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Muthaffar OY, Abbar AY, Fitaih MT. Prevalence of Seizures in Children Diagnosed With Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Cureus 2024; 16:e63765. [PMID: 39099967 PMCID: PMC11296677 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63765] [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: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) typically emerge in early childhood and have a profound impact on the development of the nervous system, leading to various neurological challenges in cognition, communication, social interaction, motor skills, and behavior. These disorders arise from disruptions in brain development mechanisms. NDDs include conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP), global developmental delay (GDD), intellectual disability (ID), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with ADHD and ASD being the most prevalent. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the causes of NDDs in children receiving care at tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the characteristics of patients with NDDs and explore the association between NDDs and seizures. It also focuses on identifying specific risk factors that may influence the relationship between NDDs and seizures. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at the pediatric neurology and developmental assessment clinic of King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a review of electronic medical records from January 2021 to May 2023 for 200 pediatric patients who attended the clinic for NDD and seizures. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean ± standard deviation for quantitative variables. The chi-square test identified differences between qualitative variables, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results The study sample comprised 200 children ranging in age from one month to 14 years, with the majority of patients being from Jeddah city. Participants were categorized into four age groups: 17.0% (n=34) were aged between one month and three years, 18.5% (n=37) were aged between three and six years, 55.0% (n=110) were aged between six and 12 years old, and 9.5% (n=19) were aged between 12 and 14 years. The NDD subtypes identified were ASD 9.5%, ADHD 16.0%, CP 8.5%, GDD 30.5%, ID 5.5%, and 30% had multiple types of NDD. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type observed. Conclusion Children with NDDs exhibit a high prevalence of seizures, with the age of the patient and consanguinity emerging as significant influencing factors in this correlation. Among the key findings is an emphasis on the importance of early detection and intervention for children with NDDs at higher risk of developing seizures. Overall, the study sheds light on the characteristics of NDD patients and their association with seizures, contributing to a better understanding of the complex relationship between NDDs and seizure occurrence. It also emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessment and management strategies that consider seizures in children with NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Y Muthaffar
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Abrar Y Abbar
- Department of Pediatrics, East Jeddah General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Mohammed T Fitaih
- General Practice, King Abdulaziz International Airport Medical Control Center, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU
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Almuqairsha SA, Al-Harbi FA, Alaidah AM, Al-Mutairi TA, Al-Oadah EK, Almatham AE, Alharbi FM, Almoshaigah AN. Demographics, Clinical Characteristics, and Management Strategies of Epilepsy in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e63436. [PMID: 39077233 PMCID: PMC11284618 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy accounts for a large part of the global burden of neurological disorders. This review aimed to assess the demographics, clinical characteristics, and management of patients with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia based on studies published from 2018 to 2023. A systematic review was carried out using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from January 2018 to January 2023, where key terms related to the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and management strategy of epilepsy in Saudi Arabia were used to search for related studies. All relevant articles published in this period in the English language were included, and data about authors, year of the study, sample size, study design, demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategy were collected. A male preponderance, a 6-24.9% family history of epilepsy, an equal distribution of focal and tonic-clonic epilepsy, EEG abnormalities of 19.7-70%, and a higher prevalence of monotherapy regimens were the main findings of this review.
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Bashiri FA, AlSheikh R, Hamad MH, Alsheikh H, Alsheikh RA, Kentab A, AlTheeb N, Alghamdi M. Genotype-Phenotype Analysis of Children with Epilepsy Referred for Whole-Exome Sequencing at a Tertiary Care University Hospital. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1334. [PMID: 37628333 PMCID: PMC10453392 DOI: 10.3390/children10081334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high consanguinity rates, data on genetic epilepsy in Saudi Arabia is limited. The objective of the current study was to characterize genetic mutations associated with epilepsy in pediatric patients and describe their phenotypic presentations. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted among children presented with epilepsy in one center in Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2018. Only those who had undergone genetic testing were included. RESULTS A total of 45 patients had positive whole-exome sequencing (WES) genetic testing with 37 mutations. Six mutations (SCN1A, DENND5A, KCNQ2, ACY1, SCN2A, and PCDH19) were repeated in 15 patients, with largely heterogeneous phenotypic presentations in patients with the same mutation. Several mutations are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The median age at epilepsy onset was four months. Consanguineous parents and family history of epilepsy were frequent (31.8% and 33.3%, respectively). Developmental delay (44.4%), cognitive delay (42.2%), language delay (40.0%), behavioral features (28.9%), and microcephaly (20.0%) were frequent presentations. At initial diagnosis, 68.9% of EEG and 48.9% of brain MRI were abnormal. The most currently used antiseizure medications (ASMs) were levetiracetam (48.9%), topiramate (28.9%), and valproic acid (20.0%). Approximately 60% of the patients were controlled with (47.6%) or without (11.9%) ASMs, and three (7.1%) patients died. CONCLUSIONS Multiple mutations among children with epilepsy are reported in one hospital in Saudi Arabia, with the majority reported for the first time. The current findings highlight the importance of doing genetic testing for the evaluation of childhood epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad A. Bashiri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Rawan AlSheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (R.A.A.)
| | - Muddathir H. Hamad
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Hamad Alsheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Rana Abdullah Alsheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (R.A.A.)
| | - Amal Kentab
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Najd AlTheeb
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Alanazi AM, Alenazi NSN, Alanazi HSK, Almadhari SAF, Almadani HAM. Status Epilepticus in Pediatric Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review. ARCHIVES OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/tol3efkk8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Horaib W, Alshamsi R, Zabeeri N, Al-Baradie RS, Abdel Wahab MM. Quality of Life and the Perceived Impact of Epilepsy in Children and Adolescents in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e20305. [PMID: 34912654 PMCID: PMC8664370 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceived impact of epilepsy on children and adolescents and analyze its aspects. Materials and methods The study included patients with epilepsy aged between and two and 19 years old in three major hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online survey. Results The mean score percentage of the quality of life (QOL) assessment was 65.6. This study showed better mean score QOL percentages in males (67), adolescents (65), patients with higher family income and socioeconomic status (64), and those living in Al Jubail (71). QOL was negatively associated with seizure frequency, the number of fears, problems, and concerns, and longer treatment duration. The most common concerns in children and adolescents with epilepsy are having/starting a relationship with others and what people at school will think if they have a seizure. The most common problems were lack of concentration and feeling short-tempered or grumpy. Continuing with education was the most common fear for the future. The most common concern of parents/caregivers was their ability to keep up with schoolwork. The QOL of participants who preferred to keep their epilepsy a secret (69) and those who used magazines and books (71) as one of the sources of information was better than that of those who did not. Conclusion Better QOL was found in males, adolescents, patients with higher family income, those living in Al Jubail, who preferred to keep their epilepsy a secret, and those who used magazines and books as sources of information. However, the QOL was negatively associated with seizure frequency, the number of fears, problems, and concerns that the patients/caregivers had, and longer treatment duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesal Horaib
- Neurology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Khobar, SAU
| | - Razan Alshamsi
- Neurology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Najwa Zabeeri
- Family and Community Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Raidah S Al-Baradie
- Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Alzhrani SH, AlSufyani MH, Abdullah RI, Almalki S. Schoolteacher's knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward student with epilepsy in Taif, Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:2668-2678. [PMID: 34568153 PMCID: PMC8415690 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2087_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, teachers have misconceptions about epilepsy and its management. Little is known about Saudi Teachers' knowledge about epilepsy in Taif City. Method Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of schoolteachers in Taif Governate. Results The study included (n = 420) schoolteachers. All heard about epilepsy and (n = 116, 27.6%) knew about epilepsy from an afflicted individual, and (n = 102, 24.3%) from social media outlets. Most teachers believed that an epileptic fit constitutes seizures (n = 370, 88.1%). Some (n = 330, 78.6%) were not satisfied with their knowledge level. Attitudes were positively associated with years of experience, but, generally, were only modest with 50.2% fearful of having an epileptic child in class. The mean practice score was 6.9 (out of 15). Practice was improved by having a pupil with epilepsy in class. Discussion and Conclusion Schoolteachers in Taif showed excellent crude knowledge about epilepsy. However, knowledge of crucial details of the disorder were poor. This could be due to reliance on social media for information. There was high level of insight among schoolteachers regarding their sub-optimum knowledge levels. Knowledge was much better among experienced schoolteachers. Witnessing an epileptic fit improved knowledge. Teachers' attitudes toward epilepsy were negative, likely because of significant epilepsy-related stigma. Years of experience were significantly associated with increased attitude score. Schoolteachers' actual practice in handling epilepsy cases was below-expectation. There is pressing need for high-quality workshops to address knowledge and practice deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hasan Alzhrani
- Department of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rehab Ismail Abdullah
- Department of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Almalki
- Department of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
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Albaradie R, Habibullah H, Mir A, Alshammari AK, Alajmi MS, Alsubaie FA, Alsudairi RR, Bashir S. The prevalence of seizures in children with developmental delay. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2021; 26:186-191. [PMID: 33814372 PMCID: PMC8024126 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2021.2.20200106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To study the prevalence of seizures in children with GDD and identify the characteristics of such patients; to examine the association of GDD with epilepsy and to determine the effect of certain risk factors on this association. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the pediatric neurology and developmental assessment clinic at King Fahad specialist hospital (KFSH), Saudi Arabia. All data were collected by reviewing the electronic medical records of 200 pediatric patients who presented with global developmental delay from February 2016 to April 2018. Results: The sample includes 200 children (113 males, 87 females) aged zero to 12 years. The largest group of participants came from the Dammam region, representing 27.5% of the sample. The prevalence of epilepsy in GDD patients was 56%; the epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups differed significantly in age. The most common type of seizure was generalized onset motor, which were observed in 37.5% of the sample. Problems during labor occurred in 15% of the sample; consanguineous marriage occurred in 61.6% of the participants. Neither of these factors differed significantly in the epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups. Advanced paternal age did differ significantly in the two groups (p=0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of epilepsy is high in children with GDD, and of the factors studied here, the most significant variables affecting this correlation are the type of seizure and advanced paternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raidah Albaradie
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz Habibullah
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mir
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa K Alshammari
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Modhi S Alajmi
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima A Alsubaie
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem R Alsudairi
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Algahtani H, Shirah B, Alzahrani A, Shaheen M. Perception and Attitude of the General Population towards Epilepsy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. J Epilepsy Res 2019; 9:42-50. [PMID: 31482056 PMCID: PMC6706646 DOI: 10.14581/jer.19005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose There are several conflicting beliefs about epilepsy, and public awareness about this disease varies widely among different countries. The present study aimed to determine public perception and attitude regarding different aspects of epilepsy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In addition, we aim to identify the cultural and religious beliefs in Saudi Arabia associated with the causes and treatment of epilepsy. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted between January 2018 and June 2018 in malls and public places in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This study utilized a self-administered questionnaire composed of 40 items. Results A total of 1,940 individuals participated in the study, of which 1,675 participants (86.3%) had previously heard about epilepsy. Approximately 60% of the participants believed that epilepsy was caused by a brain disease and 17.1% believed that it is a genetic disease. Over 50% of the participants believed that epilepsy is treated with medications, 31.5% believed that it can be treated by the recitation of Quran, and 16.2% believed that it can be treated by surgery, while 10.2% believe that there is no treatment. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that awareness about epilepsy in the general public should be raised to avoid a negative impact on the patients, their families, their communities, and the healthcare system. Several misconceptions were identified, particularly in the etiology and management of the disease. Increased awareness will help in the early diagnosis, appropriate care, and management of the patients, and lead to better social acceptance. Dissemination of information about epilepsy through social media should be considered to reach a great proportion of the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Algahtani
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Shirah
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhussain Alzahrani
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafa Shaheen
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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