314 PMCID: PMC8652685 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the care of all patients around the world. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) COVID-19 and Telemedicine Task Forces examined, through surveys to people with epilepsy (PWE), caregivers, and health care professionals, how the pandemic has affected the well-being, care, and services for PWE. The ILAE included a link on their website whereby PWE and/or their caregivers could fill out a survey (in 11 languages) about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including access to health services and impact on mental health, including the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. An anonymous link was also provided whereby health care providers could report cases of new-onset seizures or an exacerbation of seizures in the context of COVID-19. Finally, a separate questionnaire aimed at exploring the utilization of telehealth by health care professionals since the pandemic began was available on the ILAE website and also disseminated to its members. Seventeen case reports were received; data were limited and therefore no firm conclusions could be drawn. Of 590 respondents to the well-being survey (422 PWE, 166 caregivers), 22.8% PWE and 27.5% caregivers reported an increase in seizure frequency, with difficulty in accessing medication and health care professionals reported as barriers to care. Of all respondents, 57.1% PWE and 21.5% caregivers had severe psychological distress (k score >13), which was significantly higher among PWE than caregivers (p<0.01). An increase in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by health care professionals, with 40% of consultations conducted by this method. Although 74.9% of health care providers thought that this impacted positively, barriers to care were also identified. As we move forward, there is a need to ensure ongoing support and care for PWE to prevent a parallel pandemic of unmet health care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Helen Cross
- Programme of Developmental NeurosciencesUCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthGreat Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenLondon and Young Epilepsy LingfieldLondonUK
| | - Churl‐Su Kwon
- Division of Health Outcomes and Knowledge Translation ResearchDepartment of NeurologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ali Akbar Asadi‐Pooya
- Epilepsy Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy CenterDepartment of NeurologyThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUSA
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, OphthalmologyGenetics, and Maternal and Child HealthPediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS ‘G. Gaslini’ InstituteUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Patricia Gómez‐Iglesias
- Epilepsy Unit. Department of NeurologyHospital Clínico San CarlosHealth Research Institute “San Carlos” (IdISCC)Universidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for NeuropsychiatryMoscowRussia
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical GeneticsRussian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Julie Hall
- Executive DirectorInternational League Against EpilepsyFlower MoundTXUSA
| | - Akio Ikeda
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and PhysiologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Nirmeen A. Kishk
- Neurology DepartmentFaculty of MedicineCairo UniversityCairoEgypt
| | | | - Najib Kissani
- Neuroscience Research LaboratoryMarrakech Medical SchoolUniversity Cadi AyyadMarrakeshMorocco
- Neurology DepartmentUniversity Teaching Hospital Mohammed VIMarrakeshMorocco
| | - Yahya Naji
- Neuroscience Research LaboratoryMarrakech Medical SchoolUniversity Cadi AyyadMarrakeshMorocco
- Neurology DepartmentUniversity Teaching Hospital Mohammed VIMarrakeshMorocco
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Division of Clinical and Experimental PharmacologyDepartment of Internal Medicine and TherapeuticsUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation (and member of the ERN EpiCARE)PaviaItaly
| | - Juan Carlos Pérez‐Poveda
- Neuroscience DepartmentFaculty of MedicineXavierian University, and Hospital Universitario San IgnacioBogotá D. CColombia
| | - Emmanuel O. Sanya
- Neurology division, Medicine DepartmentUniversity of Ilorin Teaching HospitalKwara StateNigeria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of NeurologyCentre for Cognitive NeuroscienceChristian‐Doppler University HospitalParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Neuroscience Institute Christian‐Doppler University HospitalCentre for Cognitive NeuroscienceParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision‐Making and HTA, UMITMedical Informatics and TechnologyPrivate University for Health SciencesHall in TyrolAustria
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Samuel Wiebe
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Community Health SciencesCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Division of Health Outcomes and Knowledge Translation ResearchDepartment of NeurologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Kuroda N, Kubota T. Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108340. [PMID: 34600283 PMCID: PMC9760102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate psychological comorbidities in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis approach was used to comprehensively search MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant studies. Studies that reported psychological stress in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Psychological comorbidities were defined as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. Pooled proportions of psychological comorbidities with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using a random-effects model. The quality of assessment for each study, heterogeneity between the studies, and publication bias were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 28 studies with 7959 patients/caregivers were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportions of anxiety/worry, depression/bad mood, and sleep disturbance were 38.9% (95% CI: 31.3-46.7); I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, 30.9% (95% CI: 23.3-38.9), I2 = 97%; p < 0.01, and 36.5% (95% CI: 28.3-45.1), I2 = 97%, p < 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSION Although the heterogeneity was high, our results showed a relatively high incidence of psychological comorbidities. Therefore, clinicians need to intervene early in the stress of patients with epilepsy to prevent worsening of stress, which can result in seizure worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan: The caregiver perspective. Seizure 2021; 92:100-105. [PMID: 34496329 PMCID: PMC8418666 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.08.011] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The recent COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted care systems around the world. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the care of pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan. Potential predictors for seizure control during COVID-19 outbreaks were investigated. Methods A cross- sectional survey was conducted on pediatric patients with epilepsy in Jordan, between January and February 2021, via online questionnaires. The collected data included demographic information, epilepsy-related characteristics, views of caregivers and changes in seizure control during COVID-19 outbreak. Results A total number of 672 subjects were screened, 276 were eligible, and 154 completed the questionnaire adequately. Two thirds of caregivers (66.2%) reported that the COVID -19 outbreaks prevented their child from getting proper epilepsy care and 28.6% reported difficulty giving the drugs to their child on time because of loss of daily routine. In addition, more than half (55.8%) reported difficulty obtaining antiseizure medicines (ASMs). On the other hand, 77.3% of caregivers reported that seizure status remained unchanged or improved for their children during the COVID-19 and 22.7% reported worsened seizure control. The number of antiseizure medicines taken by patients (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.032), residency area (p = 0.013) and the difficulty in giving the medicine during COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.002) were the major factors influencing the seizure worsening experienced by patients. Conclusion Almost one of every five patients reported worsened seizure control during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jordan. Moreover, two thirds of caregivers reported poor epilepsy care. This finding highlights the need to implement organized and efficient telemedicine programs devoted to epilepsy care.
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Guilhoto LM, Mosini AC, Susemihl MA, Pinto LF. COVID-19 and epilepsy: How are people with epilepsy in Brazil? Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108115. [PMID: 34144461 PMCID: PMC8412880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During COVID-19 pandemic the global population is facing an important psychosocial distress. The aim of this study was to evaluate how people with epilepsy (PWE) in Brazil is dealing with the pandemic, in relation to seizure frequency, access to antiseizure medicines (ASM), medical follow-up, and well-being. METHODS An online questionnaire survey among PWE (group 1) and caregivers (group 2) was applied in the social networks of the Brazilian Association of Epilepsy, the official Brazilian chapter of the International Bureau for Epilepsy. The questionnaire was composed of 46 generic questions in four areas, namely, demographics and baseline clinical data as well as epilepsy and quality-of-life impact by COVID-19 pandemic based on the domains of the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. RESULTS The questionnaire was answered by 464 participants including 380 (81.9%) PWE (78.7% female; age 34.3 yrs.; ±9.76) and 84 (18.1%) caregivers (patients' age 14.1 yrs.; ±10.30). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 36.8% of PWE and 36.4% of caregivers reported difficulties in accessing the epilepsy healthcare provider, and visits occurred normally only in 29.7% of PWE and in 34.5% of the caregiveŕs group. Telehealth was not provided for 66.6% of group 1 and for 58.5% of group 2. Lack of availability of ASM was reported by 21.9% of PWE and 28.0% of caregivers in public dispensing units and by 19.2% and 17.8%, respectively, in private pharmacies. Increase in seizures during pandemic was mentioned by 26.3% and 27.9% of groups 1 and 2, respectively. Patients who had increase in seizure frequency had more frequently reported problems with treatment and in quality-of-life concepts. Fear of having a more severe COVID-19 presentation because of epilepsy was reported by 74.5% of PWE and by 89.8% of caregivers. Dissatisfaction with current health status was reported by 36.7% and 38.1% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and that the support from others has decreased (56.1% and 66.1%, in groups 1 and 2) during the pandemic. The factors with higher Odds Ratio of increase in seizure frequency during pandemic were age >41 yrs., treatment in public healthcare system, drug-resistant epilepsy, adversities in getting ASM in public dispensing units, difficulties with prescription renewals, current financial problems and belief that epilepsy or ASM are risk factors for contracting COVID-19. CONCLUSION During COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, PWE and caregivers reported increase in seizures in one-fourth of the patients and several difficulties, namely problems in accessing the healthcare system including ASM dispensation, telehealth, and fear of having a more severe COVID-19 because of epilepsy. There were also physical, psychological, and social concerns which affected quality-of-life-related aspects in this population. These facts may increase treatment gap in epilepsy in Brazil as well in other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maria Guilhoto
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Neurologia da EPM/Unifesp, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Universitário, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Cristina Mosini
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil,Departamento de Fisiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Neurologia da EPM/Unifesp, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lécio Figueira Pinto
- Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia, São Paulo, Brazil,Divisão de Clínica Neurológica, HC-FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Koh MY, Lim KS, Fong SL, Khor SB, Tan CT. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy: An interventional study using early physical consultation. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108215. [PMID: 34325157 PMCID: PMC8270747 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth use is limited in developing countries. Therefore, a modified approach with early physical consultation was designed and applied in our hospital. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of this early physical consultation in reducing the clinical and psychological impacts of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), which enabled insight into its global feasibility. METHOD Participants were contacted and offered early physical consultation with a neurologist. Patients who participated in the Phase 1 study on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy and treated in our hospital were recruited. Clinical and psychological outcomes of COVID-19 were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31). RESULT A total of 312 patients completed this study with a mean age of 39.13 ± 16.13 years, majority female (51.0%), and experienced seizures at least once yearly (64.7%). There was 12.6% who experienced seizure worsening related to the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving early clinical intervention, 30.8% achieved better seizure control with another 51.1% had no seizure occurrence. The mean HADS anxiety score improved immediately post-intervention (5.27 ± 4.32 vs. 4.79 ± 4.26, p < 0.01), and at 2-week post-intervention (5.58 ± 4.46 vs. 4.73 ± 3.95, p < 0.01). The mean HADS depression score also improved immediately post-intervention (4.12 ± 3.69 vs. 3.84 ± 3.76, p < 0.05) and at 2-week post-intervention (4.38 ± 3.81 vs. 3.73 ± 3.63, p < 0.05). The intervention resulted in significant improvement in energy-fatigue and social function subscales in QOLIE-31 but a reduction in cognitive and medication effects subscales. CONCLUSION Early physical consultation with stringent precautionary measures is feasible and effective in improving the psychological outcome during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kheng-Seang Lim
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Kuroda N, Fujimoto A. Considering temporality in causal relationship between seizure worsening and psychological stress in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108184. [PMID: 34252833 PMCID: PMC9761278 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether published studies that identified a causal relationship between psychological stress and seizure worsening in patients with epilepsy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic considered the temporality of Hill's criteria. METHOD A systematic review approach was used to comprehensively search MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for relevant studies. Studies that reported an association between psychological stress and seizure worsening in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic were included accordingly. The quality of assessments in each study was evaluated and an assessment for considering temporality in the causal relationship between the two events in each study was carried out. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. Most (14/17) were cross-sectional studies and only four out of these 17 studies (23.5%) considered temporality in the causality. Further, these four studies did not consider temporality in the study design, they only described it as a limitation. CONCLUSION We found that many articles reported a causal relationship between psychological stress and seizure worsening without considering temporality. As both researchers and readers, we need to consider temporality when interpreting the causal relationship between increased psychological stress and seizure worsening in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kuroda
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Epileptology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayataka Fujimoto
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life in patients with epilepsy - Follow-up study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108026. [PMID: 33992933 PMCID: PMC8098040 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a follow-up study of the quality of life in patients with epilepsy in the era of the COVID-19 crisis. METHODS Two months before the first case of the COVID-19 in Serbia, we obtained the Serbian Version of Quality of Life Inventory for Epilepsy 31 (SVQOLIE-31) and Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy scores (SVNDDI-E) for another study. We retested the same patients one year after in COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to SVQOLIE-31, and SVNDDI-E we used a generic questionnaire compiled from items related to the COVID-19. RESULTS We retested 97 out of 118 patients (82.2%) for the follow-up analysis. The average age was 36.1 ± 12.2 (range: 18-69), and 49 were women (50.5%). The median duration of epilepsy was 13 years (range: 1.5-48). The structural etiology of epilepsy was noted in 41 (42.3%), unknown etiology in 41 (42.3%), and genetic etiology in 15 (15.4%) patients. Fewer patients (27.8%) experienced at least one seizure three months before follow-up testing when compared to patients who experienced at least one seizure three months in initial testing (36.0%) (p = 0.15). All patients reported full compliance with anti-seizure medication in the follow-up. The SVQOLIE-31 score during the COVID-19 pandemic visit (64.5 ± 14.6) was significantly lower than the SVQOLIE-31 score before the pandemic (p < 0.001). The SVNDDI-E score during the COVID-19 pandemic (10.5 ± 3.5) was significantly higher than the SVNDDI-E score before it (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed fear of seizures, and fear of a reduction in household income, significantly associated with SVQOLIE-31 and SVNDDI-E overall score. These variables accounted for 66% and 27% of the variance of SVQOLIE-31 and SVNDDI-E overall score. SIGNIFICANCE Lower quality of life, higher prevalence of depression, healthcare availability issues, and perceived fears during pandemic all suggest COVID-19 has negatively impacted lives of patients with epilepsy.
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Bosak M, Mazurkiewicz I, Wężyk K, Słowik A, Turaj W. COVID-19 among patients with epilepsy: Risk factors and course of the disease. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 120:107996. [PMID: 33957438 PMCID: PMC8064834 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study assessed the prevalence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with epilepsy (PWE). Additionally, the course of COVID-19 and its impact on seizure control was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Subjects with definite (confirmed by positive RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab or serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies) and probable COVID-19 were identified via telephone survey among PWE treated at the university epilepsy clinic. RESULTS Of 252 screened subjects, 17 (6.7%) had definite and 14 (5.5%) probable COVID-19. The percentage of PWE with definite COVID-19 was much higher than the percentage of subjects with confirmed COVID-19 in Polish general population (3.65%). In the heterogenous population of PWE, including patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, physical/intellectual disability, and comorbidities, we were not able to identify any risk factors for contracting COVID-19. The course of infection was mild or moderate in all subjects, not requiring oxygen therapy or respiratory support. The most common symptoms were fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and loss of smell/taste and continued for approximately 7-21 days, except for loss of smell/taste which lasted usually several weeks. Seizure exacerbation was noted in only one pregnant patient with confirmed COVID-19 and it was likely related to decreased serum level of levetiracetam in the third trimester. CONCLUSION The study provided reassuring findings related to the low risk of seizure exacerbation in PWE during the course of COVID-19. Patients with epilepsy may be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Epilepsy characteristics are not likely to modify the risk of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bosak
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Krakow, Poland.
| | | | | | - Agnieszka Słowik
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Turaj
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Krakow, Poland
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Lee Y, Lui LM, Chen-Li D, Liao Y, Mansur RB, Brietzke E, Rosenblat JD, Ho R, Rodrigues NB, Lipsitz O, Nasri F, Cao B, Subramaniapillai M, Gill H, Lu C, McIntyre RS. Government response moderates the mental health impact of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of depression outcomes across countries. J Affect Disord 2021; 290:364-377. [PMID: 34052584 PMCID: PMC8159271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic represents a public health, economic and mental health crisis. We hypothesized that timely government implementation of stringent measures to reduce viral transmission would benefit mental health, as evidenced by reduced rates of depressive symptoms (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9≥10, PHQ-2≥3). METHODS The systematic review herein (PROSPERO CRD42020200647) evaluated to what extent differences in government-imposed stringency and timeliness of response to COVID-19 moderate the prevalence of depressive symptoms across 33 countries (k=114, N=640,037). We included data from six lower-middle-income countries, nine upper-middle-income countries, and 18 higher-income countries. Government-imposed stringency and timeliness in response were operationalized using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response ("Stringency") Index. RESULTS The overall proportion of study participants with clinically significant depressive symptoms was 21.39% (95% CI 19.37-23.47). The prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms was significantly lower in countries wherein governments implemented stringent policies promptly. The moderating effect of government response remained significant after including the national frequency of COVID cases at the time of study commencement, Healthcare Access and Quality index, and the inclusion of COVID patients in the study. LIMITATIONS Factors that may have confounded our results include, for example, differences in lockdown duration, lack of study participant and outcome assessor blinding, and retrospective assessment of depressive symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS Governments that enacted stringent measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 benefited not only the physical, but also the mental health of their population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yena Lee
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8.
| | - Leanna M.W. Lui
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - David Chen-Li
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Yuhua Liao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China,Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Rodrigo B. Mansur
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University School of Medicine, Kingston, ON, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D. Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Nelson B. Rodrigues
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Orly Lipsitz
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Flora Nasri
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Mehala Subramaniapillai
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Hartej Gill
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8,Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
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Odintsova GV. COVID-19 and epilepsy: Russian and international experience. NEUROLOGY, NEUROPSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.14412/2074-2711-2021-3-88-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the issues of epilepsy course in patients with COVID-19 and predictors of the worsening of the course of the disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk of seizures associated with COVID-19 is relatively low both in patients with epilepsy and in general population, with the exception of critically and terminally ill patients. Studies that evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the condition of patients with epilepsy are characterized by complex medical, social and pathophysiological approaches to the problem. Predictors of negative epilepsy dynamics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic include drug interactions between antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and drugs used to treat COVID-19; disruption of AEDs supply; stress in patients; comorbid somatic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. V. Odintsova
- Prof. A.L. Polenov Russian Research Neurosurgical Institute – Branch of V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia
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Puteikis K, Mameniškienė R. Epilepsy care and COVID-19: A cross-sectional online survey from Lithuania. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 143:666-672. [PMID: 33724450 PMCID: PMC8251152 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Changes in epilepsy care during the COVID‐19 pandemic required to reassess the patient‐specialist interaction in the context of telehealth and future vaccination campaigns. Aims of the study The aims were to outline changes in neurologists' experience when providing care for patients with epilepsy (PWE) and to investigate how neurologists perceive telehealth and vaccination. Methods We conducted an anonymous cross‐sectional online survey among members of the Lithuanian Association of Neurology. Results We received 104 completed forms by adult (74, 71.15%) and pediatric neurologists (30, 28.85%). A decrease in epilepsy consultations was noted by 76 (73.1%) specialists, and up to 26 (25.0%) could not provide diagnostic tests at a usual rate. Most respondents (99, 95.2%) would recommend the COVID‐19 vaccine for patients at risk. Telehealth was valued as a useful tool in epilepsy care, especially if combined with timely diagnostic and treatment options (Kruskal‐Wallis chi‐square = 10.392, p = .034 and F[4,99] = 3.125, p = .018, respectively). According to 85 (81.7%) respondents, video calls could substitute in‐person visits in at least half of all consultations. Conclusions Despite disrupted epilepsy care, neurologists may benefit from telehealth when providing services for PWE and become vaccination advocates to mitigate the spread of preventable infections.
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Azmy A, Abushady EM, Abu Shady MM. Online Health Survey on Epileptic Children during Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and the outbreak is now rapidly spreading globally. The current administrative measures of lock-down, social distancing, and self-isolation are intended at reducing the spread of the viral infection, minimizing contacts between potentially infected individuals and healthy subjects. However, they can complicate the management of children with neurological illnesses by instigating or worsening concomitant anxiety and depression, hindering the interactions with physicians, and leading to shortages or inconsistent supply of medicines.
OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to provide information on the medical care and wellbeing of children with epilepsy during COVID-19 pandemic and provide the best possible care for those children while avoiding visits to urgent care facilities and hospitalizations during the pandemic.
METHODS: The current study was an observational cross-section survey study. One hundred twenty children with epilepsy following in the epilepsy clinic of Medical Research Center of Excellence, and epilepsy clinic at Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University aged above 4 years were recruited. The authors designed a 22-items questionnaire to address impact of COVID-19 crisis on the care, seizure outcome, behavior of children, and concerns of their parents. The study was conducted during the period from May 2020 to November 2020.
RESULTS: The study included 120 epileptic children, 47 males and 73 females, with age ranged from 4 to 17 years with mean age 8.34 ± 3.877 years. Before COVID pandemic, 18.3% of care providers had worries about epilepsy, while during the pandemic, 78.3% of them had the same worries. Twenty percent of the studied patients showed worsened sleep during the pandemic. Medical follow-up difficulties and drug access difficulties were found in 18.3% and 50% of the patients, respectively, during the pandemic. Child anxiety was 20% before the pandemic and 97.5% during the pandemic. Of the care providers, 95.8% were worried about their children of getting COVID 19. Thirty percent showed a need for psychological support, 76.7% for medical support, and 75% for information support about epilepsy. Medical support by phone or online during the pandemic was accepted by 80.8% of the caregivers. The study also showed that epileptic children with age ≤12 years needed more psychological support than those >12 years. All children without anxiety before the COVID-19 pandemic had anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic, while 87.5% of those with anxiety before COVID still had anxiety during the pandemic, signifying that COVID 19 pandemic increased the anxiety of the epileptic children significantly.
CONCLUSION: The present study found no increase in seizure exacerbation during the outbreak of COVID-19. During the pandemic, worries of the care providers about progression of the frequency of seizure and epileptic children anxiety increased significantly. Physicians should offer health care facilities including medications and information as much as possible at home to keep children with epilepsy in good psychological and mental status as well as minimizing of risk of seizure exacerbation through adherence. Effective telemedicine tools will prove useful for the long-term management of these patients.
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Puteikis K, Mameniškienė R. Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among People with Epilepsy in Lithuania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4374. [PMID: 33924140 PMCID: PMC8074300 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to determine the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among people with epilepsy (PWE). In December 2020, we performed an online cross-sectional survey of PWE and their caregivers in Lithuania before the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to the public. The study sample consisted of 111 respondents (44 (39.6%) male, median age 25 years (range 1 to 70)). From 58 PWE who personally responded to the survey, 27 (46.6%) would be willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Among the 53 caregivers, 18 (34.0%) would accept the person they care for to be vaccinated. Willingness to be vaccinated was associated with receiving an influenza shot in 2020 (odds ratio (OR) = 9.17, 95% confidence interval (CI = 1.15-73.47), the beliefs that vaccines are generally safe (OR = 7.90, 95% CI = 2.43-25.74) and that they are the only convenient way to gain immunity (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.02-15.05). Respondents were hesitant to accept the COVID-19 vaccine if they thought it could cause the infection (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04-0.49). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is frequent among PWE and their caregivers. It is probably related to erroneous beliefs about their safety and mechanism of action.
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