The relationship between sleep and epilepsy: the effect on cognitive functioning in children

Sleep and functional outcomes in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A scoping review

AIM

In children and adolescents with epilepsy (CAWE), disturbed sleep and functional difficulties are frequently present, but their relationship is unclear. In this scoping review we aimed to explore associations between sleep and functional outcomes in CAWE.

METHOD

We registered the protocol with open science framework and conducted the review according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed for original studies reporting on relations between sleep and functional outcomes (adaptive/quality of life, behavioural/mood, cognitive & academic) in CAWE. To assess the quality of studies we used an extended version of the checklist employed by Winsor and colleagues [1].

RESULTS

We identified 14 studies that included 1,785 CAWE and 1,260 control children, with a mean age of 9.94 and 10.13 years, respectively. The studies were highly heterogeneous with respect to samples, epilepsy variables, and methods used to assess sleep and functional outcomes. The quality of studies was medium. Associations between sleep and adaptive/quality of life, behavioural/mood, cognitive and academic outcomes were examined in 2, 10, 6, and 0 studies, respectively. Across studies, in CAWE, greater sleep disturbances were related to worse behavioural/mood outcomes, ranging from depression/anxiety to ADHD symptoms. Sleep disturbances did not consistently relate to cognitive outcomes, but they related to worse adaptive outcomes in both studies that examined their relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence of relationship between disturbed sleep and behavioural/mood difficulties, which alerts to the need for careful evaluation and treatment of sleep disturbances in CAWE. Our study also highlights the need to examine relationships between sleep and other functional outcomes in CAWE, as studies conducted in the general population suggest that sleep disturbances may be modifiable and associated with improved functional outcomes.

Drug resistant epilepsy and ketogenic diet: A narrative review of mechanisms of action

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) poses a significant global challenge, impacting the well-being of patients. Anti-epileptic drugs often fail to effectively control seizures in individuals with DRE. This condition not only leads to persistent seizures but also induces neurochemical imbalances, elevating the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and comorbidities. Moreover, patients experience mood and personality alterations, educational and vocational setbacks, social isolation, and cognitive impairments. Ketogenic diet has emerged as a valuable therapeutic approach for DRE, having been utilized since 1920. Various types of ketogenic diets have demonstrated efficacy in controlling seizures. By having a multimodal mechanism of action, the ketogenic diet reduces neuronal excitability and the frequency of seizure episodes. In our narrative review, we have initially provided a concise overview of the factors contributing to drug resistance in epilepsy. Subsequently, we have discussed the different available ketogenic diets. We have reviewed the underlying mechanisms through which the ketogenic diet operates. These mechanisms encompass decreased neuronal excitability, enhanced mitochondrial function, alterations in sleep patterns, and modulation of the gut microbiome. Understanding the complex mechanisms by which this diet acts is essential as it is a rigorous diet and requires good compliance. Hence knowledge of the mechanisms may help to advance research on achieving similar therapeutic effects through other less stringent approaches.

Epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities: A bidirectional mendelian randomization study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Psychiatric comorbidities are relatively common among patients with epilepsy; however, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain largely unknown. The objective of this Mendelian randomization (MR) study was to analyze the genetic correlations and causality underlying these reciprocal associations.

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with epilepsy (29,677 controls and 15,212 cases) and seven psychiatric comorbidities (485,436 controls and 269,495 cases) were identified from genome-wide association studies. Causal significance was estimated using inverse variance weighting. Sensitivity analyses included the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO. The psychiatric comorbidities analyzed in this study included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anorexia nervosa.

RESULTS

Both forward and reverse genetic associations were observed for the selected psychiatric disorders. Notably, ADHD was significantly associated with an increased risk of generalized epilepsy (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.18; p = 0.013). However, MR-PRESSO detected the existence of pleiotropy (p = 0.001). Additionally, focal epilepsy was significantly associated with a higher risk of OCD (OR, 1.44; 95 % CI, 1.08-1.92; p = 0.013), and all sensitivity tests yielded favorably nonsignificant results. There was no significant genetic association between epilepsy and other examined psychiatric disorders. However, due to the detection of pleiotropy by MR-Egger and considerations related to the threshold for genetic instruments, a cautious approach is warranted in interpreting some of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed significant genetic causality between focal epilepsy and OCD, as well as between ADHD and generalized epilepsy. However, no casual significance was observed with other psychiatric comorbidities examined. Considering the inherent limitations of MR studies, further research is warranted to definitively clarify these genetic causal associations.

The dual effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: Is there more than seizure control?

This is a retrospective and comparative pilot study to investigate the role of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in improving cognitive functions in the pediatric age group with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). It was conducted from January 2018 to February 2023. Children between the ages of 4 and 18 years were divided into two groups, the "VNS group" and the "best medical treatment (BMT) group". Follow up period was 12 months. Demographic, clinical, etiological and investigational data were recorded. Cognitive assessment using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination for children (MMSE) was recorded at baseline and 12 months later for each group. 76.4 % of patients were classified as epilepsy secondary to cerebral palsy. 75 % of patients showed ≥ 50 % seizure frequency reduction among the VNS group as compared to 12.5 % in the BMT group. None of both groups achieved seizure freedom. At 12 months, both BMT and VNS groups showed statistically significantly improved overall cognitive score from baseline records (p = 0.027) and (p = 0.012), respectively, with a significantly higher improvement in VNS group. Also, statistical sub-analysis of cognitive subscales in cerebral palsy patients in both groups was conducted and revealed a significant improvement (p = 0.02) in the VNS group. We concluded that there is a potential role of VNS in improving cognitive functions which was shown by using a cost-effective screening tool. A significant effect was observed specially in cerebral palsy patients. This is very beneficial in limited-resources countries since VNS has good safety profile, high seizure control, and added value to cognitive functions.

Does the absence or presence of sleep spindles on EEG have prognostic value for cognitive outcome in children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome? A systematic literature review

Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS) is an epileptic encephalopathy in childhood that affects infants under the age of two years. When spasm series occur, prognosis for cognitive outcome is poor in the majority of cases. The encephalopathy in IESS includes delayed maturation of normal sleep phenomena in the EEG, such as sleep spindles. Children with intellectual disabilities often have abnormal sleep, and children with sleep problems have difficulties learning at school. We examined whether there is evidence of prognostic value of detection of sleep spindles in the EEG of children with IESS on their future cognitive development. A systematic literature search yielded five studies touching this question. They were evaluated by two scorers independently. The lack of normal sleep patterns including lack of sleep spindles was used as a biomarker of poor cognitive outcome. Positive (PPV) and Negative (NPV) prognostic values were calculated. A summary of all five studies indicates a PPV of 82% and an NPV of 45%. Given the small amount of data, the retrospective quality of most studies, and the differences in the outcome parameters reported, it is prudent to say that currently available data do not allow us to conclude whether spindles have a specific and independent role in the cognitive prognosis of affected children. Since sleep spindles are needed for memory consolidation and demonstrate the active role of sleep for learning and memory, the hypothesis remains that their absence in the EEG may indicate an increased risk of cognitive delay, but more supporting data are needed to reach such a firm conclusion.

A simple and fast ANN-based method of studying slow-wave sleep microstructure in freely moving rats

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a common technique for measuring brain activity. Artificial Neuronal Networks (ANNs) can provide valuable insights into the brain dynamics of humans and animals. We built a simple and fast shallow ANN-based solution for sleep recognition in EEGs recorded in freely moving rats. The ANN was constructed using open-source software and truncated to one formula with empirically defined weight coefficients. The optimization of the ANN model's performance (i.e., post-processing) relied on a probability-related approach to sleep microstructure. This approach could be a good way to analyze large datasets. In the current dataset, the slow-wave sleep was recognized with the sensitivity of 0.91 and the specificity of 0.98. The optimal model performance achieved with minimum sleep duration of 80-90 s and sleep interruption of 14-18 s. Our results suggest the following fundamental issues. First, 14-18 s sleep interruptions might be the archetypal micro-arousals in rats. Second, slow-wave sleep in rats might be built up of a set of sleep "building blocks" lasting 80-90 s.

Characterizing Sleep Phenotypes in Children With Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Children with epilepsy frequently have sleep, behavior, and cognitive problems at the time of or before the epilepsy diagnosis. The primary goal of this study was to determine if specific sleep disturbance phenotypes exist in a large cohort of children with new-onset epilepsy and if these phenotypes are associated with specific cognitive and behavioral signatures.

METHODS

A total of354 children with new-onset epilepsy, aged six to 16 years, were recruited within six weeks of initial seizure onset. Each child underwent evaluation of their sleep along with self, parent, and teacher ratings of emotional-behavioral status. Two-step clustering using sleep disturbance (Sleep Behavior Questionnaire), naps, and sleep latency was employed to determine phenotype clusters.

RESULTS

Analysis showed three distinct sleep disturbance phenotypes-minimal sleep disturbance, moderate sleep disturbance, and severe sleep disturbance phenotypes. Children who fell into the minimal sleep disturbance phenotype had an older age of onset with the best cognitive performance compared with the other phenotypes and the lowest levels of emotional-behavioral problems. In contrast, children who fell into the severe sleep disturbance phenotype had the youngest age of onset of epilepsy with poor cognitive performance and highest levels of emotional-behavioral problems.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that there are indeed specific sleep disturbance phenotypes that are apparent in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy and are associated with specific comorbidities. Future research should determine if these phenotypic groups persist over time and are predictive of long-term difficulties, as these subgroups may benefit from targeted therapy and intervention.

Sleep architecture in neonatal and infantile onset epilepsies in the first six months of life: A scoping review

AIM

Epilepsy occurs in approximately 80 per 100,000 infants in the first year of life, ranging in severity from self-limited and likely to spontaneously resolve, to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Sleep plays a key role in early brain development and the reciprocal relationship between sleep and seizures is not yet fully understood, particularly in young children. We conducted a Scoping Review to synthesise current knowledge of sleep architecture in neonates and infants with epilepsy.

METHOD

Peer-reviewed publications from 2005 to 2022 describing sleep architecture in infants up to six months of age with unprovoked seizures were included. The analysis set was derived from EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMED using key terms "sleep, epilepsy and infant" and related descriptors. Inclusion criteria were prospectively described in a Scoping Review protocol. Sleep architecture was assessed as macro- and micro-structural elements.

RESULTS

21 publications were included in the qualitative analysis. In self-limited familial and genetic epilepsy, sleep macrostructure was generally preserved. In DEEs and in epileptic encephalopathies of genetic or structural aetiology, sleep architecture was significantly disrupted.

INTERPRETATION

Early identification of infants with epilepsy is important to ensure early and effective treatment. In the DEE spectrum, sleep architecture is significantly impacted, and abnormal sleep architecture may be associated with compromised developmental outcome. Further research is needed to identify the sequence of events in abnormal brain development, epilepsy and sleep disruption and potentially help to predict the course of epilepsy towards a self-limited epilepsy versus a DEE.

Sleep quality and architecture in Idiopathic generalized epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies are a group of sleep related epilepsy syndromes with sleep deprivation as a strong trigger for seizures and increased spike-wave activity during sleep and transition to sleep. Neuropsychological deficits are common in Idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients. Learning and memory processes are closely linked to sleep. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the evidence of sleep disturbances in Idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients. A search of the databases EMBASE, Medline and Scopus identified 22 studies comparing polysomnographic parameters and scores of sleep questionnaires between Idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients and healthy controls. Random effect univariate meta-analyses revealed reduced sleep efficiency, total sleep time, proportion of N2 stage and prolonged REM onset latency in Idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients. Self-assessed sleep quality of patients measured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index was lower in two thirds of reporting studies. Considering the influence on behavioral issues, cognitive performance and quality of life, the revealed alteration in sleep architecture and lower subjective sleep quality emphasizes the importance of screening for sleep disturbances in the medical care of patients with Idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Electrical brain stimulation and continuous behavioral state tracking in ambulatory humans

Objective.Electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Sleep disorders are common in people with epilepsy, and DBS may actually further disturb normal sleep patterns and sleep quality. Novel implantable devices capable of DBS and streaming of continuous intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) signals enable detailed assessments of therapy efficacy and tracking of sleep related comorbidities. Here, we investigate the feasibility of automated sleep classification using continuous iEEG data recorded from Papez's circuit in four patients with drug resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy using an investigational implantable sensing and stimulation device with electrodes implanted in bilateral hippocampus (HPC) and anterior nucleus of thalamus (ANT).Approach.The iEEG recorded from HPC is used to classify sleep during concurrent DBS targeting ANT. Simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and sensing from HPC were used to train, validate and test an automated classifier for a range of ANT DBS frequencies: no stimulation, 2 Hz, 7 Hz, and high frequency (>100 Hz).Main results.We show that it is possible to build a patient specific automated sleep staging classifier using power in band features extracted from one HPC iEEG sensing channel. The patient specific classifiers performed well under all thalamic DBS frequencies with an average F1-score 0.894, and provided viable classification into awake and major sleep categories, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM. We retrospectively analyzed classification performance with gold-standard PSG annotations, and then prospectively deployed the classifier on chronic continuous iEEG data spanning multiple months to characterize sleep patterns in ambulatory patients living in their home environment.Significance.The ability to continuously track behavioral state and fully characterize sleep should prove useful for optimizing DBS for epilepsy and associated sleep, cognitive and mood comorbidities.

The Relationship Between Sleep, Cognition and Behavior in Children With Newly-Diagnosed Epilepsy Over 36 Months

Introduction

There is substantial evidence that children with epilepsy experience more sleep, behavior and cognitive challenges than children without epilepsy. However, the literature is limited in describing the relationship between sleep, epilepsy, cognition and behavioral challenges and the interactions amongst these factors over time. This study aims to understand the nature and strength of the relationship between sleep, cognition, mood and behavior in children with new-onset epilepsy as assessed by multiple informants at multiple time periods using multiple different dependent measures.

Methods

332 participants (6-16years) were recruited within 6 weeks of their first recognized seizure. The comparison group was comprised of 266 healthy siblings. Participants underwent sleep evaluation by a parent using the Sleep Behavioral Questionnaire (SBQ), cognitive evaluation using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, a behavioral evaluation using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL from parents and TRF from teachers) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). These evaluations were completed at baseline (B), at 18 months, and at 36 months.

Results

Compared to siblings, children with new-onset epilepsy had more sleep disturbance (SBQ), higher rates of behavioral problems (CBCL and TRF), lower cognitive testing scores, and higher rates of depression; which persisted over the 36-month study. Sleep significantly correlated with behavioral problems, cognitive scores and depression. When divided into categories based of sleep disturbance scores, 39.7% of children with epilepsy experienced "Persistently Abnormal Sleep", while 14.8% experienced "Persistently Normal Sleep". Children with persistently abnormal sleep experienced the highest rates of behavioral problems, depression and cognitive impairment compared to those with persistently normal sleep, regardless of epilepsy syndrome. Younger age of seizure onset, younger age at testing, and lower grade level at baseline were associated with persistently abnormal sleep.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the nature, strength, reliability, stability and persistence of the relationship between sleep, cognition, and behavioral problems over time in a large cohort of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, as assessed by multiple informants at different timepoints. The results of this study indicate that children with epilepsy are at a high risk of significant persisting neurobehavioral multimorbidity. Therefore, early screening for these challenges may be essential for optimizing quality of life long-term.

Relationship between sleep quality and cognitive performance in patients with epilepsy

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between self-reported sleep quality and cognitive function in patients with epilepsy (PWE), as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms and patient quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study included PWE aged ≥12 years who were receiving ≥1 anti-seizure medication (ASM) and had not been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10).

RESULTS

The study enrolled 150 patients aged 16-83 years, mean age (standard deviation [SD]) 40.6 (15.2) years; 58.7% were female and 75.3% had focal epilepsy. Mean (SD) PSQI score was 4.71 (3.08), 44.4% of patients had impaired sleep quality (PSQI score ≥5), 19.9% had pathologic excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS score >12), and 32.7% had mild cognitive impairment (MoCA score <26). Within the PSQI, sleep disturbance (P = 0.036) and use of sleep medication (P = 0.006) scores were significantly higher in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Multiple regression analysis showed older age (regression coefficient [B], -0.086; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.127, -0.045; P < 0.001) and the use of sleep medication component of the PSQI [B, -1.157; 95% CI, -2.064, -0.220; P = 0.013) were independently associated with lower MoCA score. Poor sleep quality was associated with probable anxiety and depression symptoms, and directly correlated with reduced QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

In PWE, sleep quality was not significantly independently associated with mild cognitive impairment, although poor sleep quality had a negative effect on mood and QoL.

Treatment for the Benign Childhood Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spikes: A Monocentric Study

Background and Purpose: To date, there is no specific treatment guideline for the benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS). Several countries recommend levetiracetam, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, oxcarbazepine, and lamotrigine as first-line drugs. Nevertheless, some of these drugs are associated with cognitive decline. Available studies that investigated the efficacy of levetiracetam and sodium valproate on BECTS involved small sample sizes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of levetiracetam and sodium valproate on cognition, and to investigate the prognostic factors for BECTS as whole.

Methods: Clinical data and treatment status of all patients with BECTS at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University followed from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Since electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) has been confirmed to play a role in cognitive deterioration, in order to evaluate the response to drugs and their cognitive effects, we created two groups of patients according to the levels of spike wave index (SWI): group 1; 0–50% SWI and group 2; >50% SWI at the last follow up.

Results: A total of 195 cases were enrolled: 49.7% received monotherapies, 24.1% duotherapies and 27.2% polytherapies. Medications included; levetiracetam plus other drug (s) (75.9%), levetiracetam alone (32.8%), sodium valproate plus other drug (s) (31.3%), and sodium valproate alone (5.1%). After 2 years of treatment and follow up, 71% of the cases had a good seizure outcome, 15.9% had an improvement of SWI, and 91.7% had a normal DQ/IQ. Sodium valproate combined with levetiracetam, and sodium valproate alone correlated with good improvement of SWI, whereas, focal spikes were linked with poor improvement. For both groups (group 1 and group 2): monotherapy, levetiracetam alone, and a normal DQ/IQ at seizure onset correlated with good cognitive outcomes, in contrast, polytherapy, sodium valproate plus other drug (s), levetiracetam plus sodium valproate, an initial SWI of ≥85%, and multifocal spikes were linked to cognitive deterioration.

Conclusions: Monotherapy, particularly levetiracetam seems to be a good first-line therapy which can help in normalizing the electroencephalograph and preventing cognitive decline. Polytherapy, mostly the administration of sodium valproate seems to relate with poor cognition, therefore, it is recommended to avoid it.

Clinical and electroencephalographic features of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes comorbidity with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Southwest China

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to analyze the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with benign partial epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) in Southwest China, to address the question of what the risk factors are for patients with BECTS who suffer from ADHD.

METHODS

Overall 118 right-handed children with BECTS were included from two medical centers. Of them, 29 patients were with diagnosed ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) at baseline, and the remaining were considered as typical BECTS. Clinical and EEG characteristics were collected at baseline and follow-up endpoint of one year. All the patients completed an eight-hour video-electroencephalogram (VEEG) without sedation at those two time points using a digital system with international 10-20 array electrode placement. At the follow-up endpoint, we also evaluated the intelligence level of all patients using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV). Multivariate logistical regression model was performed to assess the risk factors of ADHD in BECTS patients.

RESULTS

Compared with typical BECTS, patients with BECTS-ADHD had an earlier age of onset, a longer disease course and tended to have lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Their epileptiform discharges were more likely to diffuse to one or both hemispheres, and a higher percentage of patients with BECTS-ADHD patients needed multitherapy to control seizures. Multivariate analysis showed that age of onset, disease course, intelligence score, number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and bilateral or diffusing discharges were independently associated with the occurrence of ADHD in patients with BECTS (p < .05). Additionally, we found that delayed diagnosis (37.3%) and nonadherence to treatment (16.1%) were the main reasons of a long disease course.

CONCLUSION

Benign partial epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes with ADHD has the characteristics of early age of onset, long course of disease and low intelligence score. In addition, the epileptiform discharges of BECTS-ADHD were prone to be bilateral or diffuse, and polypharmacological treatment is also common in this group.

Increased frequency of sleep problems in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever: The role of anxiety and depression

AIM

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary autoinflammatory disease. The main goal of our study is to compare sleep habits, depression and anxiety of patients with FMF to healthy children and to determine the influence of disease-related factors on sleep habits and psychiatric symptoms.

METHOD

In total, 323 child and adolescent patients with FMF and 260 healthy peers as a control group were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to evaluate sleep habits, psychological status of children and adolescents with and without FMF.

RESULTS

While there was not a significant difference in terms of age, gender, depression and anxiety scores (P > 0.05); patients with FMF had significantly higher total sleeping score (45.69 ± 7.70 vs 43.31 ± 7.77; P = 0.001). Depression and anxiety scores of patients with FMF who have been experiencing sleep problems were found to be dramatically higher compared to those FMF patients without sleep problems (7.70 ± 5.56 vs 4.59 ± 3.97; P = 0.001; 35.46 ± 18.57 vs 25.22 ± 14.12; P = 0.001; respectively). Patients with FMF who had a disease attack last month had remarkably higher depression, anxiety and sleeping scores compared to those who did not. When FMF patients were compared in terms of exertional leg pain, increased acute phase reactant levels, comorbidity and mutation types, there was not a significant difference for depression, anxiety and sleeping scores.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with FMF experience more sleeping problems compared to healthy children and in presence of sleeping disorders, psychiatric symptoms are seen more frequently. Therefore, evaluation of psychopathology is important if youth with FMF have sleep problems.

The Impact of Sleep on Disability and School Functioning: Results From a Tertiary Pediatric Headache Center

Pediatric headache patients often experience significant sleep disturbance, which may be a risk factor for poor physical, academic, and emotional functioning, including increased anxiety/fear. The current retrospective cohort study of a clinical sample of youth with persistent headache aimed to examine the impact of sleep on functional outcomes and to explore pain-related fear as a mediator of the association between sleep problems and functioning. A total of 109 youth (aged 7-17 years) with persistent headache presenting to a tertiary pediatric headache center (and their parents) completed measures of sleep problems, fear of pain, functional disability, and school functioning at the time of an initial evaluation and 6 months later. After controlling for age and headache frequency and severity, linear regression analyses indicated that increased sleep problems at baseline were associated with increased functional disability and poorer school functioning at baseline (β = 0.28, P = .01; β = -0.42, P < .001, respectively). Poor sleep at baseline was associated with poorer school functioning (but not functional disability) at follow-up (β = -0.25, P = .02). Mediation models demonstrated an indirect mediating effect of pain-related fear on the association between baseline sleep problems and follow-up functional disability (β = 0.06, 95% confidence interval 0.01, 0.15) and between baseline sleep problems and follow-up school functioning (β = -0.06, 95% confidence interval -0.13, -0.004). Sleep disturbance in youth with headache may be a risk factor for poor functional outcomes, both concurrently and over time, and may be explained partially through pain-related fear. Given the frequency with which pediatric headache patients experience co-occurring sleep problems, sleep should be thoroughly assessed and considered as a potential early treatment target.

Clinical Forms and GRIN2A Genotype of Severe End of Epileptic-Aphasia Spectrum Disorder

Objective: This study aims to analyze the electroclinical characteristics and gene test results of children on the severe end of the epilepsy aphasia spectrum (EAS) and also the correlation of EAS-related GRIN2A genes to explore the genotype-phenotype relationships, as well as potential pathogenic mechanism of EAS. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the participants diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS), epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike-and-wave during sleep (CSWS), and atypical benign partial epilepsy (ABPE) at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2013 to June 2019. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in six patients, and epileptic panel was carried out in two. In addition, we reviewed all the published literatures reporting EAS patients with pathogenic variants until June 2019 and conducted Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, as well as protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results: The mean age at seizure onset was 55.4 ± 27.0 months. The baseline severity of the spike-wave index (SWI) was not significantly correlated with intellectual disability (ID) level. Two pathogenic de novo GRIN2A null variants were identified in patients with ABPE who had less severe ID, despite the electrical status epilepticus during slow-wave sleep (ESES). By literature reviewing, 18 GRIN2A missense mutations and 11 GRIN2A truncating mutations which lead to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors' loss of function has been reported. Of these mutations, 9 (31.0%) are situated in amino (N)-terminal domain, 6 (20.7%) in linger-binding domain S1, and 10 (34.5%) in linger-binding domain S2. EAS-related genes were enriched in the biological process of chemical synaptic transmission and vocalization (FDR, <0.01). The hub protein in PPI network is GluN2A, which might affect language function via foxp2-srpx2/uPAR signal network. Conclusion: Our data suggested that when children suspected with benign epilepsy of children with centrotemporal spikes (BECTs) have early-onset age, changed seizure semiology, and deterioration of behavior/cognition/motor function, neurologists should be alert of the appearance of ESES. The neuropsychological deterioration in children with EAS might not only be completely affected by electric discharge severity but also genetic etiology. Our finding also enforced the current genotype-phenotype relationship theory about EAS. For EAS children, GRIN2A-FOXP2-SRPX2/uPAR signal network might contribute to the mechanism of their language deficit.

Early features of autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

Background

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication along with repetitive, restricted, and stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. It is important to detect this condition as soon as possible and promptly begin targeted treatments. This study aimed to report on age at onset, early signs, and mode at onset in 105 Italian patients with autism spectrum disorder, searching for correlations with a series of clinical and instrumental variables.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study considered the following five categories of symptoms at onset: language, social interaction and relationships, stereotyped behavior and activities, motor skills, and regulation. Three modes of presentation were considered: a delay, a stagnation, or a regression of development, which were defined modes of onset of autism spectrum disorder. The age at onset, the category of clinical features, and the mode at onset were considered in the entire sample and statistically analyzed for several clinical variables. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Fisher Exact test and Chi Square test.

Results

The first symptoms between 7 and 12 months were evident in 41.9% of cases, and between 13 and 24 months in 27.6%; no significant differences for the age at onset related to diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, early onset epilepsy, and intelligence quotient level emerged. Social interaction and relationships (93.3%) and language (92.4%) were the categories of early signs more represented in our sample. Delay in spoken language (to be understood as both verbal production and verbal comprehension) was one of the most common (even though not specific) symptoms prompting initial medical consultation for a possible diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. At onset, patients without intellectual disability manifested stagnation more often than delay or regression of development; patients with a severe/profound intellectual disability more frequently showed delay or regression of development. Language signs at onset were less frequent in cases with regression, whereas motor skill disorders prevailed in cases with delay at onset. Feeding problems were more numerous in cases with delay and stagnation of development.

Conclusions

These data contribute to identifying an early trend of autism spectrum disorder, useful also for pediatricians.

Behavioral-educational sleep interventions for pediatric epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial

Study Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a clinic-based, behavioral-educational sleep intervention on sleep of children with epilepsy, maternal knowledge about childhood sleep, and maternal sleep quality.

Methods

A total of 100 toddlers and preschool-age children with epilepsy (1.5–6 years, 55% boys) and their parents were randomized to receive sleep intervention (n = 50) or usual care with attention (n = 50). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention with the use of objective actigraphy, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Parents’ Sleep Knowledge Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Intervention effects were examined using general linear models for repeated measurements to compare the mean change in outcomes from baseline to 12 months post-intervention between the two groups.

Results

Sleep intervention resulted in children having greater sleep efficiency by 2.03% compared with the usual care group (95% CI = 0.20% to 3.86%; p = .03). Children in the intervention group also had significantly longer total nighttime sleep as objectively assessed by actigraphy than did those in the usual care group, with an adjusted mean difference of 16.13 minutes (95% CI = 0.24% to 32.03%; p = .04). No intervention effects were observed for maternal knowledge about childhood sleep, and maternal sleep quality.

Conclusion

Sleep intervention provided during routine neurologic visits results in significant, measurable, and sustained benefits in sleep quality and quantity in children with epilepsy. Future trials are warranted to evaluate whether improvements in sleep could impact health-related quality of life or other aspects of functioning in children with epilepsy.

Clinical Trial

This trial has been registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (trial name: Sleep Intervention for Pediatric Epilepsy; registration number: NCT02514291).

The role of sleep-related cognitive functions in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes

Heterogeneous cognitive deficits have been described in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes, which strongly correlate with the intensity of interictal epileptiform discharges and its spreading, in particular during sleep, mostly within the perisylvian cognitive network. The aim of this review is to discuss current findings regarding the connection between sleep alterations and cognitive function in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes. A longer sleep onset latency is the only evident sleep macrostructure alteration reported in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes. On a microstructural level, a higher spike count of descending compared to ascending slopes of sleep cycles, an impairment of slow wave downscaling, and amplitude and slope of slow waves were found in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes. Moreover, children with benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes had a reduced non-rapid eye movement sleep instability, in terms of cyclic alternating pattern, similar to that found in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and in children with obstructive sleep apnea and centro-temporal spike during sleep. Children with benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes have a known comorbidity with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and obstructive sleep apnea.Conclusion: Considering the common sleep microstructure alterations, the presence of attention deficit and hyperactivity and/or sleep apnea may be a considered warning sign in the case of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes. What is Known: • Sleep related-cognitive deficits have been described in the spectrum of benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes. The degree of sleep alterations may predict the neurocognitive outcome, and help clinicians to choose the right treatment. What is New: • Considering the common sleep microstructure alterations, attention deficit and sleep apnea, may be a considered warning signs.

Autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-related symptoms in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: A prospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), one of the most common idiopathic epilepsy syndromes in children, has been associated with neuropsychological problems.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of symptoms related to comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with typical BECTS, and to identify corresponding risk factors.

METHODS

Children and adolescents with typical BECTS aged 6-16 years were included in the study period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Children with atypical presentations of BECTS, other neurological disorders, and preexisting neuropsychiatric disorders were excluded. The ASD and ADHD were assessed by the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Turgay Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th Edition - Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S), respectively. Patients' scores were compared with those of healthy subjects. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the age at seizure onset, the total number of seizures and the SCQ and T-DSM-IV-S scores.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight children with BECTS and 60 healthy children participated in the study. The total SCQ score, the SCQ reciprocal social interaction score, and the SCQ communication score significantly differed between children with BECTS and the control group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The total ADHD score was significantly different between patients and controls (p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed between patients and controls in terms of the T-DSM-IV-S hyperactivity-impulsivity score and the T-DSM-IV-S inattention score (p = 0.012, p < 0.001, respectively). The age at seizure onset was significantly correlated with the total SCQ score (p = 0.03). The Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.352 for the total SCQ score, indicating a positive association between the age at seizure onset and the total SCQ score.

CONCLUSION

Children with typical BECTS may have an increased risk of suffering from symptoms of ASD and ADHD. Children with late onset of seizures may be more likely to develop neuropsychological disturbances regarding ASD and ADHD.

Effect of sleep quality on memory, executive function, and language performance in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and controlled epilepsy versus healthy controls - A prospective study

We aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep quality on memory, executive function, and language performance in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and controlled epilepsy and compare these with healthy individuals. We prospectively enrolled 37 adolescent and adult patients with refractory focal epilepsy (Group 1) and controlled epilepsy (Group 2) in each group. History pertaining to epilepsy and sleep were recorded, and all patients underwent overnight polysomnography. Language, memory, and executive function assessments were done using Western Aphasia Battery, Post Graduate Institute (PGI) memory scale, and battery of four executive function tests (Trail Making Test A & B, Digit symbol test, Stroop Task, and Verbal Fluency Test), respectively. Forty age- and sex-matched controls were also included in the study. Significant differences were noted in both objective and subjective sleep parameters among all the groups. On polysomnography, parameters like total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and rapid eye movement (REM) latency were found to be significantly worse in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Cognitive and executive parameters were significantly impaired in Group 1. Shorter total sleep time, poorer sleep efficiency, and prolonged sleep latencies were observed to be associated with poor memory and executive function in patients with refractory epilepsy. Our study strongly suggests that sleep disturbances, mainly shorter total sleep time, poor sleep efficiency, and prolonged sleep latencies, are associated with impaired memory and executive function in patients with refractory focal epilepsy and to a lesser extent, among those with medically controlled epilepsy.

Sleep and epilepsy: unfortunate bedfellows

The relationship between sleep and seizure disorders is a particularly vicious cycle. Nocturnal seizures can interrupt sleep while a number of factors, including antiepileptics and sleep disorders that cause sleep fragmentation, can worsen seizures. Understanding and managing seizures and related sleep disturbance is therefore an important and treatable intervention target that could potentially improve children's sleep, but also their learning, mood, behaviour, seizures and parental quality of life.

More daytime sleepiness and worse quality of sleep in patients with Dravet Syndrome compared to other epilepsy patients

AIM

Sleep problems are often reported in patients with a Dravet Syndrome (DS). In this study we explored the sleep behavior in DS and compared the prevalence of sleep problems with other epilepsy patients.

METHODS

An online questionnaire based on the 'Sleep Behavior Questionnaire by Simonds & Parraga (SQ-SP)' was distributed amongst DS parents and a control group (parents from children with epilepsy). Completed questionnaires were evaluated by factor scores and Composite Sleep Index (CSI).

RESULTS

Fifty-six responses were recorded in the DS group (42 were ≤18 year). Caregivers reported an overall frequency of sleep problems in 42.3% (22/52). Severe sleep problems, measured by CSI, were found in 28.3% (13/46) mainly related to night waking or daytime sleepiness. In the control group (n = 66, 62 were ≤18 year), sleep problems were reported by 21.2% (14/52) of the parents. Comparison analysis between pediatric DS and epilepsy patients revealed no significant differences between the prevalence of different types of sleep disorders, except for daytime sleepiness (p = 0.042). However, the parent (or caregiver)-reported quality of sleep was significantly lower in the DS group (p = 0.011).

INTERPRETATION

Sleep problems are frequent in DS patients and are mainly related to daytime sleepiness and night waking. Compared with other epilepsy patients, severe sleep problems are not more common in patients with a DS. However DS patients tend to have more mild night waking problems, which may explain the worse parental-reported sleep quality in DS patients.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Associated Cognitive Dysfunction in Pediatric Epilepsy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric comorbidity associated with childhood epilepsy, affecting about a third of children with epilepsy. In contrast, ADHD in the general population occurs in 4%-12% of school-aged children. The cause of this association remains unclear. It is likely that common mechanisms underlie the vulnerability for both executive deficits and epileptogenesis. There are characteristics unique to children with ADHD and epilepsy. The inattentive type of ADHD is more prevalent than the combined presentation in children with epilepsy, while the combined type is more common in the general population. Interestingly, there is an equal sex distribution of ADHD in patients with epilepsy, while in the general population, ADHD is 3-7 times more prevalent in boys. Specific features of ADHD seen in different epilepsy syndromes are frequently associated with executive deficits. Early screening of ADHD symptoms in children with epilepsy is essential, as timely interventions can improve academic and social function and outcomes. The mainstays of therapy include behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy, with evidence demonstrating that stimulants are both safe and effective in children with ADHD and epilepsy.

"Atypical forms" of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS): How to diagnose and guide these children. A practical/scientific approach

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) epilepsy, also known as rolandic epilepsy, is the most common childhood type of epilepsy. There is debate on its "benign" definition given the numerous literature data on its correlation to cognitive morbidity. Although its prognosis is often favorable, BECTS can present or evolve however to an atypical form, characterized by a worse prognosis and negative impact on cognitive development. It is possible that abnormal electrical activity, marker of neurological dysfunction, has the potential to disrupt neural network function and development. Numerous studies tried to identify clinical or electroencephalographic criteria for atypical forms and atypical evolution of BECTS in order to guide follow-up and treatment of patients and to predict their outcome. This review provides a compact summery of literature data with a focus on predictive features of future cognitive decline.

Expert Opinion on the Management of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment Algorithms and Practical Considerations

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathy that is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by multiple seizure types, abnormal electroencephalographic features, and intellectual disability. Although intellectual disability and associated behavioral problems are characteristic of LGS, they are not necessarily present at its outset and are therefore not part of its diagnostic criteria. LGS is typically treated with a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, often in combination. Management and treatment decisions can be challenging, due to the multiple seizure types and comorbidities associated with the condition. A panel of five epileptologists met to discuss consensus recommendations for LGS management, based on the latest available evidence from literature review and clinical experience. Treatment algorithms were formulated. Current evidence favors the continued use of sodium valproate (VPA) as the first-line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed de novo LGS. If VPA is ineffective alone, evidence supports lamotrigine, or subsequently rufinamide, as adjunctive therapy. If seizure control remains inadequate, the choice of next adjunctive antiepileptic drug (AED) should be discussed with the patient/parent/caregiver/clinical team, as current evidence is limited. Non-pharmacological therapies, including resective surgery, the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, and callosotomy, should be considered for use alongside AED therapy from the outset of treatment. For patients with LGS that has evolved from another type of epilepsy who are already being treated with an AED other than VPA, VPA therapy should be considered if not trialed previously. Thereafter, the approach for a de novo patient should be followed. Where possible, no more than two AEDs should be used concomitantly. Patients with established LGS should undergo review by a neurologist specialized in epilepsy on at least an annual basis, including a thorough reassessment of their diagnosis and treatment plan. Clinicians should always be vigilant to the possibility of treatable etiologies and alert to the possibility that a patient’s diagnosis may change, since the seizure types and electroencephalographic features that characterize LGS evolve over time. To date, available treatments are unlikely to lead to seizure remission in the majority of patients and therefore the primary focus of treatment should always be optimization of learning, behavioral management, and overall quality of life.

Insomnia, parasomnias, and narcolepsy in children: clinical features, diagnosis, and management

Sleep problems are frequently encountered as presenting complaints in child neurology clinical practice. They can affect the functioning and quality of life of children, particularly those with primary neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, since coexisting sleep problems can add substantially to neurocognitive and behavioural comorbidities. Additionally, symptoms of some sleep disorders such as parasomnias and narcolepsy can be confused with those of other neurological disorders (eg, epilepsy), posing diagnostic challenges for paediatric neurologists. The understanding of the neurophysiology of sleep disorders such as insomnia, parasomnias, and narcolepsy is still evolving. There is a complex relation between the sleeping brain and its waking function. The interplay among genetic factors, alterations in neurotransmitters, electrophysiological changes, and environmental factors potentially contribute to the genesis of these sleep disorders.

The relationship between epilepsy, sleep disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: A review of the literature

Objective

To analyze the relationship between epilepsy, sleep disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Bibliographic search

A literature search of the PubMed database was performed using the following key words: epilepsy, sleep, and ADHD. In total, 91 articles were located in PubMed, 34 were selected for abstract reading and twelve articles were reviewed, in which the main objectives were examine the relationship between epilepsy, sleep and ADHD from several perspectives, including epidemiology, effect of comorbidities on academic performance and the factors leading to diagnostic difficulties among these three disorders

Results

Among the main findings, there were difficulties to start and maintain sleep in patients with epilepsy and ADHD, reduction in sleep efficiency, decreased seizure threshold, as well as behavioral and cognitive deficits in both groups.

Conclusions

It is important to know which symptom is the predominant one. For this reason, children and adolescents with epilepsy, ADHD and sleep disorders need to be assessed carefully before initiating treatment. Our review concluded that there is an important link in this pathological triad.

Sleep-wake cycle on amplitude-integrated EEG and neuroimage outcomes in newborns

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of sleep-wake cycle monitoring using amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) and neuroimaging in newborn infants with a possible perinatal hypoxic insult, investigate the correlation between the findings, and determine the relevance of the findings to reasonably predict neurological outcome.

METHODS

aEEG was recorded among newborn infants suspected of perinatal asphyxia between November, 2014 and June, 2015 in one neonatal intensive care unit facility. Brain imaging with serial ultrasonography and MRI when available were performed, and the infants were divided into two groups according to findings and potential neurological outcome: Group I (favorable findings) and Group II (severe findings such as high grade intraventricular hemorrhage, cerebral infarction or white matter injury). Established sleep-wake cycle times after birth was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Among 107 newborn infants, 85 subjects were classified as Group I and the remaining 22 subjects as Group II. The total number of aEEG sessions was 207 and recording time was 2,796 h with a mean of 14.43 ± 13.40 h per study. Estimated times of cyclicity were earlier in Group I (113.34 h, 95 % CI 82.31-144.37) as compared to Group II (504.39 h, 95 % CI 319.91-688.88; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed cyclicity on aEEG has a strong correlation with unfavorable brain neuroimages in newborns with possible perinatal asphyxia. If sleep-wake cycles do not appear during initial period after birth, follow-up aEEG studies are recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered Registration number: BD 2015-148 Name of registry: amplitude integrated EEG in neonate Date of registration: September 9, 2015.

The effect of supported physical activity on parental-reported sleep qualities and pain severity in children with medical complexity

PURPOSE

To study the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity in children with medical complexity (CMC).

METHODS

Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of daily supported PA on weekdays over 5 weeks. A pre- and post-test design was used to collect sleep qualities (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and pain severity (Faces Pain Scale- Revised) as reported by parents. Using a repeated measures design, weekly sleep diaries captured sleep duration.

RESULTS

Children with medical complexity experienced no adverse effects, including pain, with the supported PA intervention. Significant improvements in sleep problems, sleep duration, and pain severity (P< 0.05) were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Short-term supported PA did not interfere with sleep or pain in CMC, and in fact, seems to have enhanced parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity. Supported PA appears safe for CMC and healthcare professionals should explore methods to expand opportunities for supported PA participation.

Comorbidity and Childhood Epilepsy: A Nationwide Registry Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Children with epilepsy are at increased risk of other disorders and difficulties, preceding, cooccurring with, or after the diagnosis of epilepsy. Risk estimates vary, few studies are population-based, and few provide comprehensive assessments of comorbidities. We used nationwide registry data to describe frequencies of medical, neurologic, developmental, and psychiatric conditions occurring before and after children are diagnosed with childhood epilepsy.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Norwegian Patient Registry, which is an administrative database recording International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnoses from all government-funded specialist health services in Norway (outpatient consultations and hospitalizations). We included data from the years 2008 through 2013 for all children born in Norway between 1996 and 2013 (0-17 years of age at the end of follow-up). Children with epilepsy were compared with the general child population, adjusting for sex and age. We also compared children with complicated epilepsies (ie, epilepsies with additional neurologic and/or developmental disorders) to children with uncomplicated epilepsies.

RESULTS

The study population included 1 125 161 children. There were 6635 (0.6%) children with epilepsy. Nearly 80% of children with epilepsy had ≥1 comorbid disorder. All types of disorders were more frequent in children with epilepsy, with additional medical disorders recorded in 55%, neurologic disorders in 41%, and developmental/psychiatric disorders in 43%. Children with complicated epilepsies had the highest overall levels of comorbidity, but the risk of medical and psychiatric comorbidities was also substantial among children with uncomplicated epilepsies.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall frequency of comorbid disease is high in children with epilepsy, including children with presumably uncomplicated epilepsies.

Cognitive and neurodevelopmental comorbidities in paediatric epilepsy

Cognitive and behavioural comorbidities are often seen in children with epilepsy, and are more common and severe in refractory epilepsy. These comorbidities are associated with worse quality of life, increased behavioural and language problems and worse social skills, all of which adversely affect long-term psychosocial functioning. To enable early intervention and therapy, children and teens with epilepsy should be periodically screened for cognitive comorbidities. The location of the epileptic focus can, to a certain degree, predict the type(s) of comorbidity; however, the spectrum of disability is often broad, presumably because focal perturbations can cause network dysfunction. Comorbidities often result from underlying structural or functional pathology that has led to seizures. In selected cases, therapy targeting the underlying cause, such as the ketogenic diet for GLUT1 deficiency syndromes, may be remarkably effective in ameliorating both seizures and cognitive concerns. In many cases, however, cognitive impairment persists despite seizure control. In epileptic encephalopathies, frequent seizures and/or interictal epileptiform abnormalities exacerbate neurocognitive dysfunction, owing to synaptic reorganization or impaired neurogenesis, or to other effects on developing neural circuits, and prompt initiation of effective antiepileptic therapy is essential to limit cognitive comorbidities.

Sleep-Related Disorders in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Preliminary Results of a Full Sleep Assessment Study

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

We present the preliminary results of a prospective case-control sleep study in children with a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A deep sleep assessment including sleep questionnaires, sleep habits, a video-polysomnographic recording with full high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and cardiorespiratory polygraphy, multiple sleep latency test, and 1-week actigraphic recording were performed to verify whether children with ADHD may be classified into one of the following five phenotypes: (1) hypoarousal state, resembling narcolepsy, which may be considered a "primary" form of ADHD; (2) delayed sleep onset insomnia; (3) sleep-disordered breathing; (4) restless legs syndrome and/or periodic limb movements; and (5) sleep epilepsy and/or EEG interictal epileptiform discharges.

RESULTS

Fifteen consecutive outpatients with ADHD were recruited (two female, mean age 10.6 ± 2.2, age range 8-13.7 years) over 6 months. The narcolepsy-like sleep phenotype was observed in three children, the sleep onset insomnia phenotype was observed in one child, mild obstructive sleep apnea was observed in three children, sleep hyperkinesia and/or PLMs were observed in five children, while IEDs and or nocturnal epilepsy were observed in three children. Depending on the sleep phenotype, children received melatonin, iron supplementation, antiepileptic drugs, or stimulants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study further highlights the need to design an efficient sleep diagnostic algorithm for children with ADHD, thereby more accurately identifying cases in which a full sleep assessment is indicated.

Neuropsychological consequences of sleep disturbance in children with epilepsy

A growing body of research reveals strong relationships between sleep disturbance, sleep architecture, and neuropsychological functioning in children. Children with epilepsy experience numerous neuropsychological comorbidities, including cognitive deficiencies and emotional/behavioral difficulties; thus, it is reasonable to consider the moderating role of sleep in this population. This review summarizes findings involving the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems often experienced by children with epilepsy. The complex and bidirectional relationship between sleep and seizure frequency is discussed. Research pertaining to the relationship between sleep disturbance and daytime cognition as well as behavior reveals a substantial association between these variables. Clinically relevant practices related to the assessment and treatment of sleep-related complications are reviewed, and directions for further research involving intervention and assessment are also reviewed.

Increased urinary 6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate levels in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosed children and adolescent

There are some studies in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which note altered circadian rhythms, suggesting abnormalities in melatonin physiology. In order to better characterize the possible melatonin alteration in ADHD, in this study we aimed to detect daytime, nighttime and 24 h levels of 6-hydroxymelatoninsulfate (6-OH MS) in the patients diagnosed with ADHD. Twenty-seven patients between 6 and 16 years-old, who had been diagnosed initially with ADHD, but without other physical and psychiatric disease history and who had not taken psychotropic pharmacotherapy for six months, plus 28 healthy volunteer controls, were included in the study. Urine samples were collected during the whole 24 h cycle, daytime and nighttime separately to assess the time-dependent excretion of the 6-OH MS, which is the main urine metabolite of melatonin. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used for measuring the urine 6-OH MS level. Daytime (15.4 (8.9-24.8) ng/ml vs 6.9 (2.5-15.9) ng/ml, p=0.002), nighttime (102.9 (65.3-197.7) ng/ml vs 61.5 (37.2-114.4) ng/ml, p=0.012) and 24 h (54.1 (34.6-83.9) ng/ml vs 27.3 (14.3-48.9) ng/ml, p=0.000) 6-OH MS levels median (25p-75p) were found to be significantly higher in the ADHD group. After adjustment for age and sex, there was a statistically significant difference between the ADHD group (59.8 ± 4.9) and control group (33.8 ± 4.8) in 24-h 6-OH MS levels (F(1, 51)=13.673, p=.001, partial η2=.211). There was no relationship between 6-OH MS levels and Conners Parent Rating Scale short form subscale scores for the ADHD group. These findings indicate that melatonin production is increased in ADHD cases. Further research is needed to determine and thereby understand the mechanisms underlying the higher melatonin production, to assess the impact of altered melatonin on the pathophysiology of ADHD.

Is There a Relation between EEG-Slow Waves and Memory Dysfunction in Epilepsy? A Critical Appraisal

Is there a relationship between peri-ictal slow waves, loss of consciousness, memory, and slow-wave sleep, in patients with different forms of epilepsy? We hypothesize that mechanisms, which result in peri-ictal slow-wave activity as detected by the electroencephalogram, could negatively affect memory processes. Slow waves (≤4 Hz) can be found in seizures with impairment of consciousness and also occur in focal seizures without impairment of consciousness but with inhibited access to memory functions. Peri-ictal slow waves are regarded as dysfunctional and are probably caused by mechanisms, which are essential to disturb the consolidation of memory entries in these patients. This is in strong contrast to physiological slow-wave activity during deep sleep, which is thought to group memory-consolidating fast oscillatory activity. In patients with epilepsy, slow waves may not only correlate with the peri-ictal clouding of consciousness, but could be the epiphenomenon of mechanisms, which interfere with normal brain function in a wider range. These mechanisms may have transient impacts on memory, such as temporary inhibition of memory systems, altered patterns of hippocampal-neocortical interactions during slow-wave sleep, or disturbed cross-frequency coupling of slow and fast oscillations. In addition, repeated tonic-clonic seizures over the years in uncontrolled chronic epilepsy may cause a progressive cognitive decline. This hypothesis can only be assessed in long-term prospective studies. These studies could disentangle the reversible short-term impacts of seizures, and the impacts of chronic uncontrolled seizures. Chronic uncontrolled seizures lead to irreversible memory impairment. By contrast, short-term impacts do not necessarily lead to a progressive cognitive decline but result in significantly impaired peri-ictal memory performance.

Primary sleep disorders in people with epilepsy: clinical questions and answers

The questions facing clinicians with patients with sleep disorder and epilepsy are addressed in this article. Both adult and child epilepsy are discussed in the context of the most typical questions a clinician would have, such as "Are parasomnias more common in people with epilepsy?", "Is sleep architecture abnormal in children with epilepsy", along with outcomes of numerous questionnaire-based, case-based, and double-blind placebo studies on such aspects as sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, anxiety and fears, limb movement, nocturnal seizures, agitation, behavioral disorders, and learning disorders.

Key issues in addressing the comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and pediatric epilepsy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity of epilepsy encountered by clinicians. However, relatively little information is available to guide optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies. Differentiating ADHD from effects of epilepsy requires careful history taking and emphasis upon characteristic symptoms and course of illness. Rating scales for ADHD are well validated and may aid clinical management. Use of antiepileptic drugs may cause cognitive or behavioral side effects yet may improve behavior in some cases. Historically, clinicians have been hesitant to treat ADHD comorbidity for fear of lowering the seizure threshold. However, an aggregate of recent evidence now suggests that stimulants may be well tolerated and effective for ADHD comorbid with epilepsy. Studies that further clarify pathophysiology and treatment outcomes are needed in order to enhance clinical efficacy and quality of life for this population.

Sleep alterations in children with refractory epileptic encephalopathies: a polysomnographic study

Data on the relationship between sleep disturbances and refractory epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) are scarce. Our aim was to assess, by means of nocturnal polysomnography, if children with EEs present with objective alterations in sleep organization. Twenty-three children with EEs (12 males; mean age: 8.7±1.4years) and 40 healthy controls (22 males; mean age: 8.8±1.1years) underwent an overnight full polysomnography (PSG). Relative to controls, children with EEs showed a significant reduction in all PSG parameters related to sleep duration time in bed (TIB-min p<0.001), total sleep time (TST-min p<0.001), and sleep percentage (SPT-min p<0.001), as well as significantly higher REM latency (FRL-min p<0.001), rate in stage shifting (p=0.005), and number of awakenings/hour (p=0.002). Relative to controls, children with EEs also showed significant differences in respiratory parameters (AHI/h p<0.001, ODI/h p<0.001, SpO2% p<0.001, SpO2 nadir% p<0.001) and a higher rate of periodic limb movements (PLMs% p<0.001). Our findings suggest that sleep evaluation could be considered mandatory in children with refractory epileptic encephalopathy in order to improve the clinical management and the therapeutic strategies.

Regional Cerebral Blood-Flow with 99mTc-ECD Brain Perfusion SPECT in Landau-Kleffner Syndrome: Report of Two Cases

Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a rare childhood disorder characterized by acquired aphasia and epilepsy. 99mTc-ECD SPECT imaging was performed in two right-handed children with LKS. A relative decrease in perfusion was found in the left frontal-temporal cortices of both patients as well as in the left and right parietal cortices of one patient with aphasia, without clinical epilepsy. The degree of regional cerebral perfusion impairment did not correlate with the severity of the clinical and EEG abnormalities, but the area of hypoperfusion was compatible with the speech area of the brain. Overall, although asymmetrical temporoparietal perfusion appears as a common finding in LKS, SPECT findings in LKS alone cannot elucidate the pathogenic features of the disorder in the brain. Here, we present two cases of LKS in which we investigated SPECT perfusion scans.

An evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate for the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

INTRODUCTION

Methylphenidate (MPH) plays a principal role in the multimodal treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Controlled studies have demonstrated an effective reduction in the core symptoms of the disorder following MPH therapy, although long-term studies also demonstrate that the therapeutic benefits dissipate in the absence of combined psychosocial interventions.

AREAS COVERED

This review article focuses on the pharmacological characteristics of MPH, examining its effects on brain metabolism and the neurotransmitter system. Neuropsychological and clinical effects of different immediate and extended release MPH formulations are discussed to aid clinicians in choosing the appropriate formulation. The drug's addictive potency and abuse potential is also discussed. Data came from a literature search of relevant studies performed using the PubMed database up to June 2013.

EXPERT OPINION

MPH is effective in the treatment of the core symptoms of ADHD. Considerable clinical expertise is required to identify an individually well-adapted dosage which will produce the optimal clinical effects with potential side effects minimized. Due to low adherence to medication, especially in adolescents, motivation to treatment and attentive clinical monitoring is mandatory, as is the consideration of risks of abuse or the presence of a comorbid addictive disorder.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus complicating epstein-barr virus encephalitis in a child

Children with acute encephalopathy show prolonged electrographic seizure activity consistent with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Pediatric NCSE is a heterogeneous clinical entity with poor outcome and different etiologies, including central nervous system infection, stroke, toxic-metabolic syndrome, and epileptic syndrome. We report a 4-year-old girl with seizure and behavioral changes in whom the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction was positive for Epstein-Barr virus. We emphasize the importance of electroencephalography (EEG), and particularly, of continuous EEG monitoring for early recognition and appropriate treatment of this condition.