Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) are known to cause a wide range of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Recently, electronic health care data using the common data model (CDM) have been introduced and commonly adopted in pharmacovigilance research. We aimed to analyze ASD‐related ADRs using CDM and to assess the feasibility of CDM analysis in monitoring ADR in a single tertiary hospital.

Methods

We selected five ASDs: oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), valproic acid (VPA), and topiramate (TPM). Patients diagnosed with epilepsy and exposed ...

Abstract

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of phenobarbital and levetiracetam in a cohort of neonates with seizures following cardiac surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single‐center study of consecutive neonates with electrographically confirmed seizures managed with antiseizure medication after cardiac surgery from June 15, 2012 to December 31, 2018. We compared the safety and efficacy of phenobarbital and levetiracetam as first‐line therapy.

Results

First‐line therapy was phenobarbital in 31 neonates and levetiracetam in 22 neonates. Phenobarbital was associated with more adverse events (P = .006). Eight ...

Abstract

Objective

In patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with a nonlesional and nonepileptogenic hippocampus (HC), in order to preserve functionally intact brain tissue, the HC is not resected. However, some patients experience postoperative memory decline, possibly due to disruption of the extrahippocampal memory network and secondary hippocampal volume (HV) loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of hippocampal atrophy ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of the surgery and its relation to memory outcomes.

Methods

Hippocampal volume and verbal ...

Abstract

Variants in RORB have been reported in eight individuals with epilepsy, with phenotypes ranging from eyelid myoclonia with absence epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. We identified novel RORB variants in 11 affected individuals from four families. One was from whole genome sequencing and three were from RORB screening of three epilepsy cohorts: developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (n = 1021), overlap of generalized and occipital epilepsy (n = 84), and photosensitivity (n = 123). Following interviews and review of medical records, individuals’ seizure and epilepsy syndromes ...

Abstract

Objective

Seizure diaries kept by patients are unreliable. Automated electroencephalography (EEG)‐based seizure detection systems are a useful support tool to objectively detect and register seizures during long‐term video‐EEG recording. However, this standard full scalp‐EEG recording setup is of limited use outside the hospital, and a discreet, wearable device is needed for capturing seizures in the home setting. We are developing a wearable device that records EEG with behind‐the‐ear electrodes. In this study, we determined whether the recognition of ictal patterns using ...

Abstract

Objective

To look for evidence of peri‐ictal social interaction in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures exploring the notion of PNES as a form of nonverbal communication.

Methods

Video recordings of typical seizures experienced by patients with epilepsy and PNES were obtained in a naturalistic social setting (residential epilepsy monitoring unit). Video analysis by three nonexpert clinicians identified 18 predefined semiological and interactional features indicative of apparent impairment of consciousness or of peri‐ictal responsiveness to the social environment with assessment of interrater ...

Abstract

Objective

Drug resistance is a major concern in the treatment of individuals with epilepsy. No genetic markers for resistance to individual antiseizure medication (ASM) have yet been identified. We aimed to identify the role of rare genetic variants in drug resistance for three common ASMs: levetiracetam (LEV), lamotrigine (LTG), and valproic acid (VPA).

Methods

A cohort of 1622 individuals of European descent with epilepsy was deeply phenotyped and underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), comprising 575 taking LEV, 826 LTG, and 782 VPA. We ...

Abstract

Objective

To determine risk factors and causes for mortality during childhood in patients with infantile spasms (IS). We describe the overall goals of care for those who died.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of IS patients born between 2000 and 2011. We examined potential risk factors for mortality, including etiology, neurologic impairment, medication use, persistence of epileptic spasms, and comorbid systemic involvement (requirement for G‐tube feedings, respiratory interventions). For patients who died, we describe cause of death and resuscitation status or ...