Prevalence of Medically Resistant Epilepsy in Saudi Arabia

Drug-resistant epilepsy in Morocco: description, prevalence and predictive factors in Casablanca-Settat region

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) affects about one-third of people with epilepsy (PWE). Our study aims to estimate the DRE prevalence and its predictive factors in Morocco. A cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months. PWE with clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, and with an antiseizure treatment duration >12 months were examined in the neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and pediatrics departments, of different sampled clinical sectors for the Casablanca-Settat region. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a questionnaire during consultations. Antiseizure multi-therapy, a seizure freedom duration <12 months, compliance, and adequate posology were the determining factors for classifying DRE. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and logistic regression was performed to determine the predictive factors. In our sample of 446 PWE, the median age is 25 years (IQR: 11.75-44.00). The DRE estimated prevalence was 29.4 %. Pseudo-resistant epilepsy (PRE) was 18.0 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis reports that single marital status (ORa = 1.94; CI95%: 1.02-3.71), comorbidities and concomitant affections (ORa = 2.14; CI95%: 1.27-3.59), structural etiology (ORa = 1.96; CI95%: 1.16-3.30), pre-ictal aura (ORa = 1.90; CI95%: 1.09-3.29), inter-ictal EEG abnormalities (ORa = 2.45; CI95%: 1.24-4.84) and allopathic treatment use (ORa = 2.10; CI95%: 1.30-3.39) are the predictive factors for DRE. We report an alarming DRE prevalence. Associated factors found may contribute to the prognosis and early management. PWE awareness, facilitating healthcare access and the development of epilepsy surgery are the key points to limit DRE in Morocco and prevent its various complications, especially for the pediatric population.

Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Drug Response in Epileptic Children in Jeddah

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease of the brain. Over 20 antiseizure medications are available on the market, but a third of patients still have drug-resistant epilepsy. This study was designed to assess the impact of the demographic and clinical characteristics of epileptic children on their likelihood of developing drug resistance. This study was a multicenter, hospital-based, cross-sectional, case-control study of pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study included 101 children with epilepsy. Fifty-six patients showed good response to antiseizure medications (ASMs), and forty-five patients had a poor response. A statistically significant good response to ASMs was reported among younger patients, those who did not report parental consanguinity, those who did not have a family history of epilepsy, and those diagnosed with partial seizures, with no reported adverse effects. The levetiracetam regimen was statistically significant regarding the responsiveness to ASMs. Patients on a monotherapy regimen elicited a significantly better response to levetiracetam than patients on polytherapy (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between the response to ASMs and the sex, nationality, body mass index, complete blood count, or vitamin B12 level. In conclusion, the ASM response in epileptic patients can be predicted by knowing the patient's demographic and epileptic history. However, the complete blood count and vitamin B12 level failed to predict patients' response to ASMs.

Epilepsy Stigma Among University Students in Makkah: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by a persistent propensity to generate recurring epileptic seizures. Young adults such as university students can bridge the gap and improve attitudes toward patients with epilepsy and reduce stigma. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of university students in the city of Makkah about epilepsy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at main universities in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted after getting approval from Umm Al-Qura University's ethics and research committee. A total of 394 participants were enrolled in the study, and a stratified random sampling (probability sampling) technique was used to select respondents.

RESULTS

The study included students with a mean age of 20.9 ± 4.6 (18-28 years), 271 (68.8%) students were females, 374 (94.9%) of the students agreed that epilepsy is not contagious, and 215 (54.6%) refused the impact of epilepsy on patients' marital status, relationships and fertility, respectively, 213 (54.1%) of the students reported that they feel scared to witness a seizure. About 334 (84.8%) respondents believed that epilepsy is an affliction, and 123 (31.2%) reported that they thought epilepsy was a supernatural phenomenon or black magic.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded a satisfactory level of awareness among university students in Makkah related to dealing with patients with epilepsy. Further scientific studies will help build student's positive attitudes through simulation programs and interventional studies.