1
|
Maitland K, Obonyo N, Hamaluba M, Ogoda E, Mogaka C, Williams TN, Newton C, Kariuki SM, Gibb DM, Walker AS, Connon R, George EC. A Phase I trial of Non-invasive Ventilation and seizure prophylaxis with levetiracetam In Children with Cerebral Malaria Trial (NOVICE-M Trial). Wellcome Open Res 2024; 9:281. [PMID: 39184127 PMCID: PMC11342035 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.21403.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background African children with cerebral malaria and seizures caused Plasmodium falciparum are at greater risk of poor outcomes including death and neurological sequelae. The agonal events are severe hypoventilation and respiratory arrest often triggered by seizures. We hypothesised that prophylactic anti-seizure medication (ASM) could avert 'spikes' of intracranial pressure during or following seizures and that adequate ventilation could be supported by biphasic Cuirass Ventilation (BCV) which requires no intubation. Methods A Phase I trial conducted in Kilifi, Kenya designed to provide data on safety, feasibility and preliminary data on seizure control using prophylactic ASM (levetiracetam) and BCV as non-invasive ventilatory support in children with cerebral malaria. Children aged 3 months to 12-years hospitalised with P falciparum malaria (positive rapid diagnostic test or a malaria slide), a Blantyre Coma Score ≤2 and a history of acute seizures in this illness are eligible for the trial. In a phased evaluation we will study i) BCV alone for respiratory support (n=10); ii) prophylactic LVT: 40mg/kg loading dose then 30mg/kg every 12 hours given via nasogastric tube for 72 hours (or until fully conscious) plus BCV support (n=10) and; iii) prophylactic LVT: 60mg/kg loading dose then 45mg/kg every 12 hours given via nasogastric tube for 72 hours (or until fully conscious) plus BCV support (n=10). Primary outcome measure: cumulative time with a clinically detected seizures or number of observed seizures over 36 hours. Secondary outcomes will be assessed by feasibility or ability to implement BCV, and recovery from coma within 36 hours. Safety endpoints include: aspiration during admission; death at 28 days and 180 days; and de-novo neurological impairments at 180 days. Conclusions This is a Phase I trial largely designed to test the feasibility, tolerability and safety of using non-invasive ventilatory support and LVT prophylaxis in cerebral malaria. Registration ISRCTN76942974 (5.02.2019); PACTR202112749708968 (20.12.2021).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Maitland
- Department of Infectious Disease and Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, W2 1PG, UK
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Nchafasto Obonyo
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Mainga Hamaluba
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Ogoda
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Christabel Mogaka
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Thomas N. Williams
- Department of Infectious Disease and Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, W2 1PG, UK
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
| | - Charles Newton
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Symon M. Kariuki
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kilifi, PO BOX 230, Kenya
- Department of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kilifi County, Kenya
| | - Diana M. Gibb
- Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, England, WC1V 6J, UK
| | - A. Sarah Walker
- Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, England, WC1V 6J, UK
| | - Roisin Connon
- Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, England, WC1V 6J, UK
| | - Elizabeth C. George
- Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, England, WC1V 6J, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zimmerman KO, Wu H, Maharaj A, Turner A, Chen JY, Hornik CD, Arnold S, Muller W, Al-Uzri A, Meyer M, Shiloh-Malawsky Y, Taravath S, Lakhotia A, Joshi C, Jackman J, Hornik CP. Pharmacokinetics and Proposed Dosing of Levetiracetam in Children With Obesity. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2023; 28:693-703. [PMID: 38094673 PMCID: PMC10715382 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-28.8.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterize levetiracetam pharmacokinetics (PK) in children with obesity to inform dosing. METHODS Children 2 to <21 years old receiving standard of care oral levetiracetam across two opportunistic studies provided blood samples. Levetiracetam plasma PK data were analyzed with a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. Indirect measures for body size and covariates were tested for model inclusion. Individual empirical Bayesian estimates using the final model parameters were compared by obesity status. Monte Carlo simulation using total body weight was performed in children with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate to identify dosing for children with obesity that resulted in comparable exposures to normal weight adults and children after receiving label dosing. RESULTS The population PK model was developed from 341 plasma concentrations from 169 children. A 1-compartment model best fit the data with fat-free mass as a significant covariate. Compared with children with normal weight, children with obesity had significantly lower body weight-normalized clearance (median [range], 4.77 [1.49-10.44] and 3.71 [0.86-13.55] L/h/70 kg, respectively). After label dosing with the oral formulation in children with obesity 4 to <16 years old, maximum and minimum steady-state concentrations were higher (25% and 41%, respectively [oral solution] and 27% and 19%, respectively [tablet]) compared with children with normal weight. Comparable exposures between children with and without obesity were achieved with weight-tiered dosing regimens of <75 kg or ≥75 kg. CONCLUSIONS Weight-tiered dosing for levetiracetam oral solution and tablets for children with obesity 4 to <16 years old results in more comparable exposures to children of normal weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanecia O. Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Huali Wu
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Anil Maharaj
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (AM), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Turner
- Undergraduate Student (AT), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jia-Yuh Chen
- Senior Biostatistician (JYC), The EMMES Corporation, Rockville, MD
| | - Chi D. Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Susan Arnold
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics (SA), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX
| | - William Muller
- Infectious Disease (WM), Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Amira Al-Uzri
- Pediatric Nephrology (AA-U), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Marisa Meyer
- Pediatric Critical Care (MM), Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE
| | - Yael Shiloh-Malawsky
- Department of Neurology (YS-M), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Arpita Lakhotia
- Pediatric Neurology (AL), Norton Children’s Hospital and University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Charuta Joshi
- Pediatric Neurology (CJ), The Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Jennifer Jackman
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Christoph P. Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thangaraju P, Velmurugan H, N K. Current Status of Pharmacokinetic Research in Children: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trial Records. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2022; 19:CRCEP-EPUB-128427. [PMID: 36573054 DOI: 10.2174/2772432818666221223155455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many medications have different pharmacokinetics in children than in adults. Knowledge about the safety and efficacy of medications in children requires research into the pharmacokinetic profiles of children's medicines. By analysing registered clinical trial records, this study determined how frequently pharmacokinetic data is gathered in paediatric drug trials. METHODS We searched for the pharmacokinetic data from clinical trial records for preterm infants and children up to the age of 16 from January 2011 to April 2022. The records of trials involving one or more drugs in preterm infants and children up to the age of 16 were examined for evidence that pharmacokinetic data would be collected. RESULTS In a total of 1483 records of interventional clinical trials, 136 (9.17%) pharmacokinetic data involved adults. Of those 136 records, 60 (44.1%) records were pharmacokinetics trials involving one or more medicines in children up to the age of 16. 20 (33.3 %) in America, followed by 19 (31.6 %) in Europe. Most trials researched medicines in the field of infection or parasitic diseases 20 (33.3%). 27 (48.2%) and 26 (46.4%) trials investigated medicines that were indicated as essential medicine. CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetic characteristics of children's drugs need to be better understood. The current state of pharmacokinetic research appears to address the knowledge gap in this area adequately. Despite slow progress, paediatric clinical trials have experienced a renaissance as the significance of paediatric trials has gained international attention. The outcome of paediatric trials will have an impact on children's health in the future. In recent years, the need for greater availability and access to safe child-size pharmaceuticals has received a lot of attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pugazhenthan Thangaraju
- Department of Pharmacology, All India institute of medical sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Hemasri Velmurugan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India institute of medical sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Krishnapriya N
- Department of Pharmacology, All India institute of medical sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Severe malaria is a medical emergency. It is a major cause of preventable childhood death in tropical countries. Severe malaria justifies considerable global investment in malaria control and elimination yet, increasingly, international agencies, funders and policy makers are unfamiliar with it, and so it is overlooked. In sub-Saharan Africa, severe malaria is overdiagnosed in clinical practice. Approximately one third of children diagnosed with severe malaria have another condition, usually sepsis, as the cause of their severe illness. But these children have a high mortality, contributing substantially to the number of deaths attributed to 'severe malaria'. Simple well-established tests, such as examination of the thin blood smear and the full blood count, improve the specificity of diagnosis and provide prognostic information in severe malaria. They should be performed more widely. Early administration of artesunate and broad-spectrum antibiotics to all children with suspected severe malaria would reduce global malaria mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews how parasites affect the human nervous system, with a focus on four parasitic infections of major public health importance worldwide, two caused by protozoa (malaria and toxoplasmosis) and two by helminths (neurocysticercosis and schistosomiasis). RECENT FINDINGS Parasitic infections in humans are common, and many can affect the central nervous system where they may survive unnoticed or may cause significant pathology that can even lead to the death of the host. Neuroparasitoses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurologic lesions, particularly in individuals from endemic regions or those with a history of travel to endemic regions. SUMMARY Cerebral malaria is a significant cause of mortality, particularly in African children, in whom infected red blood cells affect the cerebral vessels, causing severe encephalopathy. Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide and has varied clinical presentations, depending on the number, size, and location of the parasites in the nervous system as well as on the host's inflammatory response. Toxoplasmosis is distributed worldwide, affecting a significant proportion of the population, and may reactivate in patients who are immunosuppressed, causing encephalitis and focal abscesses. Schistosomiasis causes granulomatous lesions in the brain or the spinal cord.
Collapse
|
7
|
Van de Voorde P, Turner NM, Djakow J, de Lucas N, Martinez-Mejias A, Biarent D, Bingham R, Brissaud O, Hoffmann F, Johannesdottir GB, Lauritsen T, Maconochie I. [Paediatric Life Support]. Notf Rett Med 2021; 24:650-719. [PMID: 34093080 PMCID: PMC8170638 DOI: 10.1007/s10049-021-00887-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Paediatric Life Support (PLS) guidelines are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This section provides guidelines on the management of critically ill or injured infants, children and adolescents before, during and after respiratory/cardiac arrest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Van de Voorde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine UG, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgien
- Federal Department of Health, EMS Dispatch Center, East & West Flanders, Brüssel, Belgien
| | - Nigel M. Turner
- Paediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Niederlande
| | - Jana Djakow
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, NH Hospital, Hořovice, Tschechien
- Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno, Tschechien
| | | | - Abel Martinez-Mejias
- Department of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Hospital de Terassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spanien
| | - Dominique Biarent
- Paediatric Intensive Care & Emergency Department, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brüssel, Belgien
| | - Robert Bingham
- Hon. Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, Großbritannien
| | - Olivier Brissaud
- Réanimation et Surveillance Continue Pédiatriques et Néonatales, CHU Pellegrin – Hôpital des Enfants de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Frankreich
| | - Florian Hoffmann
- Pädiatrische Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin, Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Deutschland
| | | | - Torsten Lauritsen
- Paediatric Anaesthesia, The Juliane Marie Centre, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Kopenhagen, Dänemark
| | - Ian Maconochie
- Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Imperial College, Imperial College Healthcare Trust NHS, London, Großbritannien
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Van de Voorde P, Turner NM, Djakow J, de Lucas N, Martinez-Mejias A, Biarent D, Bingham R, Brissaud O, Hoffmann F, Johannesdottir GB, Lauritsen T, Maconochie I. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Paediatric Life Support. Resuscitation 2021; 161:327-387. [PMID: 33773830 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
These European Resuscitation Council Paediatric Life Support (PLS) guidelines, are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the management of critically ill infants and children, before, during and after cardiac arrest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Van de Voorde
- Department of Emergency Medicine Ghent University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine UG, Ghent, Belgium; EMS Dispatch Center, East & West Flanders, Federal Department of Health, Belgium.
| | - Nigel M Turner
- Paediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jana Djakow
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, NH Hospital, Hořovice, Czech Republic; Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Abel Martinez-Mejias
- Department of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Hospital de Terassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dominique Biarent
- Paediatric Intensive Care & Emergency Department, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Bingham
- Hon. Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Olivier Brissaud
- Réanimation et Surveillance Continue Pédiatriques et Néonatales, CHU Pellegrin - Hôpital des Enfants de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Florian Hoffmann
- Paediatric Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Torsten Lauritsen
- Paediatric Anaesthesia, The Juliane Marie Centre, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ian Maconochie
- Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare Trust NHS, Faculty of Medicine Imperial College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Guenther
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel Muller
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dominic Moyo
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Douglas Postels
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, George Washington University/ Children's National Medical Center; Washington DC, USA; Blantyre Malaria Project; Blantyre, Malawi, Street Address: Department of Neurology; 111 Michigan Avenue NW; Washington DC; 20010; USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Blackmon K, Waechter R, Landon B, Noël T, Macpherson C, Donald T, Cudjoe N, Evans R, Burgen KS, Jayatilake P, Oyegunle V, Pedraza O, Abdel Baki S, Thesen T, Dlugos D, Chari G, Patel AA, Grossi-Soyster EN, Krystosik AR, LaBeaud AD. Epilepsy surveillance in normocephalic children with and without prenatal Zika virus exposure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008874. [PMID: 33253174 PMCID: PMC7728266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome and microcephaly are at high risk for epilepsy; however, the risk is unclear in normocephalic children with prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure [Exposed Children (EC)]. In this prospective cohort study, we performed epilepsy screening in normocephalic EC alongside a parallel group of normocephalic unexposed children [Unexposed Children (UC)]. We compared the incidence rate of epilepsy among EC and UC at one year of life to global incidence rates. Pregnant women were recruited from public health centers during the ZIKV outbreak in Grenada, West Indies and assessed for prior ZIKV infection using a plasmonic-gold platform that measures IgG antibodies in serum. Normocephalic children born to mothers with positive ZIKV results during pregnancy were classified as EC and those born to mothers with negative ZIKV results during and after pregnancy were classified as UC. Epilepsy screening procedures included a pediatric epilepsy screening questionnaire and video electroencephalography (vEEG). vEEG was collected using a multi-channel microEEG® system for a minimum of 20 minutes along with video recording of participant behavior time-locked to the EEG. vEEGs were interpreted independently by two pediatric epileptologists, who were blinded to ZIKV status, via telemedicine platform. Positive screening cases were referred to a local pediatrician for an epilepsy diagnostic evaluation. Epilepsy screens were positive in 2/71 EC (IR: 0.028; 95% CI: 0.003-0.098) and 0/71 UC. In both epilepsy-positive cases, questionnaire responses and interictal vEEGs were consistent with focal, rather than generalized, seizures. Both children met criteria for a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy and good seizure control was achieved with carbamazepine. Our results indicate that epilepsy rates are modestly elevated in EC. Given our small sample size, results should be considered preliminary. They support the use of epilepsy screening procedures in larger epidemiological studies of children with congenital ZIKV exposure, even in the absence of microcephaly, and provide guidance for conducting epilepsy surveillance in resource limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Blackmon
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
- * E-mail:
| | - Randall Waechter
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
- St George’s University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Barbara Landon
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Trevor Noël
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Calum Macpherson
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Nikita Cudjoe
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Roberta Evans
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Kemi S. Burgen
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George’s University, St George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Piumi Jayatilake
- St George’s University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Vivian Oyegunle
- St George’s University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Otto Pedraza
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samah Abdel Baki
- Biosignal Group Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas Thesen
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston College of Medicine, USA
| | - Dennis Dlugos
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Geetha Chari
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Archana A. Patel
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elysse N. Grossi-Soyster
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Amy R. Krystosik
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - A. Desiree LaBeaud
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jayatilake P, Oyegunle V, Waechter R, Landon B, Fernandes M, Cudjoe N, Evans R, Noël T, Macpherson C, Donald T, Abdelbaki SG, Mandalaneni K, Dlugos D, Chari G, Patel AA, Grossi-Soyster EN, Desiree LaBeaud A, Blackmon K. Focal epilepsy features in a child with Congenital Zika Syndrome. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2020; 14:100411. [PMID: 33313503 PMCID: PMC7720018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2020.100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital Zika Syndrome with microcephaly can present with focal seizures. TeleEEG can augment epilepsy care in Zika-endemic resource limited settings. A seizure questionnaire can prompt caregiver report of relevant seizure features.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne, single-stranded DNA flavivirus that is teratogenic and neurotropic. Similar to the teratogenic effects of other TORCH infections, ZIKV infection during pregnancy can have an adverse impact on fetal and neonatal development. Epilepsy is detected in 48–96% of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) and microcephaly. Early epilepsy surveillance is needed in children with prenatal ZIKV exposure; yet, most ZIKV-endemic regions do not have specialist epilepsy care. Here, we describe the demographic, clinical, imaging, and EEG characteristics of a 2-year-old child with CZS and microcephaly who presented with focal epileptiform activity, suboptimal growth, and severe neurodevelopmental delays. Administration of a brief seizure questionnaire by allied health professionals to the patient’s caregiver helped to characterize the child’s seizure semiology and differentiate focal from generalized seizure features. A telemedicine EEG interpretation platform provided valuable diagnostic information for the patient’s local pediatrician to integrate into her treatment plan. This case illustrates that CZS can present with focal epilepsy features and that a telemedicine approach can be used to bridge the gap between epilepsy specialists and local care providers in resource limited ZIKV-endemic regions to achieve better seizure control in children with CZS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Randall Waechter
- St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies, Grenada.,Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Barbara Landon
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Michelle Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nikita Cudjoe
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Roberta Evans
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Trevor Noël
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Calum Macpherson
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Tyhiesia Donald
- Ministry of Health, Government of Grenada, West Indies, Grenada
| | | | | | - Dennis Dlugos
- Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geetha Chari
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Archana A Patel
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - A Desiree LaBeaud
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, CA, USA
| | - Karen Blackmon
- Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, St George's University, West Indies, Grenada.,Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zoonotic and vector-borne parasites and epilepsy in low-income and middle-income countries. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:333-345. [PMID: 32427939 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic and vector-borne parasites are important preventable risk factors for epilepsy. Three parasitic infections - cerebral malaria, Taenia solium cysticercosis and onchocerciasis - have an established association with epilepsy. Parasitoses are widely prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries, which are home to 80% of the people with epilepsy in the world. Once a parasitic infection has taken hold in the brain, therapeutic measures do not seem to influence the development of epilepsy in the long term. Consequently, strategies to control, eliminate and eradicate parasites represent the most feasible way to reduce the epilepsy burden at present. The elucidation of immune mechanisms underpinning the parasitic infections, some of which are parasite-specific, opens up new therapeutic possibilities. In this Review, we explore the pathophysiological basis of the link between parasitic infections and epilepsy, and we consider preventive and therapeutic approaches to reduce the burden of epilepsy attributable to parasitic disorders. We conclude that a concerted approach involving medical, veterinary, parasitological and ecological experts, backed by robust political support and sustainable funding, is the key to reducing this burden.
Collapse
|