Epilepsy Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors among Ambulatory Patients with Epilepsy at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Epilepsy Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Children Who Had Chronic Follow Up at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Introduction

Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects millions of people worldwide. A significant number of children are affected globally, and most live in developing countries, often with physical and cognitive disabilities. Regardless of these factors, epilepsy is poorly controlled, particularly in the developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of treatment outcomes and its predictors among pediatrics patients with epilepsy who were followed-up at the Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2022 to 30 August 2022. A total of 200 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and by reviewing medical records. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. In multivariable analysis, adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 200 pediatric patients with epilepsy, 66 (34.5%) had poor treatment outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, 11-15 years of age (AOR = 4.08; 95% CI = 1.202, 13.848), poor treatment adherence (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.421, 7.249), history of more seizure frequency before starting treatment (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI = 1.984, 8.834) and history of head injury (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.502, 6.112) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

Conclusion

Significant proportion of pediatric patients with epilepsy had poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, health-care workers should strictly follow patient treatment especially for pediatric epileptic patients' who have poor treatment adherence, more seizure frequency history, head injury history and whose age were 11-15 years old.

Seizure Remission and Its Predictors Among Epileptic Patients on Follow-Up at Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Epilepsy is one of the common chronic neurological disorders with varying therapeutic responses. Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy and the significant treatment gaps in developing nations, such as Ethiopia, there is a dearth of data on seizure remission and its predictors in Eastern Ethiopia in particular.

Objective

This study aimed to determine seizure remission and its predictors among epileptic patients on follow-up in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH) and Dilchora Referral Hospital (DCRH), from July 2 to 31, 2021.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 418 newly diagnosed epilepsy patients receiving anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) between July 1, 2014, and July 31, 2019, in two public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Relevant data were collected for all patients with a minimum follow-up period of two years. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify predictors of seizure remission.

Results

Overall, 252 (60.3%) of the study participants have achieved seizure remission for at least one year. The mean time to achieve seizure remission was 1.9 ± 0.87 years. Regarding the seizure remission pattern, 171 (40.9%) patients achieved early remission, 81 (19.4%) achieved late remission, and 166 (39.7%) achieved no remission. Shorter pre-treatment duration (AHR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.28-4.37); good adherence to ASDs (AHR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.33-4.34); and monotherapy (AHR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.98) were predictors of seizure remission.

Conclusion

We observed that less than two-thirds of epileptic patients had achieved seizure remission. A shorter pre-treatment duration, good adherence to ASDs, and monotherapy were predictors of seizure remission. Therefore, we recommend the requirement of an integrated effort from different health disciplines that increases patients' adherence to ASDs, promotes early visits to medical facilities, and improves the health-seeking behavior of epileptic patients.

Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors of Epilepsy Among Children at Hospitals of North-West Ethiopia

Background

Epilepsy is an important cause of neurological morbidity in children and adolescents. Clinical parameters are the main diagnostic tools, especially in developing countries. Although cost-effective treatments for epilepsy are available, studies have shown that uncontrolled seizures can occur in many patients.

Objective

To assess clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and associated factors for controlled epilepsy among children with epilepsy who underwent follow-up at the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-west Ethiopia from October 28, 2020, to April 28, 2021.

Methods

An institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from October 28, 2020, to April 28, 2021. A total of 385 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire with a chart review was used to collect data. The data were entered into the Epi-data software version 4.4.2.1 and then exported to the Stata version 14 statistical package for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatment profiles, and treatment outcomes of patients with epilepsy. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes.

Results

The most frequent type of seizure among the 385 respondents was Generalized-tonic-clonic seizures (88.1%). The proximate cause of seizures was identified in 15% of patients, of whom 45 had a perinatal history (8.8%), head injury (3.6%), and CNS infection (2.3%). One-third of patients had poor seizure control. Caregiver relationship (father AOR=0.58; 95th CI:0.35,0.97) and poor adherence (AOR=2.97; 95th CI:1.82, 4.86) were significantly associated with treatment outcome.

Conclusion

One-third of children with epilepsy have poor seizure control. Poor adherence to treatment is implicated in poor control. Counseling caregivers on proper treatment and adherence to anti-epileptic medication is recommended to improve treatment outcome in children.

Magnitude of Cognitive Impairment Among Patients With Epilepsy at Health Institutions in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Introduction

Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures; it contributes to 1% of the global burden of diseases and can end in cognitive impairment.

Objective

To assess the magnitude and associated factors of cognitive impairment among patients with epilepsy.

Method

The study utilized an institution-based cross-sectional study design. All patients with epilepsy whose ages were above 18 years were the source population. The authors performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Finally, variables with a p-value <.05 were significantly associated.

Result

The magnitude of cognitive impairment is 25.6%. Having no family history of epilepsy (AOR=0.12; 95% CI [0.02, 0.61]), polytherapy (AOR=5.14; 95% CI [1.12, 23.62]), and medication-related complaints (AOR=8.24; 95% CI [1.87, 36.38]) were strongly associated with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Significant numbers of patients were positive for cognitive impairment. Family history, polytherapy, and medication-related complaints were associated factors.

Treatment outcome and associated factors among epileptic patients at ambulatory clinic of Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Objective

The study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of 2-year seizure-free status of epileptic patients at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH).

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at MKCSH from 12 February 2020 to 11 August 2020. Treatment outcome was measured in terms of seizure control status and seizure frequency. Accordingly, good treatment outcome was declared if the patients had a 2-year seizure-free status and poor if the patient had episodes of seizure in the last 2 years. The pharmaceutical care network Europe guideline was used to assess the presence of medication-related problems. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the variables by using crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, the predictors of epilepsy treatment outcome were declared if a P-value was ⩽0.05.

Results

Over the study period, more than half of the participants (172 (57.7%)) were males. The median age of participants was 29 and majorly distributed to 18-30 classes. More than one-fourth of the patients were suffering from absent seizure 85 (28.5%) and general tonic-clonic seizure 83 (27.9%). The most commonly prescribed medication was Phenobarbitone which accounts 34 (11.41%), whereas Valproic acid 8 (2.68%) was the least prescribed. Overall, less than half 131 (43.96%) of patients developed poor treatment outcomes. The predictors of treatment outcomes were having head the injury (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.18, 10.31), family history of epilepsy (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 3.07, 10.46) and the presence of drug therapy problems (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.79, 9.69).

Conclusion

The magnitude of poor epilepsy treatment outcome was found to be high. The predictors of epilepsy treatment outcome were the history of head injury, family history of epilepsy and drug therapy problems. Therefore, to improve the treatment outcome of epileptic patients, health care providers should pay close attention to the identified factors. Besides this, the clinical pharmacy service should be implemented to minimize any medication-related problems.

Seizure control and its associated factors among epileptic patients at Neurology Clinic, University of Gondar hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Epilepsy is characterized by two or more unprovoked recurrent seizures, which often respond to available antiseizure medications. However, seizure control among epileptic patients in the developing world is low. Factors determining seizure control among epileptic patients were not evidently explored in the study setting.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of uncontrolled seizures and associated factors among epileptic patients at the University of Gondar hospital.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit study subjects. Controlled seizure was defined as seizure freedom for the past 1 year. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with seizure control. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare a significant association.

Results

A total of 320 study subjects were included in the study. The mean (±SD) age of patients was 27.5 ± 7.6 years. More than half (182/320, 57%) of epileptic patients had uncontrolled seizures. Five or more pretreatment seizure episodes (adjusted odds ratio = 3.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.81-8.75, p = 0.001), less than 2 years on anti-seizure medications (adjusted odds ratio = 8.64, 95% confidence interval: 3.27-22.85, p < 0.001), taking 2 or more ASMs (adjusted odds ratio = 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-5.02, p = 0.011), poor adherence to ASMs (adjusted odds ratio = 9.37, 95% confidence interval: 4.04-21.75, p < 0.001), and living at a single trip distance from hospital equaled 1 h or more (adjusted odds ratio = 4.20, 95% confidence interval: 2.11-8.41, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with uncontrolled seizures.

Conclusion

The dose of a preferred anti-seizure medication should be optimized before combinations of anti-seizure medications are used. Adherence to anti-seizure medications should be reinforced for better seizure control. Epilepsy care should be integrated into primary health care services in the catchment region.

Non-Adherence to Antiepileptic Drugs and Associated Factors among Epileptic Patients at Ambulatory Clinic of Southwestern Ethiopian Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Non-adherence to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) was the most common drug therapy issue that hampered epileptic patients' treatment success. As a result, the barriers to patients adhering to their treatment should be investigated in depth in order to prevent poor treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on epileptic patients who had followed up at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH). Data collection was done through patient interview and medical charts review. Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale was used to measure medication adherence. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 after data were entered by Epi Info7.2.1. The multivariable logistic regressions were utilized and P < 0.05 was used to declare association.

RESULTS

Over the study period, more than half of the participants 172 (57.7%) were males, and the median age of participants was 29 years. The magnitude of non-adherence to ant-epileptic drugs (AEDs) was 120 (40.27%). The results of multivariable analysis revealed that patients who had experienced the medication side effects, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.199; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.00, P = 0.010, a poly-pharmacy, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.166; 95% CI: 2.63, 10.14, P = <0.001 and the presence of a co-morbidity, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =3.70; 95% CI: 2.058, 6.65, P = <0.001 were the predictors of medication non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of non-adherences to AEDs was found to be high. Phenobarbitone was the most prescribed AEDs. The number of medications taken by the patients, the presence of co-morbidity and the occurrence of medication side effects had a significant association with non-adherence to AEDs. Therefore, the pharmaceutical care in general and drug information services in particular should be established to enhance medication adherence in our study area.

Treatment Outcome of Epileptic Patients Receiving Antiepileptic Drugs in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The prevalence and incidence rate of epilepsy were found to be higher in low- and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled epilepsy has a high risk of disability, stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, and premature death. The available studies of controlled seizure in Ethiopia have showed inconsistent results which calls for systematic review and meta-analysis. Therefore, this review intended to show the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure among people with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs at outpatient department.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Hinnarri databases, and Google Scholar for grey literatures. Data were extracted with structured format prepared using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata/MP 16.0 software for analyses. The I² test was used to check the heterogeneity between primary studies with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 23 primary studies were included in the review showing the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure to be 46% (95% CI: 35, 56). A subgroup analysis of the primary studies showed a considerable variation in magnitude of seizure freedom by study regions, age groups, and seizure-free period. The highest prevalence was found in Addis Ababa 52% (95% CI: 29, 75), pediatric patients 77% (95% CI: 71, 83), and a seizure-free period of less than six months 58% (95% CI: 32, 83). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence of controlled seizure was found in Tigray 27% (95% CI: 11, 65), adult patients 43% (95% CI: 32, 54), and a seizure-free period of six or more 41% (95% CI: 32, 51). Higher frequency of seizure before treatment (2.23, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31) and medication nonadherence (2.7, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.15) had statistically significant association with uncontrolled seizure.

Conclusion

In this review, the prevalence of controlled seizure was found to be low. This warrants that clinicians should give more focus to epileptic patients regarding monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcome of epilepsy and factors that affect seizure control in routine clinical services. The use of standardized definition of controlled seizure, designing strategies to identify pharmacoresistant epilepsy and its treatment, and increasing medication adherence are recommended in Ethiopia. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42021215302.

Experimental Therapeutic Strategies in Epilepsies Using Anti-Seizure Medications

Epilepsies are among the most common neurological problems. The disease burden in patients with epilepsy is significantly high, and epilepsy has a huge negative impact on patients' quality of life with epilepsy and their families. Anti-seizure medications are the mainstay treatment in patients with epilepsy, and around 70% of patients will ultimately control with a combination of at least two appropriately selected anti-seizure medications. However, in one-third of patients, seizures are resistant to drugs, and other measures will be needed. The primary goal in using experimental therapeutic medication strategies in patients with epilepsy is to prevent recurrent seizures and reduce the rate of traumatic events that may occur during seizures. So far, various treatments using medications have been offered for patients with epilepsies, which have been classified according to the type of epilepsy, the effectiveness of the medications, and the adverse effects. Medications such as Levetiracetam, valproic acid, and lamotrigine are at the forefront of these patients' treatment. Epilepsy surgery, neuro-stimulation, and the ketogenic diet are the main measures in patients with medication-resistant epilepsies. In this paper, we will review the therapeutic approach using anti-seizure medications in patients with epilepsy. However, it should be noted that some of these patients still do not respond to existing treatments; therefore, the limited ability of current therapies has fueled research efforts for the development of novel treatment strategies. Thus, it seems that in addition to surgical measures, we should look for more specific agents that have less adverse events and have a greater effect in stopping seizures.