1
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Wartmann H, Effenberger T, Klähn H, Volmer T, Surges R. [Incidence of sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP): update and limitations]. DER NERVENARZT 2024:10.1007/s00115-023-01595-0. [PMID: 38252160 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01595-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is in most cases probably due to a fatal complication of tonic-clonic seizures and plays a significant role in the premature mortality of individuals with epilepsy. The reported risks of SUDEP vary considerably depending on the study population, so that an up-dated systematic review of SUDEP incidence including most recent studies is required to improve the estimated SUDEP risk and the counseling of individuals with epilepsy. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the current research landscape concerning SUDEP incidence across different patient populations and discuss potential conclusions and existing limitations. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic literature review on SUDEP incidence was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE, supplemented by a manual search in June 2023. Out of a total of 3324 publications, 50 were reviewed for this study. RESULTS The analyzed studies showed significant heterogeneity concerning cohorts, study design and data sources. Studies conducted without specific criteria and relying on comprehensive registers indicated an incidence of 0.78-1.2 per 1000 patient-years. Research providing incidences across various age groups predominantly show an increase with age, peaking in middle age. DISCUSSION Due to varying methods of data collection and incidence calculation, comparing between studies is challenging. The association with age might be due to an underrepresentation of children, adolescents and patients over 60 years. CONCLUSION Considering all age groups and types of epilepsy it is estimated that about 1 in 1000 individuals with epilepsy dies of SUDEP annually. With an assumed epilepsy prevalence of 0.6% in Germany, this could lead to more than one SUDEP case daily. Standardization of research methods is essential to gain more profound insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timm Volmer
- SmartStep Data Institute GmbH, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Rainer Surges
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
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2
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Kaestner E, Reyes A. Out of one, how many? Subtyping in epilepsy. Brain 2023; 146:4411-4413. [PMID: 37823432 PMCID: PMC10629763 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This scientific commentary refers to ‘Identification of different MRI atrophy progression trajectories in epilepsy by subtype and stage inference’ by Xiao et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad284).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Kaestner
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anny Reyes
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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3
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Treiber JM, Bayley JC, Curry D. Minimally Invasive Destructive, Ablative, and Disconnective Epilepsy Surgery. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AbstractConventional epilepsy surgery performed by microsurgical dissection typically requires large cranial working windows created with high-speed drills and lengthy incisions. In the past few decades, minimally invasive techniques have been developed with smaller incisions, comparable efficacy, shorter hospitalizations, and better safety profiles. These minimally invasive alternatives utilize stereotactic, ultrasonic, radiotherapeutic, and endoscopic techniques. Although not able to completely replace conventional surgery for all etiologies of epilepsy, these minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized modern epilepsy surgery and have been an invaluable asset to the neurosurgeon's repertoire. The endoscope has allowed for surgeons to have adequate visualization during resective and disconnective epilepsy surgeries using keyhole or miniature craniotomies. Modern stereotactic techniques such as laser interstitial thermal therapy and radiofrequency ablation can be used as viable alternatives for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and can destroy lesional tissue deep areas without the approach-related morbidity of microsurgery such as with hypothalamic hamartomas. These stereotactic techniques do not preclude future surgery in the settings of treatment failure and have been used successfully after failed conventional surgery. Multiple ablation corridors can be performed in a single procedure that can be used for lesioning of large targets or to simplify treating multifocal epilepsies. These stereotactic techniques have even been used successfully to perform disconnective procedures such as hemispherotomies and corpus callosotomies. In patients unable to tolerate surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery is a minimally invasive option that can result in improved seizure control with minimal procedural risks. Advances in minimally invasive neurosurgery provide viable treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy with quicker recovery, less injury to functional brain, and for patients that may otherwise not choose conventional surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Treiber
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - James C. Bayley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Daniel Curry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
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4
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Rheims S, Sperling MR, Ryvlin P. Drug-resistant epilepsy and mortality-Why and when do neuromodulation and epilepsy surgery reduce overall mortality. Epilepsia 2022; 63:3020-3036. [PMID: 36114753 PMCID: PMC10092062 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17413] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy have an increased mortality rate, with the majority of deaths being epilepsy related and 40% due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The impact of epilepsy surgery on mortality has been investigated since the 1970s, with increased interest in this field during the past 15 years. We systematically reviewed studies investigating mortality rate in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery or neuromodulation therapies. The quality of available evidence proved heterogenous and often limited by significant methodological issues. Perioperative mortality following epilepsy surgery was found to be <1%. Meta-analysis of studies that directly compared patients who underwent surgery to those not operated following presurgical evaluation showed that the former have a two-fold lower risk of death and a three-fold lower risk of SUDEP compared to the latter (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.56; p < .0001 for overall mortality and OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.57; p < .001 for SUDEP). Limited data are available regarding the risk of death and SUDEP in patients undergoing neuromodulation therapies, although some evidence indicates that vagus nerve stimulation might be associated with a lower risk of SUDEP. Several key questions remain to be addressed in future studies, considering the need to better inform patients about the long-term benefit-risk ratio of epilepsy surgery. Dedicated long-term prospective studies will thus be required to provide more personalized information on the impact of surgery and/or neuromodulation on the risk of death and SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR 5292 and Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Mickael R Sperling
- Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philippe Ryvlin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vaudois University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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5
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Trivisano M, Muccioli L, Ferretti A, Lee HF, Chi CS, Bisulli F. Risk of SUDEP during infancy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:107896. [PMID: 33741238 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in children is influenced by different factors such as etiology, seizure type and frequency, treatment, and environment. A greater severity of epilepsy, in terms of seizure frequency, seizures type, especially with nocturnal generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), and resistance to anti-seizure medication are predisposing factors to SUDEP. Potential mechanisms of SUDEP might involve respiratory, cardiovascular, and central autonomic dysfunctions, either combined or in isolation. Patients with epilepsy carrying mutations in cardiac channelopathy genes might be disposed to seizure-induced arrhythmias. Other than in channelopathies, SUDEP has been reported in further patients with genetic epilepsies due to mutations of genes such as DEPDC5, TBC1D24, FHF1, or 5q14.3 deletion. Age-related electro-clinical differences in GTCS may therefore be relevant in explaining differences in SUDEP between adults and children. Typical GTCS represent a rare seizure type in infants and toddlers, they are characterized by a shorter tonic phase and, in direct proportion, by shorter postictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES). The presence of night-time supervision has been found to reduce SUDEP risk, likely reducing SUDEP incidence in children. Reconsideration of safety protocols in epilepsy monitoring units with the aim of reducing the risk of SUDEP, and the use of devices for seizure detection, might contribute to reduce the risk of death in patients affected by epilepsy. This article is part of the Special Issue "Severe Infantile Epilepsies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Epilepsies Unit, Department of Neurological Science, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Muccioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- Rare and Epilepsies Unit, Department of Neurological Science, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Hsiu-Fen Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Shiang Chi
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tungs' Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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6
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Samanta D, Ostendorf AP, Singh R, Gedela S, Elumalai V, Hoyt ML, Perry MS, Bartolini L, Curran GM. Physicians' Perspectives on Presurgical Discussion and Shared Decision-Making in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:416-425. [PMID: 35312338 PMCID: PMC9086119 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221089472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To qualitatively explore the approach of pediatric epilepsy providers when counseling regarding surgical options for epilepsy, presenting risks and benefits of surgery, overcoming resistance to surgery, and fostering shared decision making with patients and families. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 academic clinicians (5- neurologists, 5- epileptologists, 1- neurosurgeon) from a Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center to explore how physicians communicate and pursue surgical decision-making. Results: A blended inductive-deductive analysis revealed three key themes (with subthemes) of presurgical discussions: (1) Candidate selection and initial discussion about epilepsy surgery (neurologists compared to epileptologists, the timing of the discussion, reluctant families) (2) Detailed individualized counseling about epilepsy surgery (shared decision-making [enablers and barriers] and risk-benefit analysis [balancing risks and benefits, statistical benefit estimation, discussion about SUDEP, prognostication about cognitive and behavioral outcomes, risks of surgery]) (3) Tools to improve decision-making (educational interventions for patients and families and provider- and organization-specific interventions). Significance: Presurgical discussions lack uniformity among physicians who treat epilepsy. Despite general interest in collaborative decision-making, experts raised concern about lack of exposure to communication training and clinical tools for optimizing decision-making, a high number of families who do not feel equipped to share the decision making leaving the decision-making entirely to the physician, and paucity of practical resources for individualized risk-benefit counseling. Clinical practice guidelines should be developed to reduce existing practice variations in presurgical counseling. Further consensus is needed about when and how to initiate the conversation about epilepsy surgery, essential components of the discussion, and the utility of various tools to improve the utilization of epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
| | - Vimala Elumalai
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - Megan Leigh Hoyt
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - M. Scott Perry
- Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Luca Bartolini
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Curran
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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7
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Touma L, Dansereau B, Chan AY, Jetté N, Kwon CS, Braun KPJ, Friedman D, Jehi L, Rolston JD, Vadera S, Wong-Kisiel LC, Englot DJ, Keezer MR. Neurostimulation in People with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the ILAE Surgical Therapies Commission. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1314-1329. [PMID: 35352349 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Summarize the current evidence on efficacy and tolerability of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We followed the PRISMA reporting standards and searched Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included published randomized controlled trials (RCT) and their corresponding open-label extension studies, as well as prospective case series, with ≥ 20 participants (excluding studies limited to children). Our primary outcome was the mean (or median when unavailable) percentage decrease in frequency, as compared to baseline, of all epileptic seizures at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included proportion of treatment responders and proportion with seizure freedom. RESULTS We identified 30 eligible studies, six of which were RCTs. At long-term follow-up (mean 1.3 years), five observational studies for VNS reported a pooled mean percentage decrease in seizure frequency of 34.7% (95% CI: -5.1, 74.5). In the open-label extension studies for RNS, the median seizure reduction was 53%, 66%, and 75% at two, five, and nine years of follow-up, respectively. For DBS, the median reduction was 56%, 65%, and 75% at two, five, and seven years, respectively. The proportion of individuals with seizure freedom at last follow-up increased significantly over time for DBS and RNS while a positive trend was observed for VNS. Quality of life was improved in all modalities. The most common complications included hoarseness, cough and throat pain for VNS and implant site pain, headache, and dysesthesia for DBS and RNS. SIGNIFICANCE Neurostimulation modalities are an effective treatment option for drug resistant epilepsy, with improving outcomes over time and few major complications. Seizure reduction rates among the three therapies were similar during the initial blinded phase. Recent long-term follow-up studies are encouraging for RNS and DBS but are lacking for VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lahoud Touma
- Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bénédicte Dansereau
- Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alvin Y Chan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Nathalie Jetté
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Churl-Su Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Kees P J Braun
- Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, member of ERN EpiCARE, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Friedman
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, NY, USA
| | - Lara Jehi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John D Rolston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sumeet Vadera
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | | | - Dario J Englot
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology, Radiological, Electrical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark R Keezer
- Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Honorary Researcher, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.,School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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8
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López-Rivera JA, Smuk V, Leu C, Nasr G, Vegh D, Stefanski A, Pérez-Palma E, Busch R, Jehi L, Najm I, Blümcke I, Lal D. Incidence and prevalence of major epilepsy-associated brain lesions. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 18:100527. [PMID: 35243289 PMCID: PMC8885987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2022.100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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9
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Abstract
Seizure documentation is an essential component of epilepsy management. Not all persons with epilepsy choose to document their seizures, but many view the practice as essential to managing their disease. While seizure documentation is a valuable aspect of patient care, clinicians and patients must remain aware that seizure underreport and overreport commonly occur due to lack of seizure awareness. Additionally, in rare cases, persons with epilepsy may intentionally conceal their seizures from clinicians. The continued development of electronic seizure diaries and epilepsy self-management software provides patients with new and expanding options for seizure documentation and disease management. In order for these tools to be utilized most effectively, patient input must be central to their development. Given the limitations of seizure documentation, the development of accurate, non-invasive seizure detection devices is crucial for accurate seizure monitoring.
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10
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Shlobin NA, Sander JW. Reducing Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Considering Risk Factors, Pathophysiology and Strategies. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-021-00691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the commonest cause of epilepsy-related premature mortality in people with chronic epilepsy. It is the most devastating epilepsy outcome. We describe and discuss risk factors and possible pathophysiological mechanisms to elucidate possible preventative strategies to avert SUDEP.
Recent Findings
Sudden death accounts for a significant proportion of premature mortality in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. Unmodifiable risk factors include a history of neurologic insult, younger age of seizure-onset, longer epilepsy duration, a history of convulsions, symptomatic epilepsy, intellectual disability, and non-ambulatory status. Modifiable risk factors include the presence of convulsive seizures, increased seizure frequency, timely and appropriate use of antiseizure medications, polytherapy, alcoholism, and supervision while sleeping. Pathophysiology is unclear, but several possible mechanisms such as direct alteration of cardiorespiratory function, pulmonary impairment, electrocerebral shutdown, adenosine dysfunction, and genetic susceptibility suggested.
Summary
Methods to prevent SUDEP include increasing awareness of SUDEP, augmenting knowledge of unmodifiable risk factors, obtaining full seizure remission, addressing lifestyle factors such as supervision and prone positioning, and enacting protocols to increase the detection of and intervention for SUDEP. Further studies are required to characterize precisely and comprehensively SUDEP risk factors and pathophysiological drivers and develop evidence-based algorithms to minimize SUDEP in people with epilepsy.
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11
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Autonomic manifestations of epilepsy: emerging pathways to sudden death? Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:774-788. [PMID: 34716432 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00574-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epileptic networks are intimately connected with the autonomic nervous system, as exemplified by a plethora of ictal (during a seizure) autonomic manifestations, including epigastric sensations, palpitations, goosebumps and syncope (fainting). Ictal autonomic changes might serve as diagnostic clues, provide targets for seizure detection and help us to understand the mechanisms that underlie sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Autonomic alterations are generally more prominent in focal seizures originating from the temporal lobe, demonstrating the importance of limbic structures to the autonomic nervous system, and are particularly pronounced in focal-to-bilateral and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The presence, type and severity of autonomic features are determined by the seizure onset zone, propagation pathways, lateralization and timing of the seizures, and the presence of interictal autonomic dysfunction. Evidence is mounting that not all autonomic manifestations are linked to SUDEP. In addition, experimental and clinical data emphasize the heterogeneity of SUDEP and its infrequent overlap with sudden cardiac death. Here, we review the spectrum and diagnostic value of the mostly benign and self-limiting autonomic manifestations of epilepsy. In particular, we focus on presentations that are likely to contribute to SUDEP and discuss how wearable devices might help to prevent SUDEP.
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12
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Madaan P, Gupta A, Gulati S. Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: Indications and Evaluation. Indian J Pediatr 2021; 88:1000-1006. [PMID: 33740232 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in children. It is usually amenable to drug therapy. However, nearly one-third of patients may be refractory to antiseizure drugs. Poor compliance and nonepileptic events should be ruled out as possible causes of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). After failing adequate trials of two appropriate antiseizure drugs, patients with focal DRE or poorly classifiable epilepsy or epileptic encephalopathy with focal electro-clinical features should be worked up for surgical candidacy. A randomized controlled trial provided a class I evidence for epilepsy surgery in pediatric DRE. Pre-surgical screening workup typically includes a high-resolution epilepsy protocol brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a high-quality in-patient video electroencephalography evaluation. Advanced investigations such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) may be required in selected cases especially when brain MRI is normal, and further evidence for anatomo-electro-clinical concordance is necessary to refine candidacy for surgery and surgical strategy. Some children may also need functional MRI to map eloquent regions of interest such as motor, sensory, and language functions to avoid unacceptable neurological deficits after surgery. Selected children may need invasive long-term electroencephalographic monitoring using stereotactically implanted intracranial depth electrodes or subdural grids. Surgical options include resective surgeries (lesionectomy, lobectomy, multilobar resections) and disconnective surgeries (corpus callosotomy, etc.) with the potential to obtain seizure freedom. Other surgical procedures, typically considered to be palliative are neuromodulation [deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), and responsive neural stimulation (RNS)]. DBS and RNS are currently not approved in children. Pediatric DRE should be evaluated early considering the risk of epileptic encephalopathy and negative impact on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Madaan
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Pediatric Epilepsy, Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology/Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Sheffali Gulati
- Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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13
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Nei M, Pickard A. The role of convulsive seizures in SUDEP. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102856. [PMID: 34343824 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Convulsive seizures are the most consistently reported risk factor for SUDEP. However, the precise mechanisms by which convulsive seizures trigger fatal cardiopulmonary changes are still unclear. Additionally, it is not clear why some seizures cause death when most do not. This article reviews the physiologic changes that occur during and after convulsive seizures and how these may contribute to SUDEP. Seizures activate specific cortical and subcortical regions that can cause potentially lethal cardiorespiratory changes. Clinical factors, including sleep state, medication treatment and withdrawal, positioning and posturing during seizures, and underlying structural or genetic conditions may also affect specific aspects of seizures that may contribute to SUDEP. While seizure control, either through medication or surgical treatment, is the primary intervention that reduces SUDEP risk, unfortunately, seizures cannot be fully controlled despite maximal treatment in a significant proportion of people with epilepsy. Thus specific interventions to prevent adverse seizure-related cardiopulmonary consequences are needed. The potential roles of repositioning/stimulation after seizures, oxygen supplementation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and clinical treatment options in reducing SUDEP risk are explored. Ultimately, understanding of these factors may lead to interventions that could reduce or prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maromi Nei
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 901 Walnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America.
| | - Allyson Pickard
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, 901 Walnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America
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14
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Tarighati Rasekhi R, Devlin KN, Mass JA, Donmez M, Asma B, Sperling MR, Nei M. Improving prediction of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: From SUDEP-7 to SUDEP-3. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1536-1545. [PMID: 34086290 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant cause of mortality in epilepsy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of the SUDEP-7 inventory and its components as tools for predicting SUDEP risk, and to develop and validate an improved inventory. METHODS The study included 28 patients who underwent video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring and later died of SUDEP, and 56 age- and sex-matched control patients with epilepsy. The SUDEP-7 score, its individual components, and an alternative inventory were examined as predictors of SUDEP. RESULTS SUDEP-7 scores were significantly higher among SUDEP patients compared with controls, both at time of admission (p = 0.024) and most recent follow-up (p = 0.016). SUDEP-7 scores declined only among controls, who demonstrated reduced seizure frequency. Seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery was also associated with survival. Several components of the SUDEP-7 inventory were independently associated with higher risk of SUDEP, including more than three generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures (p = 0.002), one or more GTC seizures (p = 0.001), or one or more seizures of any type within the last year (p = 0.013), and intellectual disability (p = 0.031). In stepwise regression models, SUDEP-7 scores did not enhance the prediction of SUDEP over either GTC seizure frequency or seizure frequency alone. A novel SUDEP-3 inventory comprising GTC seizure frequency, seizure frequency, and intellectual disability (p < 0.001) outperformed the SUDEP-7 inventory (p = 0.010) in predicting SUDEP. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate the limitations of the SUDEP-7 inventory. We propose a new three-item SUDEP-3 inventory, which predicts SUDEP better than the SUDEP-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Tarighati Rasekhi
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathryn N Devlin
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joely A Mass
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mustafa Donmez
- Deprtment of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Burcu Asma
- Department of Neurology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Michael R Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maromi Nei
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Samanta D, Ostendorf AP, Willis E, Singh R, Gedela S, Arya R, Scott Perry M. Underutilization of epilepsy surgery: Part I: A scoping review of barriers. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107837. [PMID: 33610461 PMCID: PMC8035287 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One-third of persons with epilepsy have seizures despite appropriate medical therapy. Drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) is associated with neurocognitive and psychological decline, poor quality of life, increased risk of premature death, and greater economic burden. Epilepsy surgery is an effective and safe treatment for a subset of people with DRE but remains one of the most underutilized evidence-based treatments in modern medicine. The reasons for this quality gap are insufficiently understood. In this comprehensive review, we compile known significant barriers to epilepsy surgery, originating from both patient/family-related factors and physician/health system components. Important patient-related factors include individual and epilepsy characteristics which bias towards continued preferential use of poorly effective medications, as well as patient perspectives and misconceptions of surgical risks and benefits. Health system and physician-related barriers include demonstrable knowledge gaps among physicians, inadequate access to comprehensive epilepsy centers, complex presurgical evaluations, insufficient research, and socioeconomic bias when choosing appropriate surgical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin Willis
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA
| | - Ravindra Arya
- Division of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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16
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Cascino GD, Brinkmann BH. Advances in the Surgical Management of Epilepsy: Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy in the Adult Patient. Neurol Clin 2020; 39:181-196. [PMID: 33223082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacoresistant seizures occur in nearly one-third of people with epilepsy. Medial temporal lobe and lesional epilepsy are the most favorable surgically remediable epileptic syndromes. Successful surgery may render the patient seizure-free, reduce antiseizure drug(s) adverse effects, improve quality of life, and decrease mortality. Surgical management should not be considered a procedure of "last resort." Despite the results of randomized controlled trials, surgery remains an underutilized treatment modality for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Important disparities affect patient referral and selection for surgical treatment. This article discusses the advances in surgical treatment of DRE in adults with focal seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin H Brinkmann
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) remains an important cause of epilepsy-related mortality, especially in patients with refractory epilepsy. The exact cause is not known, but postictal cardiac, respiratory, and brainstem dysfunctions are implicated. SUDEP prevention remains a big challenge. Except for low-quality evidence of preventive effect of nocturnal supervision for SUDEP, no other evidence-based preventive modality is available. Other potential preventive strategies for SUDEP include reducing the occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures using seizure detection devices, detecting cardiorespiratory distress through respiratory and heart rate monitoring devices, preventing airway obstruction (safety pillows), and reducing central hypoventilation using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adenosine and opiate antagonists. However, none of the above-mentioned modalities has been proven to prevent SUDEP. The present review intends to provide insight into the available SUDEP prevention modalities.
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18
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Casadei CH, Carson KW, Mendiratta A, Bazil CW, Pack AM, Choi H, Srinivasan S, McKhann GM, Schevon CA, Bateman LM. All-cause mortality and SUDEP in a surgical epilepsy population. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 108:107093. [PMID: 32402704 PMCID: PMC8114948 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery is considered to reduce the risk of epilepsy-related mortality, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), though data from existing surgical series are conflicting. We retrospectively examined all-cause mortality and SUDEP in a population of 590 epilepsy surgery patients and a comparison group of 122 patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy who did not undergo surgery, treated at Columbia University Medical Center between 1977 and 2014. There were 34 deaths in the surgery group, including 14 cases of SUDEP. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for the surgery group was 1.6, and SUDEP rate was 1.9 per 1000 patient-years. There were 13 deaths in the comparison group, including 5 cases of SUDEP. Standardized mortality ratio for the comparison group was 3.6, and SUDEP rate was 4.6 per 1000 patient-years. Both were significantly greater than in the surgery group (p < 0.05). All but one of the surgical SUDEP cases, and all of the comparison group SUDEP cases, had a history of bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (BTCS). Of postoperative SUDEP cases, one was seizure-free, and two were free of BTCS at last clinical follow-up. Time to SUDEP in the surgery group was longer than in the comparison group (10.1 vs 5.9 years, p = 0.013), with 10 of the 14 cases occurring >10 years after surgery. All-cause mortality was reduced after epilepsy surgery relative to the comparison group. There was an early benefit of surgery on the occurrence of SUDEP, which was reduced after 10 years. A larger, multicenter study is needed to further investigate the time course of postsurgical SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H. Casadei
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Kaitlin W. Carson
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Anil Mendiratta
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Carl W. Bazil
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Alison M. Pack
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Hyunmi Choi
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Guy M. McKhann
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Lisa M. Bateman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
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19
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Cihan E, Hesdorffer DC, Brandsoy M, Li L, Fowler DR, Graham JK, Karlovich M, Donner EJ, Devinsky O, Friedman D. Socioeconomic disparities in SUDEP in the US. Neurology 2020; 94:e2555-e2566. [PMID: 32327496 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) rates. METHODS We queried all decedents presented for medico-legal investigation at 3 medical examiner (ME) offices across the country (New York City, Maryland, San Diego County) in 2009 to 2010 and 2014 to 2015. We identified all decedents for whom epilepsy/seizure was listed as cause/contributor to death or comorbid condition on the death certificate. We then reviewed all available reports. Decedents determined to have SUDEP were included for analysis. We used median income in the ZIP code of residence as a surrogate for SES. For each region, zip code regions were ranked by median household income and divided into quartiles based on total population for 2 time periods. Region-, age-, and income-adjusted epilepsy prevalence was estimated in each zip code. SUDEP rates in the highest and lowest SES quartiles were evaluated to determine disparity. Examined SUDEP rates in 2 time periods were also compared. RESULTS There were 159 and 43 SUDEP cases in the lowest and highest SES quartiles. ME-investigated SUDEP rate ratio between the lowest and highest SES quartiles was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-4.1, p < 0.0001) in 2009 to 2010 and 3.3 (95% CI 1.9-6.0, p < 0.0001) in 2014 to 2015. There was a significant decline in overall SUDEP rate between the 2 study periods (36% decrease, 95% CI 22%-48%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION ME-investigated SUDEP incidence was significantly higher in people with the lowest SES compared to the highest SES. The difference persisted over a 5-year period despite decreased overall SUDEP rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Cihan
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale C Hesdorffer
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Brandsoy
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Li
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Fowler
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason K Graham
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Karlovich
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Friedman
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., M.K., O.D., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), NY; and Department of Paediatrics (E.J.D.), Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Drug-resistant epilepsy is a potentially life-threatening condition affecting one-third of people living with epilepsy. Despite existing evidence of improved outcomes in patients who received surgical treatment compared to continued medical treatment, epilepsy surgery remains underused in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This article discusses the gap between evidence and practice and common misconceptions about epilepsy surgery and reviews the current diagnostic and therapeutic surgical options. RECENT FINDINGS Three randomized controlled trials comparing the medical versus surgical treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy have shown the superiority of surgery in controlling seizures and improving patients' quality of life. In addition to resective surgery, neuromodulation through devices such as responsive neurostimulation and vagal nerve stimulation have also shown efficacy in seizure control that increases over time. Diagnostic and therapeutic surgical tools are tailored to the needs of each patient. SUMMARY Appropriate patients with drug-resistant epilepsy benefit more from epilepsy surgery than from continuing medical treatment. These patients should be referred to comprehensive epilepsy centers where a thorough presurgical workup and surgical options can be provided. The gap between evidence and practice can be bridged by education, community outreach, and providers' earnest efforts to improve the quality of life of patients with epilepsy.
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21
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Ham AS, Nirola DK, Ayub N, Tshering L, Dem U, Jette N, Dorji C, Mateen FJ. Missed opportunities for epilepsy surgery referrals in Bhutan: A cohort study. Epilepsy Res 2019; 159:106252. [PMID: 31838172 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the missed opportunities for epilepsy surgery referral and operationalize the Canadian Appropriateness of Epilepsy Surgery (CASES) tool for use in a lower income country without neurologists. METHODS People with epilepsy were recruited from the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital from 2014-2016. Each participant was clinically evaluated, underwent at least one standard EEG, and was invited to undergo a free 1.5 T brain MRI. Clinical variables required for CASES were operationalized for use in lower-income populations and entered into the free, anonymous website tool. FINDINGS There were 209 eligible participants (mean age 28.4 years, 56 % female, 179 with brain MRI data). Of the 179 participants with brain MRI, 43 (24.0 %) were appropriate for an epilepsy surgery referral, 21 (11.7 %) were uncertain, and 115 (64.3 %) were inappropriate for referral. Among the 43 appropriate referral cases, 36 (83.7 %) were "very high" and 7 (16.3 %) were "high" priorities for referral. For every unit increase in surgical appropriateness, quality of life (QoL) dropped by 2.3 points (p-value <0.001). Among the 68 patients who took >1 antiepileptic drug prior to enrollment, 42 (61.8 %) were appropriate referrals, 14 (20.6 %) were uncertain, and 12 (17.6 %) were inappropriate. CONCLUSION Approximately a quarter of Bhutanese epilepsy patients who completed evaluation in this national referral-based hospital should have been evaluated for epilepsy surgery, sometimes urgently. Surgical services for epilepsy are an emerging priority for improving global epilepsy care and should be scaled up through international partnerships and clinician support algorithms like CASES to avoid missed opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damber K Nirola
- Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Lhab Tshering
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ugyen Dem
- Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chencho Dorji
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
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22
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Unravelling the mysteries of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Choi H, Mohit B. Cost‐effectiveness of screening for HLA‐B*1502 prior to initiation of carbamazepine in epilepsy patients of Asian ancestry in the United States. Epilepsia 2019; 60:1472-1481. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunmi Choi
- Department of Neurology Columbia University New York New York
| | - Babak Mohit
- Center for Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health Tufts Medical Center Boston Massachusetts
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24
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Watila MM, Xiao F, Keezer MR, Miserocchi A, Winkler AS, McEvoy AW, Sander JW. Epilepsy surgery in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:311-326. [PMID: 30738248 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy surgery is an important treatment option for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgical procedures for epilepsy are underutilized worldwide, but it is far worse in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and it is less clear as to what extent people with drug-resistant epilepsy receive such treatment at all. Here, we review the existing evidence for the availability and outcome of epilepsy surgery in LMIC and discuss some challenges and priority. METHODS We used an accepted six-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews as a guide. We searched PubMed, Embase, Global Health Archives, Index Medicus for South East Asia Region (IMSEAR), Index Medicus for Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR), Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), African Journal Online (AJOL), and African Index Medicus (AIM) to identify the relevant literature. RESULTS We retrieved 148 articles on epilepsy surgery from 31 countries representing 22% of the 143 LMIC. Epilepsy surgery appears established in some of these centers in Asia and Latin America while some are in their embryonic stage reporting procedures in a small cohort performed mostly by motivated neurosurgeons. The commonest surgical procedure reported was temporal lobectomies. The postoperative seizure-free rates and quality of life (QOL) are comparable with those in the high-income countries (HIC). Some models have shown that epilepsy surgery can be performed within a resource-limited setting through collaboration with international partners and through the use of information and communications technology (ICT). The cost of surgery is a fraction of what is available in HIC. CONCLUSION This review has demonstrated the availability of epilepsy surgery in a few LMIC. The information available is inadequate to make any reasonable conclusion of its existence as routine practice. Collaborations with international partners can provide an opportunity to bring high-quality academic training and technological transfer directly to surgeons working in these regions and should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa M Watila
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Fenglai Xiao
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Epilepsy Society, Gerrards Cross, UK
| | - Mark R Keezer
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Hôpital Notre-Dame, Montréal, Québec H2L 4M1, Canada; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Anna Miserocchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Andrea S Winkler
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway; Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew W McEvoy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Netherlands.
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Whitney R, Donner EJ. Risk Factors for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and Their Mitigation. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019; 21:7. [PMID: 30758730 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-019-0547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW People with epilepsy have an increased risk of mortality when compared to the general population. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of epilepsy-related death in children and adults. The purpose of this review is to discuss SUDEP, with an emphasis on SUDEP risk factors, their mitigation and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS SUDEP affects approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy each year. Recent studies suggest that the incidence in children is similar to that of adults. The most important risk factor for SUDEP is the presence and frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The presence of nocturnal supervision may decrease risk along with the use of nocturnal listening devices. Underlying genetic influences, both cardiac and epilepsy-related may further alter risk. Risk mitigation strategies include reducing seizure frequency, optimizing therapy, and the use of nocturnal supervision/seizure detection devices. Risk factors for SUDEP are well established; however, pediatric specific risk factors have not been identified. Current prevention strategies are focused on reduction of risk factors and the possible role of seizure detection devices. More research is needed to better understand the varied underlying pathological mechanisms and develop targeted prevention strategies. Further understanding the genetic factors that influence SUDEP risk may potentially aid in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.
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26
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Autonomic aspects of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Clin Auton Res 2018; 29:151-160. [DOI: 10.1007/s10286-018-0576-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Two predictors of postictal generalized EEG suppression: Tonic phase duration and postictal immobility period. Seizure 2018; 61:135-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Saetre E, Abdelnoor M. Incidence rate of sudden death in epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 86:193-199. [PMID: 30017838 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to summarize the pooled incidence rate of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients. Meta-regression analysis was applied to identify factors influencing the incidence rate. DESIGN The study was a systematic review and critical appraisal with a meta-analysis of cohort studies, both prospective and retrospective. MATERIAL AND METHOD In a literature search, a total of 45 cohort studies were identified. A random effect model was used to synthesize the results. Heterogeneity between studies was examined by subgroup and meta-regression analysis. The small-study effect was evaluated and not corrected for by the "trim and fill" method because of great heterogeneity. RESULTS A substantial heterogeneity was present. The pooled estimated incidence rate for SUDEP was 1.4/1000 patient years. A meta-regression pinpointed a negative association between the incidence rate of SUDEP and the mean follow-up time and a positive association with the mean age of the patient. The definition of epilepsy showed statistical significance, with a higher incidence rate of SUDEP in studies where the definition of epilepsy was described and clear (p = 0.019) compared with studies having an inadequate or failing epilepsy definition. CONCLUSION Evidence from this study suggests a high incidence rate of sudden death in epilepsy. Its incidence rate was 23 times the incidence rate of sudden death in the total population of the same age. There was heterogeneity and variability of incidence rate depending on the quality of the study and on the definition of epilepsy and the mean age of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Saetre
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Michael Abdelnoor
- Centre of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre of Clinical Heart Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Devinsky O, Friedman D, Duckrow RB, Fountain NB, Gwinn RP, Leiphart JW, Murro AM, Van Ness PC. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in patients treated with brain-responsive neurostimulation. Epilepsia 2018; 59:555-561. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fureman BE, Friedman D, Baulac M, Glauser T, Moreno J, Dixon-Salazar T, Bagiella E, Connor J, Ferry J, Farrell K, Fountain NB, French JA. Reducing placebo exposure in trials: Considerations from the Research Roundtable in Epilepsy. Neurology 2017; 89:1507-1515. [PMID: 28878049 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The randomized controlled trial is the unequivocal gold standard for demonstrating clinical efficacy and safety of investigational therapies. Recently there have been concerns raised about prolonged exposure to placebo and ineffective therapy during the course of an add-on regulatory trial for new antiepileptic drug approval (typically ∼6 months in duration), due to the potential risks of continued uncontrolled epilepsy for that period. The first meeting of the Research Roundtable in Epilepsy on May 19-20, 2016, focused on "Reducing placebo exposure in epilepsy clinical trials," with a goal of considering new designs for epilepsy regulatory trials that may be added to the overall development plan to make it, as a whole, safer for participants while still providing rigorous evidence of effect. This topic was motivated in part by data from a meta-analysis showing a 3- to 5-fold increased rate of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in participants randomized to placebo or ineffective doses of new antiepileptic drugs. The meeting agenda included rationale and discussion of different trial designs, including active-control add-on trials, placebo add-on to background therapy with adjustment, time to event designs, adaptive designs, platform trials with pooled placebo control, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach to reducing placebo exposure, and shorter trials when drug tolerance has been ruled out. The merits and limitations of each design were discussed and are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy E Fureman
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
| | - Daniel Friedman
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Michel Baulac
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Tracy Glauser
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jonathan Moreno
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Tracy Dixon-Salazar
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Emilia Bagiella
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jason Connor
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jim Ferry
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Kathleen Farrell
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nathan B Fountain
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jacqueline A French
- From the Research and New Therapies Program (B.E.F., K.F., J.A.F.), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD; Department of Neurology (D.F., J.A.F.), New York University, New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), Hôpital la Salpêtrière, APHP/ICM, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation (T.G.), OH; University of Pennsylvania (J.M.), Philadelphia; LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) (T.D.-S.), Bohemia; Mount Sinai School of Medicine (E.B.), New York, NY; Berry Consultants LLC and University of Central Florida College of Medicine (J.C.), Orlando; Eisai Inc. (J.F.), Woodcliff Lake, NJ; and Department of Neurology (N.B.F.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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Hampel KG, Rocamora Zuñiga R, Quesada CM. Unravelling the mysteries of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Neurologia 2017; 34:527-535. [PMID: 28431832 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most frequent cause of premature death in epileptic patients. Most SUDEP events occur at night and frequently go unnoticed; the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of this phenomenon therefore remain undetermined. Nevertheless, most cases of SUDEP are attributed to an infrequent yet extremely severe complication of epileptic seizures. DEVELOPMENT We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed. Our review article summarises scientific evidence on the classification, pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, biomarkers, and prevention of SUDEP. Likewise, we propose new lines of research and critically analyse findings that are relevant to clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Current knowledge suggests that SUDEP is a heterogeneous phenomenon caused by multiple factors. In most cases, however, SUDEP is thought to be due to postictal cardiorespiratory failure triggered by generalised tonic-clonic seizures and ultimately leading to cardiac arrest. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism involves multiple factors, ranging from genetic predisposition to environmental factors. Risk of SUDEP is higher in young adults with uncontrolled generalised tonic-clonic seizures. However, patients apparently at lower risk may also experience SUDEP. Current research focuses on identifying genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers that may help determine which patients are at high risk for SUDEP. Antiepileptic treatment is the only preventive measure proven effective to date. Night-time monitoring together with early resuscitation may reduce the risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Hampel
- Unidad Multidisciplinar de Epilepsia, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario y Politecnico La Fe, Valencia, España.
| | - R Rocamora Zuñiga
- Unidad de Epilepsia, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, España; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España
| | - C M Quesada
- Klinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Alemania
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Berrigan P, Bardouille T, MacLellan M, Mohamed IS, Murthy M. Cost-utility analysis of magnetoencephalography used to inform intracranial electrode placement in patients with drug resistant epilepsy: a model based analysis. J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:938-945. [PMID: 27270644 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We estimated the cost-effectiveness of adding magnetoencephalography to a standard assessment for epilepsy surgery consisting of neuropsychology, magnetic resonance imagining, scalp electroencephalography, video electroencephalography and intracranial electroencephalography, in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement. METHODS We used Microsoft Excel (2007) to construct a decision model. Discounted costs and quality adjusted life years are aggregated to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to assess robustness of findings. RESULTS Our base case analysis yielded a result of $14 300 per quality adjusted life year gained. A total of 82.7% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis iterations resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios below $100 000 in 2014 Canadian dollars. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of Magnetoencephalography in the assessment for epilepsy surgery in the capacity of informing intracranial electroencephalography electrode placement is likely not cost saving but does represent a reasonable allocation of resources from a value for money perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Berrigan
- Centre for Clinical Research, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tim Bardouille
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Matt MacLellan
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ismail S Mohamed
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Manjari Murthy
- Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Thurman DJ, Logroscino G, Beghi E, Hauser WA, Hesdorffer DC, Newton CR, Scorza FA, Sander JW, Tomson T. The burden of premature mortality of epilepsy in high-income countries: A systematic review from the Mortality Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy. Epilepsia 2016; 58:17-26. [PMID: 27888514 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Since previous reviews of epidemiologic studies of premature mortality among people with epilepsy were completed several years ago, a large body of new evidence about this subject has been published. We aim to update prior reviews of mortality in epilepsy and to reevaluate and quantify the risks, potential risk factors, and causes of these deaths. We systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases to identify published reports describing mortality risks in cohorts and populations of people with epilepsy. We reviewed relevant reports and applied criteria to identify those studies likely to accurately quantify these risks in representative populations. From these we extracted and summarized the reported data. All population-based studies reported an increased risk of premature mortality among people with epilepsy compared to general populations. Standard mortality ratios are especially high among people with epilepsy aged <50 years, among those whose epilepsy is categorized as structural/metabolic, those whose seizures do not fully remit under treatment, and those with convulsive seizures. Among deaths directly attributable to epilepsy or seizures, important immediate causes include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), status epilepticus, unintentional injuries, and suicide. Epilepsy-associated premature mortality imposes a significant public health burden, and many of the specific causes of death are potentially preventable. These require increased attention from healthcare providers, researchers, and public health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Thurman
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro,", Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro,", Bari, Italy
| | | | - W Allen Hauser
- Sergievsky Center and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, U.S.A
| | - Dale C Hesdorffer
- Sergievsky Center and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, U.S.A
| | - Charles R Newton
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fulvio Alexandre Scorza
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josemir W Sander
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.,Epilepsy Institute of The Netherlands Foundation (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Living With Epilepsy: It's Not Just a Matter of Quality. Epilepsy Curr 2016; 16:373-374. [PMID: 27857612 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7511-16.6.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Dlouhy BJ, Gehlbach BK, Richerson GB. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:402-13. [PMID: 26979537 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in patients with intractable epilepsy. The substantial lifetime risk of SUDEP and the lack of a clear pathophysiological connection between epilepsy itself and sudden death have fuelled increased attention to this phenomenon. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SUDEP is paramount to developing preventative strategies. In this review, we discuss SUDEP population studies, case-control studies, witnessed and monitored cases, as well as human seizure cardiorespiratory findings related to SUDEP, and SUDEP animal models. We integrate these data to suggest the most probable mechanisms underlying SUDEP. Understanding the modifiable risk factors and pathophysiology allows us to discuss potential preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Dlouhy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Brian K Gehlbach
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - George B Richerson
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Verma A, Kumar A. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: some approaches for its prevention and medico-legal consideration. Acta Neurol Belg 2015; 115:207-12. [PMID: 25253292 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-014-0362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, mortality associated with epilepsy is a matter of grave concern. The mortality rate in epileptic population is two to three times more than that of the general population. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, better known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), is a mysterious and rare condition, in which typically young or middle-aged people with epilepsy die without a clearly defined cause. At times, this may raise a strong suspicion of foul play and raise several medico-legal issues. There may be several different underlying mechanisms but most research has focused on seizure-related cerebral and respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmia and autonomic dysfunction. In recent years, some significant risk factors have been recognized and strategies have been suggested that could be useful in prevention of SUDEP. Present communication provides some of the updates on new advances in prevention of SUDEP as well as highlights related medico-legal issues.
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Wandschneider B, Koepp M, Scott C, Micallef C, Balestrini S, Sisodiya SM, Thom M, Harper RM, Sander JW, Vos SB, Duncan JS, Lhatoo S, Diehl B. Structural imaging biomarkers of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Brain 2015; 138:2907-19. [PMID: 26264515 PMCID: PMC4671481 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) remain unclear. Wandschneider et al. reveal increased amygdalo-hippocampal volume in cases of SUDEP and in individuals at high risk, compared to individuals at low risk and people without epilepsy. Findings are consistent with histopathological reports in sudden infant death syndrome. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is a major cause of premature death in people with epilepsy. We aimed to assess whether structural changes potentially attributable to sudden death pathogenesis were present on magnetic resonance imaging in people who subsequently died of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. In a retrospective, voxel-based analysis of T1 volume scans, we compared grey matter volumes in 12 cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (two definite, 10 probable; eight males), acquired 2 years [median, interquartile range (IQR) 2.8] before death [median (IQR) age at scanning 33.5 (22) years], with 34 people at high risk [age 30.5 (12); 19 males], 19 at low risk [age 30 (7.5); 12 males] of sudden death, and 15 healthy controls [age 37 (16); seven males]. At-risk subjects were defined based on risk factors of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy identified in a recent combined risk factor analysis. We identified increased grey matter volume in the right anterior hippocampus/amygdala and parahippocampus in sudden death cases and people at high risk, when compared to those at low risk and controls. Compared to controls, posterior thalamic grey matter volume, an area mediating oxygen regulation, was reduced in cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and subjects at high risk. The extent of reduction correlated with disease duration in all subjects with epilepsy. Increased amygdalo-hippocampal grey matter volume with right-sided changes is consistent with histo-pathological findings reported in sudden infant death syndrome. We speculate that the right-sided predominance reflects asymmetric central influences on autonomic outflow, contributing to cardiac arrhythmia. Pulvinar damage may impair hypoxia regulation. The imaging findings in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and people at high risk may be useful as a biomarker for risk-stratification in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Wandschneider
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Matthias Koepp
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Catherine Scott
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Caroline Micallef
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Simona Balestrini
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 3 Neuroscience Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sanjay M Sisodiya
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA
| | - Maria Thom
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA
| | - Ronald M Harper
- 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA 5 Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sjoerd B Vos
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 6 Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - John S Duncan
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK
| | - Samden Lhatoo
- 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA 7 Translational Imaging Group, Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Beate Diehl
- 1 NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK 2 Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ, UK 4 The Centre for SUDEP Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA
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Schulze-Bonhage A, Zentner J. The preoperative evaluation and surgical treatment of epilepsy. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 111:313-9. [PMID: 24861650 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-third of all patients with epilepsy have persistent seizures despite medical treatment. If the origin of the seizures can be localized to a particular site in the brain, epilepsy surgery is a treatment option that addresses the cause of the problem. METHOD The presurgical assessment and surgical treatment of epilepsy are discussed on the basis of a selective literature review and the authors' clinical experience. RESULTS Recent studies give further evidence that surgical treatment is superior to continued medical treatment for patients with seizures of focal origin that persist despite treatment with two antiepileptic drugs. Modern imaging and electrophysiological techniques enable the demonstration of subtle structural and functional changes of the cerebral cortex as a basis for individually tailored surgical resection. 60-80% of surgically treated patients become seizure-free. According to recent reviews, epilepsy surgery is associated with a permanent morbidity of 6% and with a mortality well under 1%; these figures are in the typical range for neurosurgical procedures. In the authors' series, 2% of patients had permanent complications, and the death rate was less than 0.1%. CONCLUSION Advances in presurgical assessment and the broad range of available surgical techniques have widened the applicability of surgical treatment for children and adults with medically refractory epilepsy. Patients should be referred early in the course of their disease to an epilepsy center for evaluation of the surgical options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Section for Epileptology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Freiburg
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Sánchez Fernández I, An S, Loddenkemper T. Pediatric refractory epilepsy: A decision analysis comparing medical versus surgical treatment. Epilepsia 2015; 56:263-72. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Sánchez Fernández
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology; Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
- Department of Child Neurology; Hospital Sant Joan de Déu; University of Barcelona; Spain
| | - Sookee An
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology; Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
| | - Tobias Loddenkemper
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology; Department of Neurology; Boston Children's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts U.S.A
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Malik GA, Smith PEM. Increasing awareness of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:1371-82. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2013.861741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Dhiman V, Rao S, Sinha S, Arimappamagan A, Mahadevan A, Bharath RD, Saini J, Jamuna R, Keshav Kumar J, Rao SL, Chandramouli BA, Satishchandra P, Shankar SK. Outcome of lesionectomy in medically refractory epilepsy due to non-mesial temporal sclerosis (non-MTS) lesions. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013; 115:2445-53. [PMID: 24119337 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the seizure outcome of lesionectomy for refractory epilepsy secondary to non-mesial temporal sclerosis (non-MTS) lesions. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with non-MTS lesions (M:F=42:26; age at onset: 11.7±9.6 years; age at surgery: 21.1±9.4 years), who underwent lesionectomy for refractory epilepsy were analyzed. The age at onset, frequency/type of seizure, MRI findings, video-EEG, histopathology and Engel's grading at 1 year/last follow up were recorded. RESULTS The duration of epilepsy at surgery was 9.9±6.9 years. The location of lesions were: temporal: 41 (60.3%); frontal: 21 (30.9%); parietal: 6 (8.8%). The type of lesionectomies performed were temporal 41 (60.3%), extra-temporal: 25 (36.8%), temporo-frontal and temporo-parietal: 1 (1.5%) patient each. The histopathological diagnosis were neoplastic: 32 (47.1%), cortical dysplasia: 19 (27.9%), other focal lesions: 17 (25%). At mean follow up of 2.9±2.1 years (median: 2.6 years), outcome was - Engel's class I: 43 (63.2%), IIa: 14 (20.6%), III: 7 (10.3%), IV: 4 (5.9%). Good seizure control (Engel's class I/IIa) was achieved in 57 (83.8%) patients. The good prognostic markers included temporal seizures, extended lesionectomy and AEDs after surgery while poor prognostic marker was gliotic lesion on histopathology. CONCLUSION Following lesionectomy due to non-MTS lesions, seizure freedom (Engel I) was noted in about 63.2% of patients, which is comparable to other series and reiterates the effectiveness of lesionectomy for seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Dhiman
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
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Ramey WL, Martirosyan NL, Lieu CM, Hasham HA, Lemole GM, Weinand ME. Current management and surgical outcomes of medically intractable epilepsy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013; 115:2411-8. [PMID: 24169149 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders in the world. While anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of treatment in most cases, as many as one-third of patients will have a refractory form of disease indicating the need for a neurosurgical evaluation. Ever since the first half of the twentieth century, surgery has been a major treatment option for epilepsy, but the last 10-15 years in particular has seen several major advances. As shown in relatively recent studies, resection is more effective for medically intractable epilepsy (MIE) than AED treatment alone, which is why most clinicians now endorse a neurosurgical consultation after approximately two failed regimens of AEDs, ultimately leading to decreased healthcare costs and increased quality of life. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of MIE and comprises about 80% of epilepsy surgeries with the majority of patients gaining complete seizure-freedom. As the number of procedures and different approaches continues to grow, temporal lobectomy remains consistently focused on resection of mesial structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampal gyrus while preserving as much of the neocortex as possible resulting in optimum seizure control with minimal neurological deficits. MIE originating outside the temporal lobe is also effectively treated with resection. Though not as successful as TLE surgery because of their frequent proximity to eloquent brain structures and more diffuse pathology, epileptogenic foci located extratemporally also benefit from resection. Favorable seizure outcome in each of these procedures has heavily relied on pre-operative imaging, especially since the massive surge in MRI technology just over 20 years ago. However, in the absence of visible lesions on MRI, recent improvements in secondary imaging modalities such as fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography (FDG-PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have lead to progressively better long-term seizure outcomes by increasing the neurosurgeon's visualization of supposed non-lesional foci. Additionally, being historically viewed as a drastic surgical intervention for MIE, hemispherectomy has been extensively used quite successfully for diffuse epilepsies often found in pediatric patients. Although total anatomic hemispherectomy is not utilized as commonly today, it has given rise to current disconnective techniques such as hemispherotomy. Therefore, severe forms of hemispheric developmental epilepsy can now be surgically treated while substantially decreasing the amount of potential long-term complications resulting from cavitation of the brain following anatomical hemispherectomy. Despite the rapid pace at which we are gaining further knowledge about epilepsy and its surgical treatment, there remains a sizeable underutilization of such procedures. By reviewing the recent literature on resective treatment of MIE, we provide a recent up-date on epilepsy surgery while focusing on historical perspectives, techniques, prognostic indicators, outcomes, and complications associated with several different types of procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt L Ramey
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, USA
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Ryvlin P, Nashef L, Tomson T. Prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: a realistic goal? Epilepsia 2013; 54 Suppl 2:23-8. [PMID: 23646967 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) represents one of the most severe consequences of drug-resistant epilepsy, for which no evidence-based prevention is available. Development of effective prevention will depend on the following: (1) better understanding of the pathophysiology of SUDEP to define the most appropriate targets of intervention, and (2) identification of risk factors for SUDEP that would allow for the design of feasible clinical trials to test targeted interventions in high-risk populations. The most important known risk factor is the occurrence and frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), a seizure type that triggers the majority of witnessed SUDEP. Therefore, one likely way to prevent SUDEP is to minimize the risk of GTCS with optimal medical management and patient education. However, whether one might prevent SUDEP in patients with refractory epilepsy by using more frequent review of antiepileptic treatment and earlier referral for presurgical evaluation, remains to be seen. Another hypothetical strategy to prevent SUDEP is to reduce the risk of GTCS-induced postictal respiratory distress. This might be achieved by using lattice pillow, providing nocturnal supervision, reinforcing interictal serotoninergic tone, and lowering opiate- or adenosine-induced postictal brainstem depression. Promising interventions can be tested first on surrogate markers, such as postictal hypoxia in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs), before SUDEP trials can be implemented. EMU safety should also be improved to avoid SUDEP occurrence in that setting. Finally, the development of ambulatory SUDEP prevention devices should be encouraged but raises a number of unsolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Ryvlin
- Department of Functional Neurology and IDEE, Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon and TIGER, CRNL, INSERM U1028, CNRS 5292, University Claude Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France.
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Taha AY, Trepanier MO, Ciobanu FA, Taha NM, Ahmed M, Zeng Q, Cheuk WI, Ip B, Filo E, Scott BW, Burnham WM, Bazinet RP. A minimum of 3 months of dietary fish oil supplementation is required to raise amygdaloid afterdischarge seizure thresholds in rats--implications for treating complex partial seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 27:49-58. [PMID: 23376336 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Complex partial seizures, which typically originate in limbic structures such as the amygdala, are often resistant to antiseizure medications. Our goal was to investigate the effects of chronic dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from fish oil on seizure thresholds in the amygdala, as well as on blood and brain PUFA levels. The acute effects of injected n-3 PUFAs--eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--were also tested in the maximal pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure model. In amygdala-implanted subjects, fish oil supplementation significantly increased amygdaloid afterdischarge thresholds, as compared with controls at 3, 5, and 7 months after the start of supplementation. Fish oil supplementation also increased serum EPA and DHA concentrations. DHA concentration in the pyriform-amygdala area increased in the fish-oil treated group by 17-34%, but this effect did not reach statistical significance (P=0.065). DHA significantly increased the latency to seizure onset in the PTZ seizure model, whereas EPA had no significant effect. These observations suggest that chronic dietary fish oil supplementation can raise focal amygdaloid seizure thresholds and that this effect is likely mediated by DHA rather than by EPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Y Taha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8.
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Tao JX, Yung I, Lee A, Rose S, Jacobsen J, Ebersole JS. Tonic phase of a generalized convulsive seizure is an independent predictor of postictal generalized EEG suppression. Epilepsia 2013; 54:858-65. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James X. Tao
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
| | - Iris Yung
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
| | - Anthony Lee
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
| | - Sandra Rose
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
| | - John Jacobsen
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
| | - John S. Ebersole
- Department of Neurology; The University of Chicago; Chicago; Illinois; U.S.A
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do Couto LL, dos Anjos LC, Araujo MDAF, Mourão CA, Schwartz CA, Ferreira LB, Mortari MR. Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity of the peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. Pharmacogn Mag 2012; 8:292-9. [PMID: 24082633 PMCID: PMC3785167 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.103657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod venoms have attracted interest because they represent a source of neuroactive compounds that can be useful tools in neuroscience and pharmacological investigations. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and behavioral effects of the peptide fraction separated from venom of the social wasp. MATERIALS AND METHODS The low- molecular-weight compounds of the venom were separated by ultrafiltration and the bioassays were performed to test anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects, as well as alterations in the spontaneous behavior of the animals. RESULTS Intracerebroventricular injections of the compounds induced dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects and a potent anxiolytic activity. Regarding behavioral effects, no significant differences were observed in relation to the saline control group. CONCLUSION The low-molecular-weight compounds of the venom of Polybia paulista include neuroactive peptides that can be used as pharmacological resources for anticonvulsant and anxiolytic drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucianna Lopes do Couto
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lilian Carneiro dos Anjos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Cecília Alves Mourão
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos Aberto Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Neligan A, Hauser WA, Sander JW. The epidemiology of the epilepsies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 107:113-133. [PMID: 22938966 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52898-8.00006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Neligan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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