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Sridech W, Intamul K, Saengsin K, Wiwattanadittakul N, Sittiwangkul R, Katanyuwong K, Silvilairat S, Sanguansermsri C. Cardiac dysfunctions in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1381293. [PMID: 38689875 PMCID: PMC11058992 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1381293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective There were reports of cardiac dysfunction that led to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients with epilepsy. Early detection of cardiac dysfunction can lead to early management to prevent sudden cardiac death in these patients. The objective of our study is to assess cardiac functions in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) compared with the normal population by using a standard echocardiogram (SE), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and myocardial strain evaluations (MSE). Method Twenty-seven children who have been diagnosed with DRE based on the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) were included in the study, along with 27 children whose ages match those of the normal control group. Results Seventeen children, median age 12 years old, were using more than four anti-seizure medications. Structural brain lesions were the most common cause of epilepsy, 55.6% (15). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common seizure type, 55.6% (15). Children with DRE had a lower early mitral valve E wave inflow velocity compared with the control group (p < 0.05). They also had lowered early diastolic velocities (e') and myocardial performance index (MPI) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in left ventricular myocardial strain in children with DRE, with an average of -21.1 (IQR -23.5 and -19.4) and control, -25.5 (IQR -27.3 and -24.2). Significance Children with DRE have an impairment of left ventricular diastolic function and myocardial strain, which could indicate decreased myocardial deformation and contraction compared with controls. These cardiological assessments can be used to evaluate children with DRE for early diagnosis and management of their cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watthana Sridech
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kamonchanok Intamul
- Cardiology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kwannapas Saengsin
- Cardiology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Rekwan Sittiwangkul
- Cardiology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kamornwan Katanyuwong
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Suchaya Silvilairat
- Cardiology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chinnuwat Sanguansermsri
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Ito Y, Hata N, Maesawa S, Tanei T, Ishizaki T, Mutoh M, Hashida M, Kobayashi Y, Saito R. Characteristics of deceased subjects transported to a postmortem imaging center due to unusual death related to epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:592-601. [PMID: 38173171 PMCID: PMC10984304 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with epilepsy have high risk of experiencing uncommon causes of death. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent unusual deaths related to epilepsy and identify factors that may contribute to these deaths and may also include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). METHODS We analyzed 5291 cases in which a postmortem imaging (PMI) study was performed using plane CT, because of an unexplained death. A rapid troponin T assay was performed using peripheral blood samples. Clinical information including the cause of death suspected by the attending physician, body position, place of death, medical history, and antiseizure medications was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 132 (2.6%) patients had an obvious history of epilepsy, while 5159 individuals had no history of epilepsy (97.4%). Cerebrovascular disease was the cause of death in 1.6% of patients in the group with epilepsy, and this was significantly lower than that in the non-epilepsy group. However, drowning was significantly higher (9.1% vs. 4.4%). Unspecified cause of death was significantly more frequent in the epilepsy group (78.0% vs. 57.8%). Furthermore, the proportion of patients who demonstrated elevation of troponin T levels without prior cardiac disease was significantly higher in the epilepsy group (37.9% vs. 31.1%). At discovery of death, prone position was dominant (30.3%), with deaths occurring most commonly in the bedroom (49.2%). No antiseizure medication had been prescribed in 12% of cases, while 29.5% of patients were taking multiple antiseizure medications. SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals experiencing unusual death was higher than in the general population. Despite PMI studies, no definitive cause of death was identified in a significant proportion of cases. The high troponin T levels may be explained by long intervals between death and examination or by higher incidence of myocardial damage at the time of death. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study investigated unusual deaths in epilepsy patients, analyzing 5291 postmortem imaging cases. The results showed that 132 cases (2.6%) had a clear history of epilepsy. In these cases, only 22% cases were explained after postmortem examination, which is less than in non-epilepsy group (42.2%). Cerebrovascular disease was less common in the epilepsy group, while drowning was more common. Elevated troponin T levels, which suggest possibility of myocardial damage or long intervals between death and examination, were also more frequent in the epilepsy group compared to non-epilepsy group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Ito
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sakura General HospitalAichiJapan
| | - Nobuhiro Hata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sakura General HospitalAichiJapan
| | - Satoshi Maesawa
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Takafumi Tanei
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Tomotaka Ishizaki
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Manabu Mutoh
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Miki Hashida
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
| | | | - Ryuta Saito
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaAichiJapan
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Maltseva M, Rosenow F, Schubert-Bast S, Flege S, Wolff M, von Spiczak S, Trollmann R, Syrbe S, Ruf S, Polster T, Neubauer BA, Mayer T, Jacobs J, Kurlemann G, Kluger G, Klotz KA, Kieslich M, Kay L, Hornemann F, Bettendorf U, Bertsche A, Bast T, Strzelczyk A. Critical incidents, nocturnal supervision, and caregiver knowledge on SUDEP in patients with Dravet syndrome: A prospective multicenter study in Germany. Epilepsia 2024; 65:115-126. [PMID: 37846648 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17799] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate the monitoring, interventions, and occurrence of critical, potentially life-threatening incidents in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and caregivers' knowledge about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with DS and their caregivers in Germany consisted of a questionnaire and prospective diary querying the disease characteristics and demographic data of patients and caregivers. RESULTS Our analysis included 108 questionnaires and 82 diaries. Patients with DS were 49.1% male (n = 53), with a mean age of 13.5 (SD ± 10.0 years) and primary caregivers were 92.6% (n = 100) female, with a mean age of 44.7 (SD ± 10.6 years). Monitoring devices were used regularly by 75.9% (n = 82) of caregivers, and most monitored daily/nightly. Frequently used devices were pulse oximeters (64.6%), baby monitors (64.6%), thermometers (24.1%), and Epi-Care (26.8%). Younger caregiver and patient age and history of status epilepticus were associated with increased use of monitoring, and 81% of monitor users reported having avoided a critical incident with nocturnal monitoring. The need for resuscitation due to cardiac or respiratory arrest was reported by 22 caregivers (20.4%), and most cases (72.7%) were associated with a seizure. Caregivers reported frequently performing interventions at night, including oropharyngeal suction, oxygenation, personal hygiene, and change of body position. Most caregivers were well informed about SUDEP (n = 102; 94%) and monitored for a lateral or supine body position; however, only 39.8% reported receiving resuscitation training, whereas 52.8% (n = 57) knew what to do in case the child's breathing or heart activity failed. SIGNIFICANCE Critical incidents and the need for resuscitation are reported frequently by caregivers and may be related to high mortality and SUDEP rates in DS. Resuscitation training is welcomed by caregivers and should be continuously provided. Oxygen monitoring devices are frequently used and considered useful by caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Maltseva
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Flege
- Dravet Syndrom e.V., Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Markus Wolff
- Center of Pediatric Neurology, Vivantes Hospital Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany
- Swiss Epilepsy Center, Klinik Lengg AG, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah von Spiczak
- Northern German Epilepsy Centre for Children and Adolescents, Kiel-Raisdorf, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Ruf
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilman Polster
- Department of Epileptology, Bielefeld University, Krankenhaus Mara, Epilepsy Center Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
- Research Institute "Rehabilitation, Transition, and Palliation", PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lara Kay
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frauke Hornemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Klinikum Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
| | | | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Kehl-Kork, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Bhandare AM, Dale N. Neural correlate of reduced respiratory chemosensitivity during chronic epilepsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1288600. [PMID: 38193031 PMCID: PMC10773801 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1288600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While central autonomic, cardiac, and/or respiratory dysfunction underlies sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), the specific neural mechanisms that lead to SUDEP remain to be determined. In this study, we took advantage of single-cell neuronal Ca2+ imaging and intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA)-induced chronic epilepsy in mice to investigate progressive changes in key cardiorespiratory brainstem circuits during chronic epilepsy. Weeks after induction of status epilepticus (SE), when mice were experiencing recurrent spontaneous seizures (chronic epilepsy), we observed that the adaptive ventilatory responses to hypercapnia were reduced for 5 weeks after SE induction with its partial recovery at week 7. These changes were paralleled by alterations in the chemosensory responses of neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Neurons that displayed adapting responses to hypercapnia were less prevalent and exhibited smaller responses over weeks 3-5, whereas neurons that displayed graded responses to hypercapnia became more prevalent by week 7. Over the same period, chemosensory responses of the presympathetic rostral ventrolateral medullary (RVLM) neurons showed no change. Mice with chronic epilepsy showed enhanced sensitivity to seizures, which invade the RTN and possibly put the chemosensory circuits at further risk of impairment. Our findings establish a dysfunctional breathing phenotype with its RTN neuronal correlate in mice with chronic epilepsy and suggest that the assessment of respiratory chemosensitivity may have the potential for identifying people at risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol M. Bhandare
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Giussani G, Falcicchio G, La Neve A, Costagliola G, Striano P, Scarabello A, Mostacci B, Beghi E. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A critical view of the literature. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:728-757. [PMID: 36896633 PMCID: PMC10472423 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a sudden, unexpected, witnessed or unwitnessed, non-traumatic and non-drowning death, occurring in benign circumstances, in an individual with epilepsy, with or without evidence for a seizure and excluding documented status epilepticus in which postmortem examination does not reveal other causes of death. Lower diagnostic levels are assigned when cases met most or all of these criteria, but data suggested more than one possible cause of death. The incidence of SUDEP ranged from 0.09 to 2.4 per 1000 person-years. Differences can be attributed to the age of the study populations (with peaks in the 20-40-year age group) and the severity of the disease. Young age, disease severity (in particular, a history of generalized TCS), having symptomatic epilepsy, and the response to antiseizure medications (ASMs) are possible independent predictors of SUDEP. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully known due to the limited data available and because SUDEP is not always witnessed and has been electrophysiologically monitored only in a few cases with simultaneous assessment of respiratory, cardiac, and brain activity. The pathophysiological basis of SUDEP may vary according to different circumstances that make that particular seizure, in that specific moment and in that patient, a fatal event. The main hypothesized mechanisms, which could contribute to a cascade of events, are cardiac dysfunction (included potential effects of ASMs, genetically determined channelopathies, acquired heart diseases), respiratory dysfunction (included postictal arousal deficit for the respiratory mechanism, acquired respiratory diseases), neuromodulator dysfunction, postictal EEG depression and genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giussani
- Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Giovanni Falcicchio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense OrgansUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense OrgansUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenovaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | - Anna Scarabello
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Barbara Mostacci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCSMilanItaly
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Aljumah TK, Al-Attas AA, Alqahtani AA, Masuadi EM, Aldahi AS, Alshammari MA, Heji AT, Alanazi A. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: What Saudi people with epilepsy want to know-A cross-sectional study. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:528-533. [PMID: 37202837 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20079] [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: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant cause of mortality in people with epilepsy (PWE), with an incidence of 1 per 1000 members of the population. In Saudi Arabia, no data are available that inform local clinical practitioners about the attitudes of PWE regarding SUDEP. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of Saudi PWE toward SUDEP and to assess their knowledge of SUDEP. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the neurology clinics of King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh and Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh. RESULTS Of the 377 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 325 completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 32.9 ± 12.6 years. Of the study subjects, 50.5% were male. Only 41 patients (12.6%) had heard about SUDEP. Most patients (94.5%) wanted to know about SUDEP, of whom 313 (96.3%) wanted to receive this information from a neurologist. A total of 148 patients (45.5%) thought that the appropriate time to receive information about SUDEP was after the second visit, whereas only 75 (23.1%) wanted to learn about SUDEP during the first visit. However, 69 patients (21.2%) thought that the appropriate time to be informed about SUDEP was when seizure control had become more difficult. Almost half (172, 52.9%) of the patients thought that SUDEP could be prevented. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that most Saudi PWE do not know about SUDEP and want to be counseled about their risk of SUDEP by their physicians. Therefore, education of Saudi PWE about SUDEP must be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal K Aljumah
- Division of Neurology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed A Alqahtani
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad M Masuadi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Aldahi
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alshammari
- Division of Neurology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa T Heji
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alanazi
- Division of Neurology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Li J, Cossette-Roberge H, Toffa DH, Deacon C, Keezer MR. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): A bibliometric analysis. Epilepsy Res 2023; 193:107159. [PMID: 37167883 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107159] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The literature on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been evolving at a staggering rate. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the SUDEP literature with the aim of presenting its structure, performance, and trends. METHODS The Scopus database was searched in April 2023 for documents explicitly detailing SUDEP in their title, abstract, or keywords. After the removal of duplicate documents, bibliometric analysis was performed using the R package bibliometrix and the program VOSviewer. Performance metrics were computed to describe the literature's annual productivity, most relevant authors and countries, and most important publications. Science mapping was performed to visualize the relationships between research constituents by constructing a country collaboration network, co-authorship network, keyword co-occurrence network, and document co-citation network. RESULTS A total of 2140 documents were analyzed. These documents were published from 1989 onward, with an average number of citations per document of 25.78. Annual productivity had been on the rise since 2006. Out of 6502 authors, five authors were in both the list of the ten most productive and the list of the ten most cited authors: Devinsky O, Sander JW, Tomson T, Ryvlin P, and Lhatoo SD. The USA and the United Kingdom were the most productive and cited countries. Collaborations between American authors and European authors were particularly rich. Prominent themes in the literature included those related to pathophysiology (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, apnea, autonomic dysfunction), epilepsy characteristics (e.g., epilepsy type, refractoriness, antiseizure medications), and epidemiology (e.g., incidence, age, sex). Emerging themes included sleep, genetics, epilepsy refractoriness, and non-human studies. SIGNIFICANCE The body of literature on SUDEP is rich, fast-growing, and benefiting from frequent international collaborations. Some research themes such as sleep, genetics, and animal studies have become more prevalent over recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Li
- Neurology Division, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hélène Cossette-Roberge
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Dènahin Hinnoutondji Toffa
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles Deacon
- Neurology Division, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Robert Keezer
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neurology Division, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Nordberg J, Schaper FLWVJ, Bucci M, Nummenmaa L, Joutsa J. Brain lesion locations associated with secondary seizure generalization in tumors and strokes. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:3136-3146. [PMID: 36971618 PMCID: PMC10171532 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural brain lesions are the most common cause of adult-onset epilepsy. The lesion location may contribute to the risk for epileptogenesis, but whether specific lesion locations are associated with a risk for secondary seizure generalization from focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, is unknown. We identified patients with a diagnosis of adult-onset epilepsy caused by an ischemic stroke or a tumor diagnosed at the Turku University Hospital in 2004-2017. Lesion locations were segmented on patient-specific MR imaging and transformed to a common brain atlas (MNI space). Both region-of-interest analyses (intersection with the cortex, hemisphere, and lobes) and voxel-wise analyses were conducted to identify the lesion locations associated with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic compared to focal seizures. We included 170 patients with lesion-induced epilepsy (94 tumors, 76 strokes). Lesions predominantly localized in the cerebral cortex (OR 2.50, 95% C.I. 1.21-5.15, p = .01) and right hemisphere (OR 2.22, 95% C.I. 1.17-4.20, p = .01) were independently associated with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. At the lobar-level, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures were associated with lesions in the right frontal cortex (OR 4.41, 95% C.I. 1.44-13.5, p = .009). No single voxels were significantly associated with seizure type. These effects were independent of lesion etiology. Our results demonstrate that lesion location is associated with the risk for secondary generalization of epileptic seizures. These findings may contribute to identifying patients at risk for focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures.
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Gravitis AC, Tufa U, Zukotynski K, Streiner DL, Friedman D, Laze J, Chinvarun Y, Devinsky O, Wennberg R, Carlen PL, Bardakjian BL. Ictal ECG-based assessment of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1147576. [PMID: 36994379 PMCID: PMC10040863 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1147576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionPrevious case-control studies of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) patients failed to identify ECG features (peri-ictal heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, postictal heart rate recovery, and cardiac rhythm) predictive of SUDEP risk. This implied a need to derive novel metrics to assess SUDEP risk from ECG.MethodsWe applied Single Spectrum Analysis and Independent Component Analysis (SSA-ICA) to remove artifact from ECG recordings. Then cross-frequency phase-phase coupling (PPC) was applied to a 20-s mid-seizure window and a contour of −3 dB coupling strength was determined. The contour centroid polar coordinates, amplitude (alpha) and angle (theta), were calculated. Association of alpha and theta with SUDEP was assessed and a logistic classifier for alpha was constructed.ResultsAlpha was higher in SUDEP patients, compared to non-SUDEP patients (p < 0.001). Theta showed no significant difference between patient populations. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of a logistic classifier for alpha resulted in an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 94% and correctly classified two test SUDEP patients.DiscussionThis study develops a novel metric alpha, which highlights non-linear interactions between two rhythms in the ECG, and is predictive of SUDEP risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Gravitis
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Uilki Tufa
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Zukotynski
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David L. Streiner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Friedman
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juliana Laze
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yotin Chinvarun
- Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Royal Army Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard Wennberg
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter L. Carlen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Berj L. Bardakjian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Berj L. Bardakjian
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Kreitlow BL, Li W, Buchanan GF. Chronobiology of epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:936104. [PMID: 36161152 PMCID: PMC9490261 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.936104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by spontaneous, unprovoked seizures. Various insults render the brain hyperexcitable and susceptible to seizure. Despite there being dozens of preventative anti-seizure medications available, these drugs fail to control seizures in nearly 1 in 3 patients with epilepsy. Over the last century, a large body of evidence has demonstrated that internal and external rhythms can modify seizure phenotypes. Physiologically relevant rhythms with shorter periodic rhythms, such as endogenous circadian rhythms and sleep-state, as well as rhythms with longer periodicity, including multidien rhythms and menses, influence the timing of seizures through poorly understood mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to discuss the findings from both human and animal studies that consider the effect of such biologically relevant rhythms on epilepsy and seizure-associated death. Patients with medically refractory epilepsy are at increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The role that some of these rhythms play in the nocturnal susceptibility to SUDEP will also be discussed. While the involvement of some of these rhythms in epilepsy has been known for over a century, applying the rhythmic nature of such phenomenon to epilepsy management, particularly in mitigating the risk of SUDEP, has been underutilized. As our understanding of the physiological influence on such rhythmic phenomenon improves, and as technology for chronic intracranial epileptiform monitoring becomes more widespread, smaller and less invasive, novel seizure-prediction technologies and time-dependent chronotherapeutic seizure management strategies can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. Kreitlow
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - William Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Gordon F. Buchanan
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gordon F. Buchanan, ; orcid.org/0000-0003-2371-4455
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Kløvgaard M, Sabers A, Ryvlin P. Update on Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Neurol Clin 2022; 40:741-754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Joyal KG, Kreitlow BL, Buchanan GF. The role of sleep state and time of day in modulating breathing in epilepsy: implications for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:983211. [PMID: 36082111 PMCID: PMC9445500 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.983211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death among patients with refractory epilepsy. While the exact etiology of SUDEP is unknown, mounting evidence implicates respiratory dysfunction as a precipitating factor in cases of seizure-induced death. Dysregulation of breathing can occur in epilepsy patients during and after seizures as well as interictally, with many epilepsy patients exhibiting sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The majority of SUDEP cases occur during the night, with the victim found prone in or near a bed. As breathing is modulated in both a time-of-day and sleep state-dependent manner, it is relevant to examine the added burden of nocturnal seizures on respiratory function. This review explores the current state of understanding of the relationship between respiratory function, sleep state and time of day, and epilepsy. We highlight sleep as a particularly vulnerable period for individuals with epilepsy and press that this topic warrants further investigation in order to develop therapeutic interventions to mitigate the risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn G. Joyal
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Benjamin L. Kreitlow
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Gordon F. Buchanan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gordon F. Buchanan
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13
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Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Neurol Int 2022; 14:600-613. [PMID: 35893283 PMCID: PMC9326725 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition with numerous etiologies and treatment options. In a subset of these patients, sudden unexpected death can occur, and to date, there are numerous explanations as to the pathophysiological mechanisms and how to mitigate these catastrophic outcomes. Approximately 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, and nearly 150,000 people develop the condition each year. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 2–18% of all epilepsy-related deaths and this is equivalent to one death in 1000 person-years of diagnosed epilepsy. It is more common in young adults aged 20–45. Seizures in the past year; the absence of terminal remission in the last five years; increased seizure frequency, particularly GTCS; and nocturnal seizures are the most potent modifiable risk factors for SUDEP. Patients not receiving any antiepileptic drug therapy are at higher risk of SUDEP. Patient education on medication compliance; care plans for seizure clusters (rescue medicines); epilepsy self-management programs; and lifestyle changes to avoid seizure-triggering factors, including avoiding excessive alcohol use and sleep deprivation, should be provided by health care providers. Continued research into SUDEP will hopefully lead to effective interventions to minimize occurrences. At present, aggressive control of epilepsy and enhanced education for individuals and the public are the most effective weapons for combating SUDEP. This narrative review focuses on updated information related to SUDEP epidemiology; pathophysiology; risk factor treatment options; and finally, a discussion of important clinical studies. We seek to encourage clinicians who care for patients with epilepsy to be aggressive in controlling seizure activity and diligent in their review of risk factors and education of patients and their families about SUDEP.
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Mesraoua B, Tomson T, Brodie M, Asadi-Pooya AA. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): Definition, epidemiology, and significance of education. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108742. [PMID: 35623204 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
People with epilepsy (PWE) may die suddenly and unexpectedly and without a clear under-lying pathological etiology; this is called SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). The pooled estimated incidence rate for SUDEP is 23 times the incidence rate of sudden death in the general population with the same age. Empowering healthcare professionals, PWE, and their care-givers with the appropriate knowledge about SUDEP is very important to enable efficient preventive measures in PWE. In the current narrative review, following a brief discussion on the definition, epidemiology, and risk factors for SUDEP, the authors discuss the importance of appropriately educating healthcare professionals, PWE, and their caregivers about SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boulenouar Mesraoua
- Neurosciences Department, Hamad Medical Corporation and Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Torbjorn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Brodie
- Epilepsy Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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PAEDIATRIC SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DEATH IN EPILEPSY: FROM PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TO PREVENTION. Seizure 2022; 101:83-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Lazeron RHC, Thijs RD, Arends J, Gutter T, Cluitmans P, Van Dijk J, Tan FIY, Hofstra W, Donjacour CEHM, Leijten F. Multimodal nocturnal seizure detection: do we need to adapt algorithms for children? Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:406-413. [PMID: 35666848 PMCID: PMC9436288 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the performance of a multimodal seizure detection device, first tested in adults (sensitivity 86%, PPV 49%), in a pediatric cohort living at home or residential care. Methods In this multicenter, prospective, video‐controlled cohort‐study, nocturnal seizures were detected by heartrate and movement changes in children with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Participants with a history of >1 monthly major motor seizure wore Nightwatch bracelet at night for 3 months. Major seizures were defined as tonic–clonic, generalized tonic >30 s, hyperkinetic, or clusters (>30 min) of short myoclonic or tonic seizures. The video of all events (alarms and nurse diaries) and about 10% of whole nights were reviewed to classify major seizures, and minor or no seizures. Results Twenty‐three participants with focal or generalized epilepsy and nightly motor seizures were evaluated during 1511 nights, with 1710 major seizures. First 1014 nights, 4189 alarms occurred with average of 1.44/h, showing average sensitivity of 79.9% (median 75.4%) with mean PPV of 26.7% (median 11.1%) and false alarm rate of 0.2/hour. Over 90% of false alarms in children was due to heart rate (HR) part of the detection algorithm. To improve this rate, an adaptation was made such that the alarm was only triggered when the wearer was in horizontal position. For the remaining 497 nights, this was tested prospectively, 384 major seizures occurred. This resulted in mean PPV of 55.5% (median 58.1%) and a false alarm rate 0.08/h while maintaining a comparable mean sensitivity of 79.4% (median 93.2%). Significance Seizure detection devices that are used in bed which depend on heartrate and movement show similar sensitivity in children and adults. However, children do show general higher false alarm rate, mostly triggered while awake. By correcting for body position, the false alarms can be limited to a level that comes close to that in adults.
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Gu L, Yu Q, Shen Y, Wang Y, Xu Q, Zhang H. The role of monoaminergic neurons in modulating respiration during sleep and the connection with SUDEP. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112983. [PMID: 35453009 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death among epilepsy patients, occurring even more frequently in cases with anti-epileptic drug resistance. Despite some advancements in characterizing SUDEP, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of SUDEP, in order to identify possible targets for the development of new strategies to prevent SUDEP. Based on our previous research along with the current literature, we focus on the role of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and its related neural mechanisms to consider the possible roles of monoaminergic neurons in the modulation of respiration during sleep and the occurrence of SUDEP. Overall, this review suggests that targeting the monoaminergic neurons is a promising approach to preventing SUDEP. The proposed roles of SDB and related monoaminergic neural mechanisms in SUDEP provide new insights for explaining the pathogenesis of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeYuan Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - YuLing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - HongHai Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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18
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Mudigoudar B, Wheless JW. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP): How Do We Prevent This Childhood Tragedy? J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2022; 27:99-101. [DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-27.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Basanagoud Mudigoudar
- Le Bonheur Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and Neuroscience Institute (BM, JWW), Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN; Division of Pediatric Neurology (BM, JWW), Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Division of Pediatric Neurology (BM, JWW), Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - James W. Wheless
- Le Bonheur Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and Neuroscience Institute (BM, JWW), Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN; Division of Pediatric Neurology (BM, JWW), Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Division of Pediatric Neurology (BM, JWW), Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Khor SB, Lim KS, Fong SL, Ho JH, Koh MY, Tan CT. Cause of mortality among people with epilepsy in Malaysia: a hospital-based study. Epilepsy Res 2022; 181:106887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Li Z, Wang Y, Li L, He H, Lin L, Pan M, Yang T, Liu Q. A bibliometric analysis of the cause of sudden unexplained death in forensic medicine: Research trends, hot spots and prospects. Comput Biol Med 2022; 144:105330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Katz ES, D’Ambrosio C. Safe sleep after 1 year of age. J Clin Sleep Med 2022; 18:681-683. [PMID: 34534074 PMCID: PMC8804984 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliot S. Katz
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;,Address correspondence to: Eliot S. Katz, MD, Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115; Tel: (617) 355-1900;
| | - Carolyn D’Ambrosio
- Department of Pulmonology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Alotaibi AS, Mahroos RA, Al Yateem SS, Menezes RG. Central Nervous System Causes of Sudden Unexpected Death: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e20944. [PMID: 35004089 PMCID: PMC8730823 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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23
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Faria MT, Rodrigues S, Campelo M, Dias D, Rego R, Rocha H, Sá F, Tavares-Silva M, Pinto R, Pestana G, Oliveira A, Pereira J, Cunha JPS, Rocha-Gonçalves F, Gonçalves H, Martins E. Does the type of seizure influence heart rate variability changes? Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108453. [PMID: 34864377 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108453] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Heart rate variability (HRV), an index of the autonomic cardiac activity, is decreased in patients with epilepsy, and a low HRV is associated with a higher risk of sudden death. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are one of the most consistent risk factors for SUDEP, but the influence (and relative risk) of each type of seizure on cardiac function is still unknown. Our objective was to assess the impact of the type of seizure (focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure - FBTCS - versus non-FBTCS) on periictal HRV, in a group of patients with refractory epilepsy and both types of seizures. METHODS We performed a 48-hour Holter recording on 121 patients consecutively admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. We only included patients with both FBTCS and non-FBTCS on the Holter recording and selected the first seizure of each type to analyze. To evaluate HRV parameters (AVNN, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN20, LF, HF, and LF/HF), we chose 5-min epochs pre- and postictally. RESULTS We included 14 patients, with a median age of 36 (min-max, 16-55) years and 64% were female. Thirty-six percent had cardiovascular risk factors, but no previously known cardiac disease. In the preictal period, there were no statistically significant differences in HRV parameters, between FBTCS and non-FBTCS. In the postictal period, AVNN, RMSSD, pNN20, LF, and HF were significantly lower, and LF/HF and HR were significantly higher in FBTCS. From preictal to postictal periods, FBTCS elicited a statistically significant rise in HR and LF/HF, and a statistically significant fall in AVNN, RMSSD, pNN20, and HF. Non-FBTCS only caused statistically significant changes in HR (decrease) and AVNN (increase). SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSION This work emphasizes the greater effect of FBTCS in autonomic cardiac function in patients with refractory epilepsy, compared to other types of seizures, with a significant reduction in vagal tonus, which may be associated with an increased risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Faria
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal.
| | - Susana Rodrigues
- Institute for Systems Engineering and Computers Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Campelo
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Duarte Dias
- Institute for Systems Engineering and Computers Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Rego
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Rocha
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Sá
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Tavares-Silva
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal; Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular R&D Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Roberto Pinto
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Pestana
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Silva Cunha
- Institute for Systems Engineering and Computers Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Hernâni Gonçalves
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Martins
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Porto, Portugal; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Jain S, Nair PP, Aghoram R, Wadwekar V, Wagh S, Balachandran M, Indira Priya D, Meher R, Nandwani S, Sreekumaran Nair N. Interictal autonomic changes in persons with epilepsy (PWE) on carbamazepine (CBZ) versus other anti-seizure drug monotherapy: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108396. [PMID: 34788731 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological conditions and carbamazepine is a commonly used anti-seizure drug (ASD), especially in developing nations. There are reports of carbamazepine causing atrioventricular conduction defects and autonomic dysfunctions and its implication in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is controversial. We planned this study to assess the effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) on autonomic function compared to other ASDs in persons with epilepsy. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic functions in persons with epilepsy (PWE) on CBZ versus other anti-seizure monotherapy using tests of heart rate variability including its time-, frequency- and non-linear domains, heart rate response to deep breathing, valsalva maneuver, and blood pressure response to isometric handgrip. RESULTS Persons with epilepsy on CBZ monotherapy did not show a significant reduction in the time domain parameter SDRR compared to other ASDs used as monotherapy (mean ± SD, 38.04 ± 18.75 ms vs 44.37 ± 20.35 ms; p = 0.125). However, PWE on CBZ had significantly lower time-domain measurements including RMSSD (mean ± SD 31.95 ± 17.29 ms vs 42.02 ± 22.29 ms; p = 0.018), SDSD (mean ± SD 31.91 ± 17.26 ms vs 41.96 ± 22.27 ms; p 0.018), and pNN50 [median (IQR) 05.45(0.69-25.37) vs 16.38(2.32-36.83); p = 0.030]. Frequency domain measures of HRV, heart rate responses to deep breathing, valsalva maneuver and tilt-testing and BP responses to valsalva and tilt-testing were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION The findings of our study indicate reduced parasympathetic activity in persons on CBZ monotherapy compared to other ASDs, which may pose risk of SUDEP. Carbamazepine may thus be avoided in those at risk of autonomic dysfunction and SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Jain
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Pradeep P Nair
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
| | - Rajeswari Aghoram
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Vaibhav Wadwekar
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Sathish Wagh
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Mani Balachandran
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Done Indira Priya
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Rajesh Meher
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Saurabh Nandwani
- Department of Neurology, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - N Sreekumaran Nair
- Department of Biostatistics, Jawarharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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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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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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Heart rate variability in patients with refractory epilepsy: The influence of generalized convulsive seizures. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106796. [PMID: 34763267 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with epilepsy, mainly drug-resistant, have reduced heart rate variability (HRV), linked to an increased risk of sudden death in various other diseases. In this context, it could play a role in SUDEP. Generalized convulsive seizures (GCS) are one of the most consensual risk factors for SUDEP. Our objective was to assess the influence of GCS in HRV parameters in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 121 patients with refractory epilepsy admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. All patients underwent a 48-hour Holter recording. Only patients with GCS were included (n = 23), and we selected the first as the index seizure. We evaluated HRV (AVNN, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, LF, HF, and LF/HF) in 5-min epochs (diurnal and nocturnal baselines; preictal - 5 min before the seizure; ictal; postictal - 5 min after the seizure; and late postictal - >5 h after the seizure). These data were also compared with normative values from a healthy population (controlling for age and gender). RESULTS We included 23 patients, with a median age of 36 (min-max, 16-55) years and 65% were female. Thirty percent had cardiovascular risk factors, but no previously known cardiac disease. HRV parameters AVNN, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF were significantly lower in the diurnal than in the nocturnal baseline, whereas the opposite occurred with LF/HF and HR. Diurnal baseline parameters were inferior to the normative population values (which includes only diurnal values). We found significant differences in HRV parameters between the analyzed periods, especially during the postictal period. All parameters but LF/HF suffered a reduction in that period. LF/HF increased in that period but did not reach statistical significance. Visually, there was a tendency for a global reduction in our patients' HRV parameters, namely AVNN, RMSSD, and pNN50, in each period, comparing with those from a normative healthy population. No significant differences were found in HRV between diurnal and nocturnal seizures, between temporal lobe and extra-temporal-lobe seizures, between seizures with and without postictal generalized EEG suppression, or between seizures of patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors. SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSION Our work reinforces the evidence of autonomic cardiac dysfunction in patients with refractory epilepsy, at baseline and mainly in the postictal phase of a GCS. Those changes may have a role in some SUDEP cases. By identifying patients with worse autonomic cardiac function, HRV could fill the gap of a lacking SUDEP risk biomarker.
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Shum J, Friedman D. Commercially available seizure detection devices: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci 2021; 428:117611. [PMID: 34419933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Epilepsy can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Seizure detection devices could be invaluable tools for both people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and clinicians as they could alert caretakers about seizures, reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and provide objective and more reliable seizure tracking to guide treatment decisions or monitor outcomes in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the characteristics of commercial seizure detection tools/devices currently available. METHODS We performed a systematic search utilizing a diverse set of resources to identify commercially available seizure detection products for consumer use. Performance data was obtained through a systematic review on commercially available products. OBSERVATIONS We identified 23 products marketed for seizure detection/alerting. Devices utilize a variety of mechanisms to detect seizures, including movement detectors, autonomic change detectors, electroencephalogram (EEG) based detectors, and other mechanisms (audio). The optimal device for a person with epilepsy depends on a variety of factors including the main purpose of the device, their age, seizure type and personal preferences. Only 8 devices have published peer-reviewed performance data and the majority for tonic-clonic seizures. An informed conversation between the clinician and the patient can help guide if a seizure detection device is appropriate. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Seizure detection devices have a potential to reduce morbidity and mortality for certain people with epilepsy. Clinicians should be familiar with the characteristics of commercially available devices to best counsel their patients on whether a seizure detection device may be beneficial and what the optimal devices may be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Shum
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Gross School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Daniel Friedman
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Gross School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Patient-specific method of sleep electroencephalography using wavelet packet transform and Bi-LSTM for epileptic seizure prediction. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.102963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Surges R, Conrad S, Hamer HM, Schulze-Bonhage A, Staack AM, Steinhoff BJ, Strzelczyk A, Trinka E. [SUDEP in brief - knowledge and practice recommendations on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 92:809-815. [PMID: 33591415 PMCID: PMC8342364 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the sudden and unexpected death of an epilepsy patient, which occurs under benign circumstances without evidence of typical causes of death. SUDEP concerns all epilepsy patients. The individual risk depends on the characteristics of the epilepsy and seizures as well as on living conditions. Focal to bilateral and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (TCS), nocturnal seizures and lack of nocturnal supervision increase the risk. Most SUDEP cases are due to a fatal cascade of apnea, hypoxemia and asystole in the aftermath of a TCS. Two thirds of SUDEP cases in unsupervised epilepsy patients with TCS could probably be prevented. Wearables can detect TCS and alert caregivers. SUDEP information is desired by most patients and relatives, has a favorable impact on treatment adherence and behavior and has no negative effects on mood and quality of life.Recommendations of the committee on patient safety of the German Society of Epileptology: the ultimate treatment goal is seizure freedom. If this cannot be achieved, control of TCS should be sought. All epilepsy patients and their relatives should be informed about SUDEP and risk factors. Patients and relatives should be informed about measures to counteract the elevated risk and imminent SUDEP. The counselling should be performed during a face-to-face discussion, at the time of first diagnosis or during follow-up visits. The counselling should be documented. Wearables for TCS detection can be recommended. If TCS persist, therapeutic efforts should be continued. The bereaved should be contacted after a SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Surges
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
| | | | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsiezentrum, Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Bernhard J Steinhoff
- Epilepsiezentrum Kork, Kehl-Kork, Deutschland
- Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Zentrum der Neurologie und Neurochirurgie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Österreich
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Österreich
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Auzmendi J, Akyuz E, Lazarowski A. The role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106590. [PMID: 31706919 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the major cause of death that affects patients with epilepsy. The risk of SUDEP increases according to the frequency and severity of uncontrolled seizures; therefore, SUDEP risk is higher in patients with refractory epilepsy (RE), in whom most antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are ineffective for both seizure control and SUDEP prevention. Consequently, RE and SUDEP share a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, which is mainly associated with brain overexpression of ABC-transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The activity of P-gp can also contribute to membrane depolarization and affect the normal function of neurons and cardiomyocytes. Other molecular regulators of membrane potential are the inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir), whose genetic variants have been related to both epilepsy and heart dysfunctions. Although it has been suggested that dysfunctions of the cardiac, respiratory, and brainstem arousal systems are the causes of SUDEP, the molecular basis for explaining its dysfunctions remain unknown. In rats, repetitive seizures or status epilepticus induced high expression of P-gp and loss Kir expression in the brain and heart, and promoted membrane depolarization, malignant bradycardia, and the high rate of mortality. Here we reviewed clinical and experimental evidences suggesting that abnormal expression of depolarizing/repolarizing factors as P-gp and Kir could favor persistent depolarization of membranes without any rapid functional recovery capacity. This condition induced by convulsive stress could be the molecular mechanism leading to acquired severe bradycardia, as an ineffective heart response generating the appropriate scenario for SUDEP development. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Auzmendi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; INFIBIOC, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (FFyB), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enes Akyuz
- Yozgat Bozok University, Medical Faculty, Department of Biophysics, Erdoğan Akdağ Yerleşkesi, 66100 Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Alberto Lazarowski
- INFIBIOC, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (FFyB), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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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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Maternal Death Related to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: A Nationwide Survey in Japan. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11080995. [PMID: 34439614 PMCID: PMC8392658 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is defined as the sudden death of a patient with epilepsy in the absence of an anatomic or toxicologic cause. Whether pregnancy is a risk factor for SUDEP is unclear. Using data submitted to the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG), which has been collating information regarding all maternal deaths in Japan since 2000, this study evaluated maternal mortality data from 2010 to 2019 to evaluate the current circumstances of maternal death related to SUDEP in Japan. Six women died due to SUDEP during this period; the maternal mortality rate related to SUDEP was 0.066/100,000 individuals. Two women each died during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum period. Four and two women were receiving monotherapy and no therapy with anti-epileptic drugs, respectively. The duration of epilepsy was ≤15 years in three women, >15 years in one woman, and unknown in two women. This study furthers our understanding of the prevalence of maternal deaths due to SUDEP in Japan. Further studies are needed to confirm whether pregnancy is a risk factor for SUDEP.
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Brinkmann BH, Karoly PJ, Nurse ES, Dumanis SB, Nasseri M, Viana PF, Schulze-Bonhage A, Freestone DR, Worrell G, Richardson MP, Cook MJ. Seizure Diaries and Forecasting With Wearables: Epilepsy Monitoring Outside the Clinic. Front Neurol 2021; 12:690404. [PMID: 34326807 PMCID: PMC8315760 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.690404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is a major challenge in clinical epilepsy to diagnose and treat a disease characterized by infrequent seizures based on patient or caregiver reports and limited duration clinical testing. The poor reliability of self-reported seizure diaries for many people with epilepsy is well-established, but these records remain necessary in clinical care and therapeutic studies. A number of wearable devices have emerged, which may be capable of detecting seizures, recording seizure data, and alerting caregivers. Developments in non-invasive wearable sensors to measure accelerometry, photoplethysmography (PPG), electrodermal activity (EDA), electromyography (EMG), and other signals outside of the traditional clinical environment may be able to identify seizure-related changes. Non-invasive scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and minimally invasive subscalp EEG may allow direct measurement of seizure activity. However, significant network and computational infrastructure is needed for continuous, secure transmission of data. The large volume of data acquired by these devices necessitates computer-assisted review and detection to reduce the burden on human reviewers. Furthermore, user acceptability of such devices must be a paramount consideration to ensure adherence with long-term device use. Such devices can identify tonic–clonic seizures, but identification of other seizure semiologies with non-EEG wearables is an ongoing challenge. Identification of electrographic seizures with subscalp EEG systems has recently been demonstrated over long (>6 month) durations, and this shows promise for accurate, objective seizure records. While the ability to detect and forecast seizures from ambulatory intracranial EEG is established, invasive devices may not be acceptable for many individuals with epilepsy. Recent studies show promising results for probabilistic forecasts of seizure risk from long-term wearable devices and electronic diaries of self-reported seizures. There may also be predictive value in individuals' symptoms, mood, and cognitive performance. However, seizure forecasting requires perpetual use of a device for monitoring, increasing the importance of the system's acceptability to users. Furthermore, long-term studies with concurrent EEG confirmation are lacking currently. This review describes the current evidence and challenges in the use of minimally and non-invasive devices for long-term epilepsy monitoring, the essential components in remote monitoring systems, and explores the feasibility to detect and forecast impending seizures via long-term use of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippa J Karoly
- Department of Medicine, Graeme Clark Institute and St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Ewan S Nurse
- Department of Medicine, Graeme Clark Institute and St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.,Seer Medical, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Mona Nasseri
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, United States.,School of Engineering, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Pedro F Viana
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Faculty of Medicine, Epilepsy Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Greg Worrell
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mark P Richardson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Cook
- Department of Medicine, Graeme Clark Institute and St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
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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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36
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Jha A, Oh C, Hesdorffer D, Diehl B, Devore S, Brodie MJ, Tomson T, Sander JW, Walczak TS, Devinsky O. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: A Personalized Prediction Tool. Neurology 2021; 96:e2627-e2638. [PMID: 33910939 PMCID: PMC8205449 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000011849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To develop and validate a tool for individualized prediction of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk, we reanalyzed data from 1 cohort and 3 case–control studies undertaken from 1980 through 2005. Methods We entered 1,273 epilepsy cases (287 SUDEP, 986 controls) and 22 clinical predictor variables into a Bayesian logistic regression model. Results Cross-validated individualized model predictions were superior to baseline models developed from only average population risk or from generalized tonic-clonic seizure frequency (pairwise difference in leave-one-subject-out expected log posterior density = 35.9, SEM ± 12.5, and 22.9, SEM ± 11.0, respectively). The mean cross-validated (95% bootstrap confidence interval) area under the receiver operating curve was 0.71 (0.68–0.74) for our model vs 0.38 (0.33–0.42) and 0.63 (0.59–0.67) for the baseline average and generalized tonic-clonic seizure frequency models, respectively. Model performance was weaker when applied to nonrepresented populations. Prognostic factors included generalized tonic-clonic and focal-onset seizure frequency, alcohol excess, younger age at epilepsy onset, and family history of epilepsy. Antiseizure medication adherence was associated with lower risk. Conclusions Even when generalized to unseen data, model predictions are more accurate than population-based estimates of SUDEP. Our tool can enable risk-based stratification for biomarker discovery and interventional trials. With further validation in unrepresented populations, it may be suitable for routine individualized clinical decision-making. Clinicians should consider assessment of multiple risk factors, and not focus only on the frequency of convulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Jha
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
| | - Cheongeun Oh
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Dale Hesdorffer
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Beate Diehl
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Sasha Devore
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Martin J Brodie
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Josemir W Sander
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Thaddeus S Walczak
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- From the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (A.J., B.D., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health (C.O.), New York University Langone Health; Department of Epidemiology (D.H.), Columbia University Medical Center; Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (S.D., O.D.), New York University Langone Medical Center, New York; Epilepsy Unit (M.J.B.), University of Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (T.T.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, the Netherlands; and MINCEP Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (T.S.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
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Huenerfauth E, Nessler J, Erath J, Tipold A. Probable Sudden Unexpected Death in Dogs With Epilepsy (pSUDED). Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:600307. [PMID: 33987215 PMCID: PMC8112544 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.600307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in human epileptic patients (SUDEP) is defined as death related to recurrent unprovoked seizures, death occurring unexpectedly, and suddenly in a patient with reasonable state of health, without an obvious medical cause of death, trauma, asphyxia, or intractable status epilepticus, and in post mortem examination no obvious reason for death can be found. “Probable SUDEP” (pSUDEP) is defined as SUDEP not confirmed pathologically. The adapted abbreviation for dogs is used in the following: “pSUDED” (probable sudden unexpected death in dogs with epilepsy). The aim of the present monocentric retrospective study using an online questionnaire was to evaluate the occurrence of pSUDED. Data of canine patients presented with seizures between 01/1998 and 05/2018 were retrospectively analyzed and classified according to their etiology (n = 1,503). Owners were contacted by telephone to participate in answering a validated questionnaire. A total of 509 owners were reached, and 373 owners completed the questionnaire. In addition to signalement (e.g., breed), special attention was paid to the frequency and presentation of seizures and seizures in the context of death. Fifty-one percent (191/373) of the dogs were dead at the endpoint of the study. A large proportion of the dogs was euthanized (149/191) because of seizure severity or health problems unrelated to seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) was diagnosed in 19/34 dogs which died unexpectedly. Of these seven animals had to be excluded for further investigation of pSUDED because of status epilepticus or aspiration pneumonia as a result of the seizures. In 12 dogs with IE the last seizure event occurred between 6 h and ~3 months before death. pSUDED was suspected in these dogs and an occurrence rate of 4.5–10% was calculated. pSUDED appears in a similar occurrence rate as human SUDEP and should be considered as a possible complication in epileptic dogs. The results of this study suggest that dogs with IE but especially those with brachycephalic syndrome and cluster seizures have an increased risk to die of pSUDED. Owners of dogs with seizures should be educated about the risk of sudden death in dogs with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrice Huenerfauth
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jasmin Nessler
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Erath
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Tipold
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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van Westrhenen A, Souhoka T, Ballieux ME, Thijs RD. Seizure detection devices: Exploring caregivers' needs and wishes. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107723. [PMID: 33485167 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION User preferences for seizure detection devices (SDDs) have been previously assessed using surveys and interviews, but these have not addressed the latent needs and wishes. Context mapping is an approach in which designers explore users' dreams and fears to anticipate potential future experiences and optimize the product design. METHODS A generative group session was held using the context mapping approach. Two types of nocturnal SDD users were included: three professional caregivers at a residential care facility and two informal caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy and learning disabilities. Participants were invited to share their personal SDD experiences and briefed to make their needs and wishes explicit. The audiotaped session was transcribed and analyzed together with the collected material using inductive content analysis. The qualitative data was classified by coding the content, grouping codes into categories and themes, and combining those into general statements (abstraction). RESULTS "Trust" emerged as the most important theme, entangling various emotional and practical factors that influence caregiver's trust in a device. Caregivers expressed several factors that could help to gain their trust in an SDD, including integration of different modalities, insight on all parameters overnight, personal adjustment of the algorithm, recommendation by a neurologist, and a set-up period. Needs regarding alerting seemed to differ between the two types of caregivers in our study: professional caregivers preferred to be alerted only for potentially dangerous seizures, whereas informal caregivers emphasized the urge to be alerted for every event, thus indicating the need for personal adjustment of SDD settings. CONCLUSION In this explorative study, we identified several key elements for nocturnal SDD implementation including the importance of gaining trust and the possibility to adjust SDD settings for different types of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk van Westrhenen
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) Heemstede, PO Box 540, 2130 AM Hoofddorp, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Tessa Souhoka
- Productzaken, Haringkade 137, 2584 ED Den Haag, The Netherlands.
| | - Maaike E Ballieux
- Stichting ZorgIntensief & Epilepsie (ZIE), Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) Heemstede, PO Box 540, 2130 AM Hoofddorp, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Esmaeili B, Dworetzky BA, Glynn RJ, Lee JW. The probability of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy given postictal prone position. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107775. [PMID: 33571837 PMCID: PMC9205177 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is strongly linked to prone position in the immediate aftermath of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). The risk of SUDEP after a GTCS resulting in prone position has not yet been estimated. We calculated the probability of SUDEP given prone position after a GTCS using Bayesian analysis with inputs obtained from known risk of SUDEP and probability of prone position after a GTCS. The risk for SUDEP given the prone position is estimated to be 0.41% (95% Credible Interval 0.13-0.69%). The relative risk of SUDEP in prone vs. non-prone position following a GTCS is estimated to be 63 (95% Credible Interval 30-96). Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy might be prevented by repositioning the patient after a seizure to avoid the prone position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Esmaeili
- The Edward B. Bromfield Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Barbara A Dworetzky
- The Edward B. Bromfield Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Glynn
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jong Woo Lee
- The Edward B. Bromfield Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Akyuz E, Doganyigit Z, Eroglu E, Moscovicz F, Merelli A, Lazarowski A, Auzmendi J. Myocardial Iron Overload in an Experimental Model of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:609236. [PMID: 33643194 PMCID: PMC7905080 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.609236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled repetitive generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are the main risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). GTCS can be observed in models such as Pentylenetetrazole kindling (PTZ-K) or pilocarpine-induced Status Epilepticus (SE-P), which share similar alterations in cardiac function, with a high risk of SUDEP. Terminal cardiac arrhythmia in SUDEP can develop as a result of a high rate of hypoxic stress-induced by convulsions with excessive sympathetic overstimulation that triggers a neurocardiogenic injury, recently defined as "Epileptic Heart" and characterized by heart rhythm disturbances, such as bradycardia and lengthening of the QT interval. Recently, an iron overload-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death called ferroptosis was described at the brain level in both the PTZ-K and SE-P experimental models. However, seizure-related cardiac ferroptosis has not yet been reported. Iron overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) results from the accumulation of iron in the myocardium, with high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and accumulation of hemosiderin as the final biomarker related to cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Iron overload cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with iron overload secondary to chronic blood transfusion therapy; it is also described in hereditary hemochromatosis. GTCS, through repeated hypoxic stress, can increase ROS production in the heart and cause cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. We hypothesized that iron accumulation in the "Epileptic Heart" could be associated with a terminal cardiac arrhythmia described in the IOC and the development of state-potentially in the development of SUDEP. Using the aforementioned PTZ-K and SE-P experimental models, after SUDEP-related repetitive GTCS, we observed an increase in the cardiac expression of hypoxic inducible factor 1α, indicating hypoxic-ischemic damage, and both necrotic cells and hemorrhagic areas were related to the possible hemosiderin production in the PTZ-K model. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time an accumulation of hemosiderin in the heart in the SE-P model. These results suggest that uncontrolled recurrent seizures, as described in refractory epilepsy, can give rise to high hypoxic stress in the heart, thus inducing hemosiderin accumulation as in IOC, and can act as an underlying hidden mechanism contributing to the development of a terminal cardiac arrhythmia in SUDEP. Because iron accumulation in tissues can be detected by non-invasive imaging methods, cardiac iron overload in refractory epilepsy patients could be treated with chelation therapy to reduce the risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Doganyigit
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ece Eroglu
- Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Franco Moscovicz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amalia Merelli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Lazarowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jerónimo Auzmendi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Singh J, Lanzarini E, Santosh P. Autonomic Characteristics of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy in Children-A Systematic Review of Studies and Their Relevance to the Management of Epilepsy in Rett Syndrome. Front Neurol 2021; 11:632510. [PMID: 33613425 PMCID: PMC7892970 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.632510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To systematically identify and critically appraise studies that investigate the autonomic characteristics of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in the pediatric population. We also wanted to explore how this information would be relevant to the management of epilepsy in patients with Rett Syndrome. Method: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify eligible studies. After extracting data from the included studies, a thematic analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes. A quality appraisal was also done to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: The systematic search revealed 41 records, and 15 full-text articles on the autonomic characteristics of SUDEP in children were included in the final analysis. Following thematic analysis, three themes were identified (I) modulation in sympathovagal tone, (II) pre- and post-ictal autonomic changes, and (III) other markers of autonomic dysregulation in children with epilepsy. Modulation in sympathovagal tone emerged as the theme with the highest frequency followed by pre- and post-ictal autonomic changes. While the themes provide additional insight into the management of epilepsy in the Rett Syndrome population, the quality of evidence concerning the autonomic characteristics of SUDEP in the pediatric population was low and underscores the importance of much needed research in this area. Conclusion: The mechanism of SUDEP in the pediatric population is complex and involves an interplay between several components of the autonomic nervous system. While direct clinical inferences regarding pediatric SUDEP could not be made, the thematic analysis does suggest that in vulnerable populations such as Rett Syndrome, where there is already a pervasive autonomic dysregulation, pro-active surveillance of the autonomic profile in this patient group would be useful to better manage epilepsy and reduce the SUDEP risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Evamaria Lanzarini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lee JW. Sometimes, More Is More: Antiseizure Medication polytherapy Is Associated With Decreased SUDEP Risk. Epilepsy Curr 2021; 21:90-92. [PMID: 34025282 PMCID: PMC8010867 DOI: 10.1177/1535759720988546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologic Treatment and SUDEP risk: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Case-Control Study Sveinsson O, Andersson T, Mattsson P, et al. Neurology. 2020;95(18):e2509-e2518. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000010874 Objective: We conducted a nationwide case–control study in Sweden to test the hypothesis that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) mono- or polytherapy, adherence, antidepressants, neuroleptics, β-blockers, and statins are associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk. Methods: Included were 255 SUDEP cases and 1148 matched controls. Information on clinical factors and medications came from medical records and the National Patient and Prescription Registers. The association between SUDEP and medications was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs adjusted for potential risk factors including type of epilepsy, living conditions, comorbidity, and frequency of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS). Results: Polytherapy, especially taking 3 or more AEDs, was associated with a substantially reduced risk of SUDEP (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14-0.67). Combinations including lamotrigine (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.97), valproic acid (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.98), and levetiracetam (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.90) were associated with reduced risk. No specific AED was associated with increased risk. Regarding monotherapy, although numbers were limited, the lowest SUDEP risk was seen in users of levetiracetam (0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.61). Having nonadherence mentioned in the medical record was associated with an OR of 2.75 (95% CI: 1.58-4.78). Statin use was associated with a reduced SUDEP risk (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.11-0.99) but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use was not. Conclusion: These results provide support for the importance of medication adherence and intensified AED treatment for patients with poorly controlled GTCS in the effort to reduce SUDEP risk and suggest that comedication with statins may reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio A. Scorza
- Disciplina de Neurociencia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Antonio Carlos G. de Almeida
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Experimental e Computacional, Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Universidade Federal de Sao Joao del-Rei (UFSJ), Sao Joao Del Rei, MG, BR
| | - Carla A. Scorza
- Disciplina de Neurociencia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Messerli Institute, Vienna, Austria
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Juvale IIA, Che Has AT. Possible interplay between the theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:1998-2026. [PMID: 33306252 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the oldest known neurological disorders and is characterized by recurrent seizure activity. It has a high incidence rate, affecting a broad demographic in both developed and developing countries. Comorbid conditions are frequent in patients with epilepsy and have detrimental effects on their quality of life. Current management options for epilepsy include the use of anti-epileptic drugs, surgery, or a ketogenic diet. However, more than 30% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy exhibit drug resistance to anti-epileptic drugs. Further, surgery and ketogenic diets do little to alleviate the symptoms of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of pharmacoresistant epilepsy to design newer and more effective anti-epileptic drugs. Several theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy have been suggested over the years, the most common being the gene variant hypothesis, network hypothesis, multidrug transporter hypothesis, and target hypothesis. In our review, we discuss the main theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and highlight a possible interconnection between their mechanisms that could lead to the development of novel therapies for pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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Sudden unexpected death after acute symptomatic seizures in a patient on mechanical ventilation. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-020-00032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy remains poorly understood. Seizure induced cardiac arrhythmia, central and obstructive apneas have been proposed as possible causes of death. Here we report a unique case of seizure related sudden unexpected death in a patient whose airway was fully protected by intubation and mechanic ventilation in the absence of fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
Case presentation
A 70-year-old woman was undergoing mechanical ventilation and video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring following two convulsive seizures with ictal hypoventilation and hypoxemia. Several hours after intubation, she suffered another generalized tonic clonic seizure lasted for 3 min and developed postictal generalized EEG suppression in the presence of stable vital signs with SpO2 > 90%. EEG suppression persisted throughout the postictal phase. There was a significant fluctuation of systolic blood pressure between 50 and 180 mmHg with several bouts of hypotension < 60 mmHg. She remained unresponsive after the convulsive seizure and died of diffuse cerebral edema 12 h later. Autopsy revealed no clear cause of death, except for possible hypoxic and ischemic injury leading to the diffuse cerebral edema.
Conclusion
Given the reliable periictal airway protection, neither seizure induced central apnea nor obstructive apnea appeared to be the direct cause of death in this unique case. In the absence of fatal cardiac arrhythmia, diffuse cerebral edema secondary to seizure-induced autonomic dysfunction, hypotension and hypoxemia might be the cause of death, highlighting the etiological heterogeneity of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
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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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Sveinsson O, Andersson T, Mattsson P, Carlsson S, Tomson T. Pharmacologic treatment and SUDEP risk: A nationwide, population-based, case-control study. Neurology 2020; 95:e2509-e2518. [PMID: 32967928 PMCID: PMC7682832 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We conducted a nationwide case–control study in Sweden to test the hypothesis that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) mono- or polytherapy, adherence, antidepressants, neuroleptics, β-blockers, and statins are associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk. Methods Included were 255 SUDEP cases and 1,148 matched controls. Information on clinical factors and medications came from medical records and the National Patient and Prescription Registers. The association between SUDEP and medications was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for potential risk factors including type of epilepsy, living conditions, comorbidity, and frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). Results Polytherapy, especially taking 3 or more AEDs, was associated with a substantially reduced risk of SUDEP (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14–0.67). Combinations including lamotrigine (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.97), valproic acid (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.98), and levetiracetam (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.90) were associated with reduced risk. No specific AED was associated with increased risk. Regarding monotherapy, although numbers were limited, the lowest SUDEP risk was seen in users of levetiracetam (0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.61). Having nonadherence mentioned in the medical record was associated with an OR of 2.75 (95% CI 1.58–4.78). Statin use was associated with a reduced SUDEP risk (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11–0.99) but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use was not. Conclusion These results provide support for the importance of medication adherence and intensified AED treatment for patients with poorly controlled GTCS in the effort to reduce SUDEP risk and suggest that comedication with statins may reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olafur Sveinsson
- From the Department of Neurology (O.S., T.T.), Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (O.S., T.T.) and Institute of Environmental Medicine (T.A., S.C.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (T.A.), Stockholm County Council; and Department of Neuroscience (P.M.), University of Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Tomas Andersson
- From the Department of Neurology (O.S., T.T.), Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (O.S., T.T.) and Institute of Environmental Medicine (T.A., S.C.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (T.A.), Stockholm County Council; and Department of Neuroscience (P.M.), University of Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Mattsson
- From the Department of Neurology (O.S., T.T.), Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (O.S., T.T.) and Institute of Environmental Medicine (T.A., S.C.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (T.A.), Stockholm County Council; and Department of Neuroscience (P.M.), University of Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Carlsson
- From the Department of Neurology (O.S., T.T.), Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (O.S., T.T.) and Institute of Environmental Medicine (T.A., S.C.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (T.A.), Stockholm County Council; and Department of Neuroscience (P.M.), University of Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- From the Department of Neurology (O.S., T.T.), Karolinska University Hospital; Department of Clinical Neuroscience (O.S., T.T.) and Institute of Environmental Medicine (T.A., S.C.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (T.A.), Stockholm County Council; and Department of Neuroscience (P.M.), University of Uppsala, Sweden
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Mesraoua B, Deleu D, Hassan AH, Gayane M, Lubna A, Ali MA, Tomson T, Khalil BA, Cross JH, Asadi-Pooya AA. Dramatic outcomes in epilepsy: depression, suicide, injuries, and mortality. Curr Med Res Opin 2020; 36:1473-1480. [PMID: 32476500 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2020.1776234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this narrative review, we will discuss some of the significant risks and dramatic consequences that are associated with epilepsy: depression, suicide, seizure-related injuries, and mortality, both in adults and in children. Considering the high prevalence of depression among people with epilepsy (PWE), routine and periodic screening of all PWE for early detection and appropriate management of depression is recommended. PWE should be screened for suicidal ideation regularly and when needed, patients should be referred for a psychiatric evaluation and treatment. When starting an antiepileptic drug (AED) or switching from one to another AED, patients should be advised to report to their treating physician any change in their mood and existence of suicidal ideation. The risk of injuries for the general epilepsy population is increased only moderately. The risk is higher in selected populations attending epilepsy clinics and referral centers. This being said, there are PWE that may suffer frequent, severe, and sometimes even life-threatening seizure-related injuries. The most obvious way to reduce risk is to strive for improved seizure control. Finally, PWE have a 2-3 times higher mortality rate than the general population. Deaths in PWE may relate to the underlying cause of epilepsy, to seizures (including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy [SUDEP] and seizure related injuries) and to status epilepticus, as well as to other conditions that do not appear directly related to epilepsy. Improving seizure control and patient education may be the most important measures to reduce epilepsy related mortality in general and SUDEP in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boulenouar Mesraoua
- Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurology Epilepsy, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dirk Deleu
- Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurology Epilepsy, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Al Hail Hassan
- Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurology Epilepsy, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Melykian Gayane
- Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurology Epilepsy, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alsheikh Lubna
- Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Torbjorn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bassel Abou Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J Helen Cross
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Pensel MC, Nass RD, Taubøll E, Aurlien D, Surges R. Prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:497-508. [PMID: 32270723 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1754195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) affects about 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy, and even more in medically refractory epilepsy. As most people are between 20 and 40 years when dying suddenly, SUDEP leads to a considerable loss of potential life years. The most important risk factors are nocturnal and tonic-clonic seizures, underscoring that supervision and effective seizure control are key elements for SUDEP prevention. The question of whether specific antiepileptic drugs are linked to SUDEP is still controversially discussed. Knowledge and education about SUDEP among health-care professionals, patients, and relatives are of outstanding importance for preventive measures to be taken, but still poor and widely neglected.Areas covered: This article reviews epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, assessment of individual SUDEP risk and available measures for SUDEP prevention. Literature search was done using Medline and Pubmed in October 2019.Expert opinion: Significant advances in the understanding of SUDEP were made in the last decade which allow testing of novel strategies to prevent SUDEP. Promising current strategies target neuronal mechanisms of brain stem dysfunction, cardiac susceptibility for fatal arrhythmias, and reliable detection of tonic-clonic seizures using mobile health technologies.Abbreviations: AED, antiepileptic drug; CBZ, carbamazepine; cLQTS, congenital long QT syndrome; EMU, epilepsy monitoring unit; FBTCS, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures; GTCS, generalized tonic-clonic seizures; ICA, ictal central apnea; LTG, lamotrigine; PCCA, postconvulsive central apnea; PGES, postictal generalized EEG suppression; SRI, serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SUDEP, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; TCS, tonic-clonic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erik Taubøll
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Aurlien
- Neuroscience Research Group and Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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