Seizure

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathy caused by SCN1A mutations.[1] However, it was recently reported that this syndrome can sometimes also be caused by STXBP1 mutations.[2]

Clinical trials (CTs) are necessary for the development and approval of new medical therapies. A sufficient number of potentially enrolling study participants is a critical component of high CT quality. Attitudes toward CTs are positive among the general public and in various patient groups alike [1–3], yet recruitment of suitable patients may be challenging [4,5]. Altruism and a desire to contribute to science are major motivating factors for participation in CTs among patients with various disorders [3,6].

There has been increasing acknowledgement of the need to include patients’ experiences in evaluation of healthcare and that monitoring healthcare effectiveness from the patient perspective can be as important as using clinical outcome measures to enable quality improvement [1]. The World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of understanding patient satisfaction and responsiveness to care experiences. Patient satisfaction with aspects of non-medical care is associated with better engagement with treatment, appropriate care-seeking and understanding and retention of medical information [2].

Valproate (VPA), a branched chain fatty acid, is a broad spectrum anticonvulsant used for the treatment of epilepsy such as generalized and partial seizures [1]. Continuous administration of antiepileptic drugs results in long standing complications such as psychiatric disorders, metabolic disorder, endocrine disorders, idiosyncratic reactions and drug interaction effects in some cases [2]. Valproate is metabolized in the liver by glucuronidation process and to a lesser extent by β oxidation. [3].

The life expectancy of the population has increased due to improvements in medicine, public health, nutrition, income, education, and migration [1]. Between 2015 and 2030, “The number of people in the world aged 60 and over is expected to grow by 56%, from 901 million to 1.4 billion” [2]. Consequently, long-term care and age-related chronic illness increases in addition to treatment of disease, resulting in longer life expectancy. The quality of a persons’ life has been shown to be of ...

Depression is highly common in patients with epilepsy, with a prevalence of approximately 30% in patients with recurrent seizures [1]. Depression not only negatively affects patient quality of life but is also correlated with cognitive functioning in patients with epilepsy [2,3]. However, the mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of epilepsy and depression remain unclear. Evidence from clinical and laboratory research indicates that there are common pathogenic mechanisms associated with epilepsy and depression [4].

To assess the clinical outcome and evolution of recurrent afebrile seizures in children initially diagnosed with benign convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis (CwG).