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van Hezik-Wester V, de Groot S, Kanters T, Wagner L, Ardesch J, Brouwer W, Corro Ramos I, le Cessie S, Versteegh M, van Exel J. Effectiveness of Seizure Dogs for People With Severe Refractory Epilepsy: Results From the EPISODE Study. Neurology 2024; 102:e209178. [PMID: 38417090 PMCID: PMC11033982 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate whether people living with severe medically refractory epilepsy (PSRE) benefit from a seizure dog. METHODS An individual-level stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial was conducted. The study was conducted in the Netherlands among adults with daily to weekly seizures. All participants were included simultaneously (on June 1, 2019) while receiving usual care. Then, during the 36-month follow-up, they received a seizure dog in a randomized sequence. Participants kept a seizure diary and completed 3-monthly surveys. Seizure frequency was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included seizure-free days, seizure severity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and well-being. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM). The models assumed a delayed intervention effect, starting when the seizure dog reached an advanced stage of training. Effects were calculated as changes per 28-day period with the intervention. RESULTS Data were collected from 25 participants, of whom 20 crossed over to the intervention condition. The median follow-up was 19 months with usual care and 12 months with the intervention. On average, participants experienced 115 (SD 164) seizures per 28-day period in the usual care condition and 73 (SD 131) seizures in the intervention condition. Seven participants achieved a reduction of 50% or more at the end of follow-up. GLMM indicated a 3.1% decrease in seizure frequency for each consecutive 28-day period with the intervention (0.969, 95% CI 0.960-0.977). Furthermore, an increase in the number of seizure-free days was observed (1.012, 95% CI 1.009, 1.015), but no effect on seizure severity measured with the NHS3. Generic HRQoL scores improved, as reflected in the decrease in EQ-5D-5L utility decrement (0.975, 95% CI 0.954-0.997). Smaller improvements were observed on overall self-rated HRQoL, epilepsy-specific HRQoL, and well-being, measured with the EQ VAS, QOLIE-31-P, and ICECAP-A, respectively. DISCUSSION Seizure dogs reduce seizure frequency, increase the number of seizure-free days, and improve the quality of life of PSRE. The magnitude of the effect on generic HRQoL indicates that seizure dogs benefit PSRE beyond the impact on seizure frequency alone. Early discontinuation of seizure dog partnerships suggests that this intervention is not suitable for all PSRE and requires further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION This study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NL6682) on November 28, 2017. Participants were enrolled on June 1, 2019. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that seizure dogs are associated with a decrease in seizure frequency in adult patients with medically refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie van Hezik-Wester
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia de Groot
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Kanters
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louis Wagner
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Ardesch
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Werner Brouwer
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Isaac Corro Ramos
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia le Cessie
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Versteegh
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Job van Exel
- From the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., I.C.R., M.V.), and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics Rotterdam (EsCHER) (V.H.-W., S.G., T.K., W.B., I.C.R., M.V., J.E.), Erasmus University Rotterdam; Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe (L.W.), Heeze; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.A.), Heemstede; Leiden University Medical Center (S.C.); Huygens & Versteegh (M.V.), Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands
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van Hezik-Wester V, de Groot S, Kanters T, Versteegh M, Wagner L, Ardesch J, Brouwer W, van Exel J. Burden of illness in people with medically refractory epilepsy who suffer from daily to weekly seizures: 12-month follow-up of participants in the EPISODE study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1012486. [PMID: 36388190 PMCID: PMC9650114 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1012486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small group of people with epilepsy suffers from frequent seizures despite the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The impact of epilepsy on these people extends beyond health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impacting a person's broader well-being and ability to participate in society. This study describes the burden of medically refractory epilepsy in people who suffer from daily to weekly seizures, in terms of HRQoL, well-being, and societal costs. METHODS Data from the EPISODE study on (cost-) effectiveness of seizure dogs for adults with severe medically refractory epilepsy were used, collected in 25 patients during the first 12 months before they were partnered with a certified seizure dog. Data comprised seizure diaries covering 365 days and five three-monthly surveys, including the EQ-5D-5L, QOLIE-31-P, and ICECAP-A to measure HRQoL and well-being. A societal perspective was applied to estimate costs using the iMCQ and iPCQ questionnaires about healthcare use, informal care, and productivity losses. RESULTS Daily seizure frequency and survey data were collected in 25 patients. A minimum of 114 observations was available for each instrument included in the survey. A total of 80% of participants experienced seizures on three or more days per week, with a median ranging from 1 to 17 seizures per seizure day. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.682 (SD 0.235), which is considerably lower than the age-adjusted general population average. The mean QOLIE-31-P and ICECAP-A scores were 55.8 (SD 14.0) and 0.746 (SD 0.172), respectively. The average annual total cost amounted to €39,956 (range €3,804-€132,64). Informal care accounted for the largest share of costs (50%); those who received informal care reported, on average, 26 h per week (SD 30). CONCLUSIONS Severe medically refractory epilepsy is associated with a considerable burden of illness at the patient and societal level. People with this condition have significantly reduced HRQoL and well-being and are limited in their ability to work while having substantial medical costs and a strong dependency on informal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie van Hezik-Wester
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Saskia de Groot
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tim Kanters
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Versteegh
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Louis Wagner
- Kempenhaeghe and MUMC+, Academic Centre for Epileptology, Heeze, Netherlands
| | | | - Werner Brouwer
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Job van Exel
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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