Excess mortality and hospitalized morbidity in newly treated epilepsy patients

Cardiovascular Effects of Antiseizure Medications for Epilepsy

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy. However, adverse cardiac effects of ASMs can occur, related to their effects on lipid metabolism, raising ischemic heart disease risk; or specific actions on cardiac ion channels, increasing cardiac arrhythmia risk. Select ASMs, particularly enzyme inducers used at higher doses or for longer durations, can adversely affect lipids or cause metabolic changes, and thereby increase the risk for ischemic heart disease. These metabolic and potentially proarrhythmic actions may contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that occur in epilepsy. Many ASMs block sodium channels or affect the QT interval, which can lead to proarrhythmia, particularly when used in combination with other medications or given to vulnerable populations. While ASMs are rarely reported to cause cardiac arrhythmias directly, population data raise concerns that cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death may be more common in epilepsy, and that sodium channel blocking ASMs in particular, might contribute. It is also possible that some cases of sudden cardiac death could be misclassified as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), leading to an underestimation of the cardiovascular risk in this population. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, are also associated with epilepsy, and should also be addressed. This summary is a narrative review of the literature, clarifies which ASMs tend to have more cardiovascular effects, and provides practical suggestions for medication management and monitoring from neurology and cardiology perspectives.

Rapid eye movement sleep and epilepsy: exploring interactions and therapeutic prospects

While research interest in the relationship between sleep and epilepsy is growing, it primarily centres on the effects of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in favouring seizures. Nonetheless, a noteworthy aspect is the observation that, in the lives of patients with epilepsy, REM sleep represents the moment with the least epileptic activity and the lowest probability of having a seizure. Studies demonstrate a suppressive effect of phasic REM sleep on interictal epileptiform discharges, potentially offering insights into epilepsy localisation and management. Furthermore, epilepsy impacts REM sleep, with successful treatment correlating with improved REM sleep quality. Novel therapeutic strategies aim to harness REM's anti-epileptic effects, including pharmacological approaches targeting orexinergic systems and neuromodulation techniques promoting cortical desynchronisation. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between REM sleep and epilepsy, highlighting avenues for further research and therapeutic innovation in epilepsy management.

Mortality in patients with epilepsy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is linked to a significantly higher risk of death, yet public awareness remains low. This study aims to investigate mortality characteristics, to reduce epilepsy-related deaths and improve prevention strategies.

METHODS

This study systematically reviews mortality data in relevant literature from PubMed and Embase up until June 2024. Data quality is assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and analysis includes trends, regional differences, and the economic impact of premature death. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data are used to validate trends. In addition, a review of guidelines and expert statements on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is included to explore intervention strategies and recommendations.

RESULTS

Annual mortality rates of epilepsy have gradually declined, mainly due to improvements in low-income countries, while high-income regions have experienced an upward trend. Male patients exhibit higher mortality rates than females. Age-based analysis shows that the elderly contributes most to this increase due to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and pneumonia related to epilepsy. This may be a key factor contributing to the increased mortality among epilepsy patients in aging high-income regions. Accidents and suicides are more prevalent in low-income regions. The highest mortality risks occur in the early years post-diagnosis and during prolonged, uncontrolled epilepsy. SUDEP remains a leading cause of death.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the impact of gender, region, and disease duration on epilepsy mortality. Future research should focus on elderly epilepsy patients mortality characteristics and personalized interventions for SUDEP.

Epilepsy-heart syndrome: Concept, clinical context, and opportunity for integrated care

In this concept paper, we introduce epilepsy-heart syndrome as a shared burden of illness between epilepsy and cardiac disorders. This pragmatic definition is agnostic of which condition came first (the epilepsy or the cardiac disorder), recognising that these conditions can each serve as a risk factor for the other owing to a bidirectional relationship that exists between the brain and the heart. To provide clinical context, we include ictal asystole as an example phenotype of epilepsy-heart syndrome. We highlight evidence of patients with ictal asystole coming to harm owing to the failure of integrated care between neurology and cardiology. This underscores epilepsy-heart syndrome as an unmet need for collaborative care between neurology and cardiology. To address this, we propose a framework for integrated care, drawing upon our own centre's recently established and successful multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) between neurologists and cardiologists, our joint cardiology-neurology PhD programme, and our work developing a joint national guideline on ictal asystole management between the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) and the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS).

The Interplay Between Epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease: Gene Expression Profiling and Functional Analysis

The results of many epidemiological studies suggest a bidirectional causality may exist between epilepsy and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying molecular landscape linking these two diseases remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore this possible bidirectional causality by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each disease as well as their intersection based on two respective disease-related datasets. We performed enrichment analyses and explored immune cell infiltration based on an intersection of the DEGs. Identifying a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network between epilepsy and PD, and this network was visualised using Cytoscape software to screen key modules and hub genes. Finally, exploring the diagnostic values of the identified hub genes. NetworkAnalyst 3.0 and Cytoscape software were also used to construct and visualise the transcription factor-micro-RNA regulatory and co-regulatory networks, the gene-microRNA interaction network, as well as gene-disease association. Based on the enrichment results, the intersection of the DEGs mainly revealed enrichment in immunity-, phosphorylation-, metabolism-, and inflammation-related pathways. The boxplots revealed similar trends in infiltration of many immune cells in epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, with greater infiltration in patients than in controls. A complex PPI network comprising 186 nodes and 512 edges were constructed. According to node connection degree, top 15 hub genes were considered the kernel targets of epilepsy and PD. The area under curve values of hub gene expression profiles confirmed their excellent diagnostic values. This study is the first to analyse the molecular landscape underlying the epidemiological link between epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. The two diseases are closely linked through immunity-, inflammation-, and metabolism-related pathways. This information was of great help in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases. The present results may provide guidance for further in-depth analysis about molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and PD and novel potential targets.

Causes of hospitalization and mortality in persons with epilepsy: The EpiLink Bologna cohort, Italy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy significantly impacts on morbidity and mortality. Understanding hospitalization and mortality risks in persons with epilepsy (PWE) is essential for improving healthcare strategies. We aimed to investigate the risk and causes of hospitalization and mortality in PWE compared to a matched general population cohort.

METHODS

The EpiLink Bologna historical cohort study analyzed adult PWE in the period 2018-2019. A general population control cohort was used for comparison. Clinical data were linked with health administrative data. PWE were grouped into persons with focal epilepsy, idiopathic generalized epilepsy, and developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy (PDEE). The primary outcome was the hospitalization rate. Emergency department (ED) visit rate and the risk of death for any cause were also assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 1438 PWE and 14,096 controls. PWE had higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) for ED visit (IRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-1.32), hospital admission (IRR 2.05, 95% CI 1.83-2.29), and death (IRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.2) compared to control cohort. The highest hospitalization risk was in the PDEE group (IRR 4.70; 95% CI 3.28-6.74). The increased hospitalization rate among PWE was due to both their higher ED visit and elective hospital admission rates. PWE on polytherapy were at higher risk of hospitalization for inflammation of jaw, acid-base/electrolyte imbalances, chronic cerebrovascular disease, major traumas and infections.

CONCLUSIONS

During a 2-year-period, PWE in Bologna had a doubled risk of hospitalization and 50% higher risk of death compared to a matched general population cohort. Hospitalization risks varied significantly by epilepsy type and antiseizure therapy.

Epilepsy and brain health: a large prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy, as a chronic noncommunicable disease with recurrent seizures, may be a marker of deterioration or alteration in other underlying neurological diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of epilepsy with brain function, other common brain disorders, and their underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The study was based on clinical diagnostic and test data from 426,527 participants in the UK Biobank, of whom 3,251 were diagnosed with epilepsy at baseline. Multiple linear and Cox regression models were used to explore the association between epilepsy, brain function, and other brain disorders.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated consistent deleterious effects of epilepsy on cognitive and motor function and mental health. The risk of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders was significantly elevated in the epilepsy population during the 17-year follow-up period, according to the longitudinal analysis. We also identified several brain regions associated with epilepsy, including the pallidum, hippocampus, and precentral regions. Mediation analyses revealed mediating effects of peripheral markers and proteins (e.g., GGT, HDL, ACE2, and GDF15), suggesting that liver function and lipid metabolism may be involved in the development of other brain disorders in individuals with epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides robust evidence of the association between epilepsy and poor brain health, underscoring the importance of early intervention for epilepsy.

Cilostazol geno-protective effects mitigate carbamazepine-induced genotoxicity in human cultured blood lymphocytes

Background

Carbamazepine is one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs. Carbamazepine has been shown to be toxic to cells. Cilostazol, an antiplatelet agent, has known antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects.

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether carbamazepine and cilostazol exert genotoxic and/or cytotoxic effects in human cultured blood lymphocytes and the impact of combining both drugs on such effects.

Methods

Genotoxicity was examined using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay, while cytotoxicity was evaluated by cell kinetic assays (mitotic and proliferative indices).

Results

Study findings have revealed that carbamazepine markedly increased SCEs (p<0.01), while cilostazol significantly decreased their frequencies (p<0.01). In addition, the frequency of SCEs of the combination of both drugs was similar to that of the control group (p>0.05). Carbamazepine increased the cell proliferative index (p<0.01) while cilostazol decreased it (p<0.01). The proliferative index was normalized to the control level when both drugs were combined.

Conclusion

We suggest that cilostazol has the potential to protect human lymphocytes from carbamazepine-induced toxic effects.

The brain-heart connection: Value of concurrent ECG and EEG recordings in epilepsy management

Concurrent electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) recording both ictally and interictally has significant value in the comprehensive management of epilepsy. This review highlights the diagnostic utility of simultaneous ECG and EEG monitoring in differentiating between epileptic and cardiac events, detecting cardiac abnormalities, and identifying autonomic dysfunction. The critical role of this combined approach to defining the mechanisms underlying cardiac morbidity and sudden cardiac death in patients with epilepsy and in guiding therapeutic interventions is underscored. The "Epileptic Heart Syndrome" is examined, illustrating how chronic epilepsy can adversely affect cardiac structure and function, leading to increased risk for interictal cardiac arrhythmias, morbidities, and mortality. The findings emphasize the need for standardized protocols for routine concurrent ECG and EEG recording in epilepsy monitoring units both ictally and interictally to ensure comprehensive patient care, improve diagnostic accuracy, and potentially reduce epilepsy-related morbidity and mortality. Future research directions are proposed to address existing gaps and to advance the technology and methodology for concurrent monitoring including wearable and computer-based monitoring systems.

Clinical and paraclinical features of first unprovoked seizures in the elderly

PURPOSE

The prevalence of unprovoked seizures and epilepsy rises significantly in later life stages. This study examines various factors in elderly patients (over 65 years) with their first unprovoked seizures, comparing findings with younger patients.

METHODS

We analyzed electronic medical records of individuals with first unprovoked seizures retrospectively. Diagnosis was based on patient history and witness accounts, and exclusion of other potential causes. Data included demographics, physical examination, seizure characteristics, neuroimaging, EEG findings, laboratory markers, potential causes, prescribed anti-seizure medications (ASMs) at diagnosis and follow-up, seizure-related injuries and hospital stay length.

RESULTS

We enrolled 391 patients (mean age 73.02 ± 16.5, 219 females). Most had late-onset (≥65 years) seizures (n = 295, 75.5 %). Status epilepticus was diagnosed in 10.2 %, more in the late-onset group. Elderly patients most often had focal seizures with impaired consciousness, while younger patients had focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. (55.9 % vs 36.5 %). Late-onset seizures were linked to cerebrovascular diseases, small vessel disease, and cerebral atrophy, while early-onset cases were associated with brain tumors or unknown causes. Brain imaging revealed potentially epileptogenic abnormalities in 59.1 %. Positive paraneoplastic or autoimmune antibodies were found in 0.8 %. Abnormal EEGs were present in 25.9 %, more in the late-onset group. Most patients were discharged with levetiracetam (LEV) or lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy. Nine patients with late-onset seizures died during in-hospital follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our findings can contribute to the improved identification and characterization of patients with late-onset seizures, facilitating targeted diagnostics and appropriate treatment in this challenging patient population.

Felt stigma and associated factors in children and adolescents with epilepsy: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China

Objective

Epilepsy-related stigma is a global problem, yet there has been an inadequate focus on children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the status quo of stigma and its determinants among children and adolescents with epilepsy in China.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across nine hospitals in eight cities within six provinces in China from 10 October 2023 to 15 June 2024. Participants included patients aged 8 to 18 years with epilepsy and their caregivers. Felt stigma was assessed with the Kilifi Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (KSSE). Social support and self-efficacy were collected through the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The study enrolled 281 children and adolescents, with a mean age of 12.25 years (SD = 2.56), including 46.6% females. A total of 35.6% participants had self-reported felt stigma. The mean KSSE score is 9.58 (SD = 7.11). Meanwhile, stigma scores correlated strongly with reduced social support (r = -0.55, p < 0.01) and self-efficacy (r = -0.43, p < 0.01). Place of residence (rural vs. non-rural), academic performance (average and above vs. fair or poor), region (western region vs. non-western region), duration of epilepsy (≤5 years vs. >5 years), drug-resistant epilepsy (yes vs. no), comorbidities (yes vs. no), social support and self-efficacy are major influencing factors among the complex factors influencing the felt stigma among children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Medical staff should be more aware of stigma among children and adolescents with epilepsy, especially those who live in rural and western areas, have poor academic performance, have epilepsy duration of more than 5 years, have drug-resistant epilepsy, and have comorbidities, who are at higher risk of stigma. It is recommended that effective measures be taken to alleviate stigma by improving children and adolescents' self-efficacy and providing more social support for them and their families.

Mortality of Epilepsy in Chinese Populations: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Premature mortality is a significant part of the epilepsy burden and may vary across populations, especially between high-income and lower- and middle-income countries. People with epilepsy in China are approximately a fifth of the global population with epilepsy. Previous studies were unlikely to represent the situation in China due to limitations in design, methods, sample size, follow-up time, and other inherent population heterogeneity.

SUMMARY

By summarising the evidence on the mortality characteristics in Chinese populations with epilepsy in the last 6 decades, we found a median mortality rate of 14.7 (6.8-74.4)/1,000 person-years and a median standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 4.4 (2.6-12.9) in population-based studies, and a median mortality rate of 12.3 (9.5-101.5)/1,000 person-years and a median SMR of 3.0 (1.5-5.1) in hospital-based studies. Vascular diseases, complications of diabetes, and accidental injuries were the leading causes of death. Risk factors for mortality were reported as older age, male, longer duration, and higher frequency of seizures. Case fatality ratios of status epilepticus in adults were higher than in children, and both increased with follow-up time. Mortality in people with symptomatic epilepsy was high and varied across different primary diseases.

KEY MESSAGES

The highest mortality rate and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) incidence were reported from the least developed areas in China. Accidental injuries were the most common causes of epilepsy-related deaths, while the incidence of SUDEP may be underestimated in Chinese populations. Further research is warranted to improve the understanding of premature mortality risk so that preventative measures can be introduced to improve the situation.

The Epileptic Heart Syndrome: Epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical detection

Population studies report elevated incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic epilepsy. Multiple pathophysiologic processes have been implicated, including accelerated atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, altered autonomic tone, heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and hyperlipidemia. These deleterious influences on the cardiovascular system have been attributed to seizure-induced surges in catecholamines and hypoxemic damage to the heart and coronary vasculature. Certain antiseizure medications can accelerate heart disease through enzyme-inducing increases in plasma lipids and/or increasing risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias as a result of sodium channel blockade. In this review, we propose that this suite of pathophysiologic processes constitutes "The Epileptic Heart Syndrome." We further propose that this condition can be diagnosed using standard electrocardiography, echocardiography, and lipid panels. The ultimate goal of this syndromic approach is to evaluate cardiac risk in patients with chronic epilepsy and to promote improved diagnostic strategies to reduce premature cardiac death.

Early Access to First-Seizure Clinics, Subsequent Outcomes, and Factors Associated With Attendance

Importance

First-seizure clinics (FSCs) aim to deliver prompt specialist care to patients with new-onset undifferentiated seizure events.

Objective

To determine whether FSC attendance and time to FSC are associated with subsequent health care utilization and mortality and to investigate factors associated with FSC nonattendance.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a record-linkage, retrospective, cohort study of patients who booked appointments at 2 FSCs between 2007 and 2018. Patients' records were linked to state-wide administrative databases between 2000 and 2021. The setting comprised the FSCs of 2 major metropolitan public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, providing national inpatient and outpatient adult epilepsy services. Of patients who booked appointments at the FSCs, those who were successfully linked for analysis were included in the study. Patients who recorded only canceled appointments were excluded from analysis of outcomes. Study data were analyzed from January 2000 to December 2021.

Exposure

FSC attendance.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Subsequent all-cause and seizure-related emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions.

Results

Of 10 162 patients with appointments at FSCs, 9392 were linked for analysis, with mean (SD) follow-up time 6.9 (2.8) years after FSC referral. A total of 703 patients were excluded. Among 9392 linked patients, 5398 were male (57.5%; mean [SD] age, 59.7 [11.2] years). FSC attendance was associated with reduced subsequent all-cause emergency presentations (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66-0.79) and all-cause hospitalization (aIRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.88). Those who attended at the first-scheduled appointment, compared with those who attended only a rescheduled, delayed appointment, had reduced subsequent all-cause emergency presentations (aIRR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91), all-cause hospitalization (aIRR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.79), seizure-related presentations (aIRR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.33-0.49), and mortality (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98). Male sex was associated with nonattendance (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22), as were injury at emergency presentation (aRR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.24), psychiatric comorbidity (aRR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.55-1.81), previous seizure-related presentations (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22-1.49), and delays (>14 days) between FSC referral and appointment (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18-1.54). Hospitalization at referral was associated with reduced nonattendance (aRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.90), as were non-English language preference (aRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94), distance greater than 6 mi from home to clinic (aRR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95), and physical comorbidity (aRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.89).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cohort study suggest that FSC attendance, particularly early attendance, was associated with reduced rates of subsequent hospital utilization. This knowledge may support adequately resourcing FSCs to improve equitable, timely access. Future study directions include assessing interventions that may support FSC attendance for at-risk groups.

Association of antiseizure medications and adverse cardiovascular events: A global health federated network analysis

OBJECTIVE

A diagnosis of epilepsy has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events (CEs), but the extent to which antiseizure medications (ASMs) may contribute to this is not well understood. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of adverse CEs associated with ASM in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

METHODS

A retrospective case-control cohort study was conducted using TriNetX, a global health federated network of anonymized patient records. Patients older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of epilepsy (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code G40) and a medication code of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or valproate were compared. Patients with cardiovascular disease prior to the diagnosis of epilepsy were excluded. Cohorts were 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) according to age, sex, ethnicity, hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerotic heart disease, atrial and cardiac arrythmias, diabetes, disorders of lipoprotein metabolism, obesity, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, medications, and epilepsy classification. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse CEs (ischemic stroke, acute ischemic heart disease, and heart failure) at 10 years. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) following 1:1 PSM.

RESULTS

Of 374 950 PWE included; three cohorts were established after PSM: (1) carbamazepine compared to lamotrigine, n = 4722, mean age 37.4 years; (2) valproate compared to lamotrigine, n = 5478, mean age 33.9 years; and (3) valproate compared to carbamazepine, n = 4544, mean age 37.0 years. Carbamazepine and valproate use were associated with significantly higher risk of composite cardiovascular outcome compared to lamotrigine (HR = 1.390, 95% CI = 1.160-1.665 and HR = 1.264, 95% CI = 1.050-1.521, respectively). Valproate was associated with a 10-year higher risk of all-cause death than carbamazepine (HR = 1.226, 95% CI = 1.017-1.478), but risk of other events was not significantly different.

SIGNIFICANCE

Carbamazepine and valproate were associated with increased CE risks compared to lamotrigine. Cardiovascular risk factor monitoring and careful follow-up should be considered for these patients.

Increased cardiovascular risk in epilepsy

Epilepsy is associated with increased mortality. Cardiovascular disease confers a significant portion of this increased risk. Recently there is increased interest in the burden of cardiovascular mortality in people with epilepsy. This review discusses the most common cardiovascular risk factors and their association with epilepsy including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia related to the use of enzyme inducing anti-seizure medications is also discussed as a topic that is of particular importance to prescribers that have patients with comorbid cardiovascular risk and epilepsy. Heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with SUDEP is discussed as well as a contributor to vascular risk. Finally, the authors discuss a potential role for neurologists who treat epilepsy to engage closer with their patient's cardiovascular risk factors using available tools such as a the ASCVD score calculator to determine the overall risk of mortality, as well as acting upon this information to guide treatment approaches integrating the information provided in this review.

Epilepsy and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Epilepsy is associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to people without epilepsy. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study to evaluate cardiovascular comorbidity and incident vascular events in people with epilepsy (PWE).

METHODS

Data were extracted from the French Hospital National Database. PWE (n = 682,349) who were hospitalized between January 2014 and December 2022 were matched on age, sex, and year of hospitalization with 682,349 patients without epilepsy. Follow-up was conducted from the date of first hospitalization with epilepsy until the date of each outcome or date of last news in the absence of the outcome. Primary outcome was the incidence of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, ischaemic stroke (IS), new onset atrial fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (VT/VF), and cardiac arrest.

RESULTS

A diagnosis of epilepsy was associated with higher numbers of cardiovascular risk factors and adverse cardiovascular events compared to controls. People with epilepsy had a higher incidence of all-cause death (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.67-2.72), cardiovascular death (IRR = 2.16, 95% CI = 2.11-2.20), heart failure (IRR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.25-1.28), IS (IRR = 2.08, 95% CI = 2.04-2.13), VT/VF (IRR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.16), and cardiac arrest (IRR = 2.12, 95% CI = 2.04-2.20). When accounting for all-cause death as a competing risk, subdistribution hazard ratios for ischaemic stroke of 1.59 (95% CI = 1.55-1.63) and for cardiac arrest of 1.73 (95% CI = 1.58-1.89) demonstrated higher risk in PWE.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and incident rates of cardiovascular outcomes were significantly higher in PWE. Targeting cardiovascular health could help reduce excess morbidity and mortality in PWE.

Long-term physical and psychiatric morbidities and mortality of untreated, deferred, and immediately treated epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

In Australia, 30% of newly diagnosed epilepsy patients were not immediately treated at diagnosis. We explored health outcomes between patients receiving immediate, deferred, or no treatment, and compared them to the general population.

METHODS

Adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy in Western Australia between 1999 and 2016 were linked with statewide health care data collections. Health care utilization, comorbidity, and mortality at up to 10 years postdiagnosis were compared between patients receiving immediate, deferred, and no treatment, as well as with age- and sex-matched population controls.

RESULTS

Of 603 epilepsy patients (61% male, median age = 40 years) were included, 422 (70%) were treated immediately at diagnosis, 110 (18%) received deferred treatment, and 71 (12%) were untreated at the end of follow-up (median = 6.8 years). Immediately treated patients had a higher 10-year rate of all-cause admissions or emergency department presentations than the untreated (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-2.9) and deferred treatment groups (IRR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0-2.8). They had similar 10-year risks of mortality and developing new physical and psychiatric comorbidities compared with the deferred and untreated groups. Compared to population controls, epilepsy patients had higher 10-year mortality (hazard ratio = 2.6, 95% CI = 2.1-3.3), hospital admissions (IRR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.6-3.3), and psychiatric outpatient visits (IRR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.6-6.3). Patients with epilepsy were also 2.5 (95% CI = 2.1-3.1) and 3.9 (95% CI = 2.6-5.8) times more likely to develop a new physical and psychiatric comorbidity, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

Newly diagnosed epilepsy patients with deferred or no treatment did not have worse outcomes than those immediately treated. Instead, immediately treated patients had greater health care utilization, likely reflecting more severe underlying epilepsy etiology. Our findings emphasize the importance of individualizing epilepsy treatment and recognition and management of the significant comorbidities, particularly psychiatric, that ensue following a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Epilepsy hospitalizations and mental disorders: A Portuguese population-based observational retrospective study (2008-2015)

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric comorbidities are highly frequent in people with epilepsy and were found to be markers of poorer prognosis. These comorbidities increase the use of healthcare resources, including emergency department visits and inpatient care. Despite this, there is little information on healthcare utilization associated with a wide range of comorbid mental disorders in people with epilepsy (PWE).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize registered mental disorders among all hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy and to analyze their association with crucial hospitalization outcomes.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study was performed using administrative data from hospitalization episodes with epilepsy as the primary diagnosis discharged between 2008 and 2015. Mental disorder categories 650 to 670 from Clinical Classification Software were selected as secondary diagnoses. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall-Wallis, and Chi-squared tests were used to establish comparisons. For each episode, data regarding hospitalization outcomes was retrieved, including length of stay (LoS), in-hospital mortality (IHM), 8-year period readmissions, and total estimated charges.

RESULTS

Overall, 27,785 hospitalizations were analyzed and 33.9% had registered mental disorders, with alcohol-related disorders being the most prevalent (11.7%). For episodes with a concomitant register of a mental disorder, LoS was significantly longer (5.0 vs. 4.0 days, P <0.001), and IHM was higher (2.8% vs. 2.2%, P <0.001), as were readmissions (25.5% vs. 23.7%, P <0.001), and median episodes' charges (1,578.7 vs. 1,324.4 euros, P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Epilepsy-related hospitalizations with registered mental disorders heightened the utilization of healthcare resources, stressing the importance of diagnosing and treating mental disorders in PWE.

Premature Mortality and Causes of Death Among People With Epilepsy: A Nationwide Population-Based Incident Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

People with epilepsy (PWE) are at risk of premature death with considerable variability according to the study population. We aimed to estimate the risk and causes of death in PWE according to age, disease severity, disease course, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status in Korea.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance database linked with the national death register. Newly treated PWE from 2008 to 2016 who were identified by antiseizure medication (ASM) prescriptions and diagnostic codes for epilepsy/seizure were included and observed until 2017. We assessed all-cause and cause-specific crude mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS

Among 138,998 PWE, 20,095 deaths were identified, and the mean follow-up period was 4.79 years. The SMR was 2.25 in the overall group of PWE, with a higher value in the younger age group at diagnosis and a shorter time interval after diagnosis. The SMR in the monotherapy group was 1.56, while that in the group with 4 or more ASMs was 4.93. PWE without any comorbidities had an SMR of 1.61. PWE who were rural residents had a higher SMR than those who were urban residents (2.47 vs 2.03, respectively). The causes of death among PWE were cerebrovascular disease (18.9%, SMR 4.50), malignant neoplasms outside the CNS (15.7%, SMR 1.37), malignant neoplasms of the CNS (6.7%, SMR 46.95), pneumonia (6.0%, SMR 2.08), and external causes (7.2%, SMR 2.17), including suicide (2.6%, SMR 2.07). Epilepsy itself and status epilepticus accounted for 1.9% of the overall death. The excess mortality associated with pneumonia and external causes was persistently high, whereas the excess mortality associated with malignancy and cerebrovascular diseases tended to decrease with increasing time since diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

This study showed excess mortality in PWE, even in those without comorbidities and those receiving monotherapy. Regional disparities and sustained risks of deaths from external causes over 10 years imply potential points of intervention. In addition to active control of seizures, education about injury prevention, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and efforts to improve accessibility to epilepsy care are all required to reduce mortality.

Economic Evaluation of the Community Benefit of the Australian Pregnancy Register of Antiseizure Medications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Raoul Wallenberg Australian Pregnancy Register (APR) was established to collect, analyze, and publish data on the risks to babies exposed to antiseizure medications (ASMs) and to facilitate quality improvements in management care over time. It is one of the seveal prospective observational pregnancy registers of ASMs that has been established around the world. Although the APR and other registries have contributed to knowledge gain that has been applied to decrease adverse pregnancy outcomes, their cost-effectiveness remains unknown. Here, we aimed to evaluate the economic impacts of the APR from both societal and health care system perspectives.

METHODS

Using decision analytic modeling, we estimated the effectiveness (prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes) and costs (costs of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the register itself) of the APR over a 20-year time horizon (2000-2019). The comparator was set as the adverse pregnancy outcomes collected by the APR between 1998 and 2002 (i.e., no APR derived improvements in care). In the scenario analysis, we conservatively assumed a 2.5% and 5% contribution of the APR to the savings in health care and societal costs. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included stillbirth, birth defects, and induced abortion. All cost data were derived from published sources. Health and economic outcomes were extrapolated to the total target Australian epilepsy population. The primary outcomes of interest were the return of investment (ROI) for the APR and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for cost per adverse outcome avoided.

RESULTS

Over the 20-year time horizon, the ROI from the APR from a societal perspective was Australian dollars (AUD) 2,250 (i.e., every dollar spent on the program resulted in a return of AUD2,250). Over this time, it was estimated that 9,609 adverse pregnancy outcomes were avoided, and health care and societal costs were reduced by AUD 191 million and AUD 9.0 billion, respectively. Hence, from a health economic point of view, the APR was dominant, providing cost saving ICERs from both perspectives.

DISCUSSION

Following its inception 20+ years ago, the APR has represented excellent value for investment for Australia, being also health-saving and cost saving from a societal and a health care perspective. With the growing number of marketed ASMs, the APR is expected to continue to have a major impact in the foreseeable future.

Management of epilepsy in older adults: A critical review by the ILAE Task Force on Epilepsy in the elderly

Older adults represent a highly heterogeneous population, with multiple diverse subgroups. Therefore, an individualized approach to treatment is essential to meet the needs of each unique subgroup. Most comparative studies focusing on treatment of epilepsy in older adults have found that levetiracetam has the best chance of long-term seizure freedom. However, there is a lack of studies investigating other newer generation antiseizure medications (ASMs). Although a number of randomized clinical trials have been performed on older adults with epilepsy, the number of participants studied was generally small, and they only investigated short-term efficacy and tolerability. Quality of life as an outcome is often missing but is necessary to understand the effectiveness and possible side effects of treatment. Prognosis needs to move beyond the focus on seizure control to long-term patient-centered outcomes. Dosing studies with newer generation ASMs are needed to understand which treatments are the best in the older adults with different comorbidities. In particular, more high-level evidence is required for older adults with Alzheimer's disease with epilepsy and status epilepticus. Future treatment studies should use greater homogeneity in the inclusion criteria to allow for clearer findings that can be comparable with other studies to build the existing treatment evidence base.

Mortality, and life expectancy in Epilepsy and Status epilepticus-current trends and future aspects

Patients with epilepsy carry a risk of premature death which is on average two to three times higher than in the general population. The risk of death is not homogenously distributed over all ages, etiologies, and epilepsy syndromes. People with drug resistant seizures carry the highest risk of death compared to those who are seizure free, whose risk is similar as in the general population. Most of the increased risk is directly related to the cause of epilepsy itself. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) is the most important cause of epilepsy-related deaths especially in the young and middle-aged groups. Population based studies with long-term follow up demonstrated that the first years after diagnosis carry the highest risk of death, while in the later years the mortality decreases. Improved seizure control and being exposed to a specialized comprehensive care centre may help to reduce the risk of death in patients with epilepsy. The mortality of status epilepticus is substantially increased with case fatality rates between 4.6% and 39%, depending on its cause and duration, and the age of the population studied. The epidemiological data on overall and cause specific mortality as well as their determinants and risk factors are critically reviewed and methodological issues pertinent to the studies on mortality of epilepsy and Status epilepticus are discussed.

Identification of factors associated with new-onset vascular disease in patients admitted for video-EEG monitoring: A longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE

People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing vascular disease. Understanding the risk factors in observational studies is hampered by the challenge in separating epilepsy-related risk and treatment-related risk, and uncertainty in the epilepsy diagnosis. This study aimed to identify factors associated with risk of subsequent vascular disease in patients with video-EEG monitoring (VEM) confirmed epilepsy.

METHODS

We included patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy and nonepileptic disorders between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2015. Incident cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease was determined by linkage to a state-wide hospital admissions database between 1st July 1994 and 28th February 2018. Incidence was compared with the general population.

RESULTS

1728 patients (59.7% female, median age 35 years) underwent VEM, and were followed up for a median of 9.2 years (range 2.2-22.9 years). Eight-hundred and thirty -two were diagnosed with epilepsy and 896 nonepileptic disorders. The incidence of cerebrovascular disease was higher in both patients with epilepsy (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.78, p = 0.001) and with nonepileptic disorders (IRR 1.61, p < 0.001) than in the general population. Patients who took valproic acid (VPA) were at a lower risk of vascular disease than those taking enzyme-inducing antiseizure medications (EIASM, subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.42, p = 0.013), and those taking neither VPA nor EIASM (SHR 0.47, p = 0.03). There was no difference in the incidence of vascular disease between patients with epilepsy and those without epilepsy (SHR 0.94, p = 0.766). Factors associated with increased risk included age (SHR 1.04, p < 0.001), male sex (SHR 1.50, p = 0.017), and smoking (SHR 1.68, p = 0.017).

SIGNIFICANCE

In this study, both patients with epilepsy and without epilepsy had increased vascular risk. This suggests that the increased risk may be in part due to factors not directly related to epilepsy, such as EIASM use and vascular risk factors.

Does epilepsy always indicate worse outcomes? A longitudinal follow-up analysis of 485 glioma patients

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is one of the most common glioma complications, and the two may be connected in more ways than we understand. We aimed to investigate the clinical features of glioma-associated epilepsy and explore the risk factors associated with it.

METHODS

We collected clinical information from 485 glioma patients in the Nanjing Brain Hospital and conducted 4 periodic follow-up visits. Based on the collected data, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of glioma patients with or without epilepsy and their relationship with survival.

RESULTS

Among glioma patients, younger people were more likely to have epilepsy. However, epilepsy incidence was independent of gender. Patients with grade II gliomas were most likely to develop epilepsy, while those with grade IV gliomas were least likely. There was no difference in Karnofsky Performance Status scores between patients with glioma-associated epilepsy and those without epilepsy. Additionally, epilepsy was independently associated with longer survival in the World Health Organization grade IV glioma patients. For grades II, III, and IV tumors, the 1-year survival rate of the epilepsy group was higher than that of the non-epilepsy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy did not lead to worse admission performance and correlated with a better prognosis for patients with grade IV glioma.

Cardiac adverse effects of antiseizure medications

INTRODUCTION

Patients with severe epilepsy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias. Although antiseizure medications (ASMs) may have indirect protective effects against cardiovascular events by reducing seizure frequency and hence sudden death in epilepsy, some of them exert cardiotoxic effects.

AREAS COVERED

Patients with epilepsy, mainly those with severe forms, are at higher risk of cardiac disease because their heart can have structural alterations and electrical instability as a consequence of repeated seizures. Some ASMs have direct protective effects through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypotensive, and lipid-reducing properties. Antiseizure medications can also have toxic cardiac effects including both long-term consequences, such as the increased risk of atherogenesis and subsequent cardiovascular disease due to the influence on lipid profile and pro-inflammatory milieu, and immediate effects as the increased risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias due to the influence on ion channels. Sodium channel blocking ASMs may also affect cardiac sodium channels and this effect is particularly observed in subjects with genetic mutations in cardiac ion channels. Fenfluramine cause valvulopathies in obese subjects and this effect need to be evaluated in epilepsy patients.

EXPERT OPINION

For the selection of treatment, cardiotoxic effects of ASMs should be considered; cardiac monitoring of treatment is advisable.

Changes in epilepsy causes of death: A US population study

OBJECTIVES

Since 2000, medical treatment for epilepsy and cardiovascular risk-reduction strategies have advanced significantly in the United States (US). However, seizure-free rates remain unchanged, and people with epilepsy are at higher risk than the general population for heart disease and stroke. The purpose of this study is to determine how cardiovascular, epilepsy-related, and other causes of death are changing in epilepsy in comparison with the US population.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Changes in the 15 underlying causes of death in epilepsy (ICD-10 G40-G40.9) and the US population were analyzed and compared from 2000 to 2018. The CDC multiple cause-of-death database was utilized as the primary data source. Changes in the relative proportions for each cause-of-death over were evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The proportions of deaths in epilepsy due to heart disease declined 34.4% (p < .001), a rate similar to the general population (39.9%). Epilepsy-related deaths declined 25% as a percentage of all epilepsy deaths (p < .001). The proportions of deaths due to stroke and neoplasms increased significantly in epilepsy versus the US population (p < .001 linear trend).

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction in ischemic heart disease in epilepsy is a novel and highly significant finding, which reflects widespread implementation of cardiovascular risk-factor reduction and treatment in the United States. Reductions in epilepsy-related deaths are an exciting development which requires further investigation into causality. The increase in deaths due to neoplasms and stroke relative to the US population is concerning, warranting vigilance and increased efforts at recognition, prevention, and treatment.

Risk factors for early-onset seizures after stroke: A systematicreview and meta-analysis of 18 observational studies

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the risk factors of early-onset seizures after stroke, in order to better provide evidence-based results for early detection, identification, targeted prevention, and treatment of this disease.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched to collect relevant studies on the risk factors of early-onset seizures after stroke from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta-analysis of all included studies was performed by using RevMan version 5.3 and Stata version 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Eighteen case-control studies with a total sample size of 13,289 cases, including 813 cases with early-onset seizures after stroke, and 12,476 cases with non-early-onset seizures after stroke were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that cortical involvement [Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.00, 95%Confidence Interval (CI) (2.85, 8.74), p < .00001], cerebral infarction with hemorrhagic transformation [OR = 2.77, 95%CI (1.87, 4.11), p < .00001] and intracerebral hemorrhage [OR = 1.83, 95%CI (1.13, 2.97), p = .01]-related factors showed greater association with the occurrence of early-onset seizures after stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that cortical involvement, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction with hemorrhagic transformation are important predictors and risk factors for early seizures after stroke, while the patient's gender, age, NHISS score, alcoholism, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, receiving surgical treatment, and reperfusion therapy showed no association with the occurrence of early-onset seizures after stroke.

Efficacy of phenobarbital in treating elderly epilepsy patients in rural northeast China: A community-based intervention trial

OBJECT

To provide information on the characteristics of elderly epilepsy patients in rural Northeast China.

METHOD

Consecutive patients (aged >60) who were diagnosed with convulsive epilepsy in seven counties in Jilin Province, Northeast China, between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in the program and were divided into the EOE (early-onset epilepsy) group and the LOE (late-onset epilepsy) group. The patients were followed up once a month, and demographics and clinical data were recorded.

RESULT

There were 471 patients enrolled in this study, with 329 patients classified into the EOE group and 142 patients recruited into the LOE group. At baseline, the EOE group was younger than the LOE group (t=-9.007, p < 0.001). The most common etiologies for the EOE and LOE groups were post-trauma (4.0%, n=13) and stroke (9.2%, n=13). Elderly epilepsy patients had a good response to PB monotherapy, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). EOE patients complained of more serious adverse events (p < 0.05), and drowsiness (52%) and ataxia (28%) were the most common adverse events reported by the EOE and LOE groups, respectively; however, more LOE patients were prone to withdrawal due to side effects (p = 0.036). A total of 63 patients withdrew from the study, and nonadherence was the commonest cause for withdrawal (56% in EOE and 50% in LOE). In the entire follow-up period, 112 patients (63 in the EOE group and 49 in the LOE group) died; the most common causes of death were stroke (n=44, 39%) and heart disease (n=36, 32%). The LOE group had a shorter survival time than the EOE group (χ²=42.216, p < 0.001). The LOE group (HR=3.47, 95% CI: 2.36-5.09) and higher seizure frequency (HR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.17-2.52) were the risk factors for death.

CONCLUSION

Elderly epilepsy patients had a good response to PB monotherapy. EOE patients complained of more serious adverse events, but more LOE patients were prone to withdrawal due to side effects. Nonadherence was the commonest cause of drug withdrawal, and it reflects the limited education regarding the impact of seizures and the differences in priorities of rural communities. EOE patients survive longer than LOE patients.

Mortality in adult epilepsy patients in Malaysia: a hospital-based study

BACKGROUND

The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of epilepsy in Asia ranges from 2.5 to 5.1. However, there are no such published data in Malaysia to date. Understanding the mortality rate and related factors will allow us to better assess and monitor the health status of PWE, thereby, preventing premature deaths among PWE. Hence, this study aimed to determine the mortality rate of adults with epilepsy (PWE) at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

METHOD

A total of 2218 PWE were recruited retrospectively into this study. Deceased cases from 2009-2018 were identified from the National Registry Department of Malaysia. Age-, gender-, and ethnic-specific SMR were calculated.

RESULT

There was a total of 163 deaths, of which 111 (68.1%) were male. The overall case-fatality rate (CFR) was 7.3%. Male PWE had higher CFR (9.2%) compared to females (5.1%, p<0.001). The annual death rate of PWE was 867 per 100, 000 persons. The overall all-cause SMR was 1.6 (CI 95% 1.3-1.8). The SMR for younger age groups (15-19 and 20-29 years) were higher (5.4-5.5) compared to other age groups (0.4-2.5). Overall SMR for male PWE (1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) was higher than females (1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.6). However, the SMR for female PWE in the younger age groups (15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 years) was higher. SMR among the Indian PWE was the highest (1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) compared to the Chinese (1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9) and the Malays (1.4, 95% 1.0-1.9). The CFR was higher in those with focal epilepsy (8.5% vs. 2.5-3.7% in genetic and other generalized epilepsies, p=0.003), epilepsy with structural cause (9.5% vs. 5.9% in others, p=0.005) and uncontrolled seizures (7.9% vs. 5.2% in seizure-free group, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of PWE in Malaysia is higher than that of the general population but lower compared to other Asian countries. Specifically, the rates are higher in the younger age group, male gender, and Indian ethnicity. Those with focal epilepsy, structural causes and uncontrolled seizures have higher mortality rates.

New era of personalised epilepsy management

The trial and error approach to epilepsy treatment has not changed for over a century but machine learning and patient derived stem cells promise a personalised and more effective strategy, argue Patrick Kwan and colleagues

Lacosamide for children with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide (LCM) for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of pediatric PKD patients (aged <16 years) treated with LCM. Data regarding demographic characteristics, proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene variant, clinical features of PKD, dose of LCM, efficacy, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Four eligible patients (3 males, 1 female) were identified, with an age of onset ranging from 8.3 to 14.7 years. PRRT2 variant was evaluated in three children and a c.649dupC variant was identified in one child with a positive family history. Attacks were bilateral in three children and left-sided in one. Two children had a family history of PKD and one child had a family history of benign infantile epilepsy. Treatment with carbamazepine failed in two children due to drowsiness and auditory disturbance. The initial dose of LCM was 50 mg/day in three children and 100 mg/day in one. All patients were attack-free within a few days. The maintenance dose was mostly similar to the initial dose. No adverse events related to LCM were reported during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

LCM is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for PKD in children, and low-dose treatment may be viable.

Why are epilepsy mortality rates rising in the United States? A population-based multiple cause-of-death study

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy mortality rates are rising. It is unknown whether rates are rising due to an increase in epilepsy prevalence, changes in epilepsy causes of death, increase in the lethality or epilepsy or failures of treatment. To address these questions, we compare epilepsy mortality rates in the USA with all-cause and all-neurological mortality for the years 1999 to 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To determine changes in US epilepsy mortality rates versus all-cause mortality, and to evaluate changes in the leading causes of death in people with epilepsy.

DESIGN

Retrospective population-based multiple cause-of-death study.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Change in age-adjusted epilepsy mortality rates compared with mortality rates for all-cause and all-neurological mortality.

SECONDARY OUTCOME

Changes in the leading causes of death in epilepsy.

RESULTS

From 1999 to 2017, epilepsy mortality rates in the USA increased 98.8%, from 5.83 per million in 1999 to 11.59 per million (95% CI 88.2%-110.0%), while all-cause mortality declined 16.4% from 8756.34 per million to 7319.17 per million (95% CI 16.3% to 16.6%). For the same period, all-neurological mortality increased 80.8% from 309.21 to 558.97 per million (95% CI 79.4%-82.1%). The proportion of people with epilepsy who died due to neoplasms, vascular dementia and Alzheimer's increased by 52.3%, 210.1% and 216.8%, respectively. During the same period, the proportion who died due to epilepsy declined 27.1%, while ischaemic heart disease as a cause of death fell 42.6% (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy mortality rates in the USA increased significantly from 1999 to 2017. Likely causes include increases in all-neurological mortality, increased epilepsy prevalence and changes in the underlying causes of death in epilepsy, led by increases in vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. An important finding is that ischaemic heart disease and epilepsy itself are declining as underlying causes of death in people with epilepsy.

Drug treatments in patients with cardiac diseases and epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Comorbidity between epilepsy and heart diseases is frequent.

METHODS

All drugs classified within the group of drugs for cardiovascular system according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system were reviewed for their effects on seizures or epilepsy.

RESULTS

Several agents showed antiseizure properties in animal models of seizures and/or in patients with epilepsy and only few were proconvulsant. Drugs with anticonvulsant effects include mecamylamine and guanfacine (antihypertensive drugs), indapamide, amiloride, furosemide and bumetanide (diuretics), fasudil (peripheral vasodilator), bioflavonoids (vasoprotective drug), propranolol (beta blocking agent), isradipine, nimodipine, verapamil and diltiazem (calcium channel blockers: CCBs), fosinopril and zofenopril (agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system), several statins, and fenofibrate (lipid-modifying agents). Drugs with proconvulsant properties in experimental models or in patients include reserpine, buflomedil, naftidrofuryl, and clonidine and propranolol at high doses. Drug-drug interactions (DDI) between antiseizure medications (ASMs) and drugs for cardiovascular system were also searched in two leading publicly accessible drug compendia. The most important DDIs occur between enzyme-inducing (EI) ASMs and ivabradine, ranolazine, macitenan and between EI-ASMs and the CCBs felodipine, nicardipine, nisoldipine, and verapamil. Simvastatin and atorvastatin are the lipid-modifying agents with more DDIs with EI-ASMs. Several pharmacodynamic interactions have been also documented.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Available data show that the treatment of patients with epilepsy and vascular comorbidities is challenging and requires the appropriate knowledge of pharmacological properties of drugs and drug interactions.

Neuroinflammation impact in epileptogenesis and new treatment strategy

Epilepsy is considered a major serious chronic neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent seizures. It is usually associated with a history of a lesion in the nervous system. Irregular activation of inflammatory molecules in the injured tissue is an important factor in the development of epilepsy. It is unclear how the imbalanced regulation of inflammatory mediators contributes to epilepsy. A recent research goal is to identify interconnected inflammation pathways which may be involved in the development of epilepsy. The clinical use of available antiepileptic drugs is often restricted by their limitations, incidence of several side effects, and drug interactions. So development of new drugs, which modulate epilepsy through novel mechanisms, is necessary. Alternative therapies and diet have recently reported positive treatment outcomes in epilepsy. Vitamin D (Vit D) has shown prophylactic and therapeutic potential in different neurological disorders. So, the aim of current study was to review the associations between different brain inflammatory mediators and epileptogenesis, to strengthen the idea that targeting inflammatory pathway may be an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat epilepsy. In addition, neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of Vit D in clinical and preclinical studies of epilepsy were reviewed.

Mortality and morbidity of patients with treated and untreated epilepsy in New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether delayed or no treatment was associated with increased mortality and morbidity risks in people with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

METHODS

We examined New Zealand hospitalization and antiseizure medication prescription data from 2007-2015. Mortality and hospital-diagnosed morbidities were compared between patients immediately treated after epilepsy diagnosis, treated after a delay, or untreated for the duration of follow-up, adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Three thousand three hundred sixty-six patients (54.7% male, median age = 37.5 years) were included and followed up for a median of 3.39 years. A total of 3123 (92.8%) patients were treated immediately, 125 (3.7%) had delayed treatment, and 118 (3.5%) were untreated. Compared to the general New Zealand population, the cohort had a standardized mortality ratio of 4.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.24-4.99). Maori patients were less likely to be treated (Holm-Bonferroni adjusted P = .024) and had higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.08-1.83). There was a trend of increased mortality in the untreated or delayed treatment group compared to the immediate treatment group (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.99-1.87). Hospitalization risk was similar between untreated and immediately treated periods (P = .83). Untreated or delayed treatment patients had higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (HR = 9.64, 95% CI = 1.83-50.8). Maori patients were more likely to develop liver disease (HR = 4.67, 95% CI = 1.32-16.4) and alcohol or drug dependence (HR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.44-4.51).

SIGNIFICANCE

Most epilepsy patients were treated at diagnosis in New Zealand, but Maori patients had lower treatment rates and worse health outcomes. The apparent increased risk of acute myocardial infarction among the untreated or delayed treatment patients warrants further research.

Predictors of early seizure recurrence among elderly inpatients admitted to a tertiary center: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Early seizure recurrence is common among elderly inpatients and is related to increased morbidity and a longer length of hospital stay. There are few studies on the short-term outcomes of seizures in the elderly population. We aimed to identify the predictors of early seizure recurrence among elderly inpatients.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients aged 60 years and older from a tertiary center who had seizures that either led to their hospital admission or occurred during hospitalization. We analyzed the demographic and hospitalization data, characteristics and etiology of seizures, and neurological and clinical comorbidities. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the 30-day cumulative recurrence rates. The logrank test was used to analyze the risk of seizure recurrence within 30 days after the index seizure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for the recurrence of seizures within 30 days.

RESULTS

Overall, 109 patients (mean age: 75.9 ± 9.6 years) were enrolled. The mean age at the first-ever seizure was 74 ± 11.7 years. Unprovoked seizures occurred in 59.6% of the patients. Cerebrovascular disorders were the most prevalent etiology (52.3%). Early seizure recurrence, defined as within 30 days, occurred in 27.5% of patients. Multimorbidity was found in 95.4% of our inpatients (6.3 ± 2.3 [95% confidence interval, 5.4-7.2]), and the number of comorbidities was higher among those who had seizure recurrence than that among those who did not have seizure recurrence (p = 0.02). The probability of seizure recurrence was similar among the subgroups of patients who experienced acute seizures versus unprovoked seizures (both p = 0.03), and seizure recurrence was associated with a longer length of hospital stay (p = 0.005) compared to that of patients who did not experience seizure recurrence. After multivariate analysis, sepsis (p = 0.011), psychiatric disorders (p = 0.032), and cardiac arrhythmias (p = 0.037) were identified as risk factors for early seizure recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher multimorbidity and a longer length of stay were associated with early seizure recurrence; and sepsis, psychiatric disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias were independent risk factors for early seizure recurrence among elderly inpatients.

First seizure presentations in adults: beyond assessment and treatment

Almost 10% of people will experience at least one seizure over a lifetime. Although common, first seizures are serious events and warrant careful assessment and management. First seizures may be provoked by acute or remote symptomatic factors including life-threatening metabolic derangements, drug toxicity or structural brain lesions. An unprovoked first seizure may herald the onset of epilepsy and may be accompanied by medical and psychiatric illnesses. Accidents, injuries and death associated with first seizures are likely under-reported. The cognitive and emotional impact of first seizures is often neglected. Evaluation of a patient presenting with a first seizure requires careful history-taking and early specialist assessment, however optimal management strategies have not been extensively investigated. Further, advances in technology and the role of eHealth interventions such as telemedicine may be of value in the care of patients who have experienced a first seizure. This article reviews the impact and implications of first seizures beyond the scope provided in current guidelines which tend to focus on assessment and management. It examines the effect of first seizures on the well-being of patients; assesses morbidity and premature mortality in first seizures and discusses current and future directions to optimise safety and health of people with first seizures, with a focus on adult patients. Recognition of these issues is essential to provide adequate care for people with first seizures.

Blood Pressure in Seizures and Epilepsy

In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge of neurally mediated blood pressure (BP) control and discuss how recently described epilepsy- and seizure-related BP alterations may contribute to premature mortality and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although people with epilepsy display disturbed interictal autonomic function with a shift toward predominant sympathetic activity, prevalence of arterial hypertension is similar in people with and without epilepsy. BP is transiently increased in association with most types of epileptic seizures but may also decrease in some, illustrating that seizure activity can cause both a decrease and increase of BP, probably because of stimulation or inhibition of distinct central autonomic function by epileptic activity that propagates into different neuronal networks of the central autonomic nervous system. The principal regulatory neural loop for short-term BP control is termed baroreflex, mainly involving peripheral sensors and brain stem nuclei. The baroreflex sensitivity (BRS, expressed as change of interbeat interval per change in BP) is intact after focal seizures, whereas BRS is markedly impaired in the early postictal period following generalized convulsive seizures (GCS), possibly due to metabolically mediated muscular hyperemia in skeletal muscles, a massive release of catecholamines and compromised brain stem function. Whilst most SUDEP cases are probably caused by a cardiorespiratory failure during the early postictal period following GCS, a profoundly disturbed BRS may allow a life-threatening drop of systemic BP in the aftermath of GCS, as recently reported in a patient as a plausible cause of SUDEP in a few patients.

The safety of treating newly diagnosed epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy is a serious chronic neurological disorder manifested by an enduring symptomatic predisposition to seizures. Newly diagnosed individuals face increased morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic costs. Anti-epileptic drug therapy is the treatment usually prescribed, which has efficacy in seizure control and mitigating long-term mortality.

AREAS COVERED

Safety of anti-epileptic drug therapy in adults with a focus in newly diagnosed patients. Areas covered include the most commonly experienced adverse drug effects, as well as those with the highest impacts on drug tolerability, quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Evidence was also reviewed to identify clinical strategies to improve the safety of anti-epileptic drug therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are mostly effective and well tolerated. However, a lack of standardised reporting of adverse drug effects in trials and in clinical practice provides an obstacle for evaluation of which adverse drug effects need to be prioritised in management. Improvement in the reporting of cognitive and other effects, as well as improved precision medicine and pharmacogenomics to target the incidence of high-mortality idiosyncratic reactions, will help to reduce the harm of AEDs in people newly diagnosed with epilepsy.

The Risk Of Seizure-Related Hospitalization Among Older Adults On Levetiracetam Monotherapy: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Antiepileptic drug monotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for epilepsy; however, the efficacy of different antiepileptic drugs in reducing the incidence of seizure-related hospitalization among older adults, who are at higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to their younger counterparts, has not been examined.

PURPOSE

The objective of the present study was to compare the rate of seizure-related hospitalization among older adults on levetiracetam compared to different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of older adults (≥60 years) in two tertiary care hospitals. Patients who are 60 years of age and older, have a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, and are taking a single and the same antiepileptic drug for at least 36 months were included. The patients were followed up for 24 months after 12 months of treatment with no incidence of seizure-related hospitalization via their health records. Multiple Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate the relative risk of hospitalization for patients on levetiracetam compared to different antiepileptic drugs controlling for age, gender, number of prescription medications, dosage strengths, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The recruited patients were on one of the following four antiepileptic drugs: carbamazepine (n=44), levetiracetam (n=39), phenytoin (n=31), and valproic acid (n=22). Patients on levetiracetam were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized due to seizures within the 24 months of follow-up compared to their counterparts on other AEDs (RR=2.76, 95% CI=1.16-6.53, P=0.021).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that older adults on old generation AEDs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid appear to have a lower risk of seizure-related hospitalization compared to their counterparts on levetiracetam.

Sleep-disordered breathing among patients admitted for inpatient video-EEG monitoring

Objective

To examine the prevalence and risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in individuals with epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients admitted for inpatient video-EEG monitoring at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia, between December 1, 2011, and July 31, 2017. Participants underwent routine clinical investigations during their monitoring period including polysomnography, neurocognitive testing, and screening instruments of daytime somnolence, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Results

Our study population consisted of 370 participants who received a diagnosis of epilepsy (n = 255), PNES (n = 93), or both disorders (n = 22). Moderate to severe SDB (defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15) was observed in 26.5% (98/370) of individuals, and did not differ across subgroups: epilepsy 26.3% (67/255), PNES 29.0% (27/93), or both disorders 18.2% (4/22; p = 0.610). Following adjustment for confounders, pathologic daytime sleepiness predicted moderate to severe SDB in epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] 10.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09–51.39; p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for moderate to severe SDB in epilepsy were older age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10; p < 0.001) and higher body mass index (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11; p = 0.029), and in PNES older age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.16; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Polysomnography during inpatient video-EEG monitoring identified a substantial number of patients with undiagnosed SDB. This was remarkable in the subgroup with PNES, who were often female and obese. Identification of risk factors may improve management of SDB in these populations. The association with pathologic daytime sleepiness suggests that SDB may be an important contributor to these common and disabling symptoms in patients with epilepsy.

Neurophysiological effects of continuous cortical stimulation in epilepsy - Spike and spontaneous ECoG activity

OBJECTIVE

The effect of continuous subthreshold cortical stimulation (CSCS) over the seizure onset zone (SOZ) in epilepsy was analyzed to delineate the affected physiological processes.

METHOD

ECoG data was recorded over SOZ and adjacent regions in patients (n = 7) with refractory-epilepsy. Data was reviewed before and during 2 Hz cortical electrical stimulation. Group differences were estimated using ANOVA and correlation with Pearson's r.

RESULTS

CSCS reduced background ECoG power at SOZ (p < 0.05), increased spectral coherence (p < 0.05) and reduced spike rate (p < 0.01) over all recorded sites. Spectral power and coherence (p < 0.01) correlated with spike rate at SOZ but not with each other at any location. Spike morphology correlated with spike-rate over all recorded sites (p < 0.0001) and with spectral power and coherence at SOZ (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study shows changes in cortical electrophysiology during CSCS over the SOZ where spike rate reduction correlated with two independent electrophysiological parameters, background power and coherence. These results suggest the possibility of a causal relationship between spectral power, coherence and interictal spikes which may be related to seizure rate.

SIGNIFICANCE

Improved understanding of the effect of electrical stimulation on epileptic tissue could suggest improvements in stimulation paradigms to reduce seizure frequency.

New-onset epilepsy in the elderly

People who are 60 years old and older have the highest incidence of developing new-onset epilepsy. The increase of the ageing population has resulted in a greater number of patients with new-onset epilepsy or at risk of developing the condition. Previously published review articles regarding epilepsy in older patients have had a broad focus, including people who were diagnosed with epilepsy in their childhood or middle age. The present review focuses on the causes, treatment, prognosis and psychosocial impact of new-onset epilepsy in people aged ≥60 years. Following a search of the medical electronic databases and relevant references, we identified 22 studies overall that met the inclusion criteria. Only four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified that compared different antiepileptic drug treatments in this population, demonstrating that newer-generation antiepileptic drugs (e.g. lamotrigine and levetiracetam) were generally better tolerated. One uncontrolled study provided promising evidence of good outcomes and safety for surgical resection as a treatment for people with uncontrolled seizures. Five studies reported that people ≥60 years with new-onset epilepsy have significant cognitive impairments (e.g. memory loss) and psychological issues including depression, anxiety and fatigue. We found that there is limited evidence to guide treatment in people with Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. The specific features of new-onset epilepsy in this target population significantly influences the choice of treatment. Cognitive and psychiatric screening before treatment may be useful for management. Two studies with proposed guidelines were identified but no formal clinical practice guidelines exist for this special population to assist with appropriate management. There is a need for more RCTs that investigate effective treatments with limited side effects. More research studies on the psychosocial effects of new-onset epilepsy, and long-term outcomes, for people aged ≥60 years are also required.