Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

The STEPPER (Status Epilepticus in Emilia-Romagna) study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment approaches of status epilepticus (SE) in adults of the Emilia-Romagna region (ERR), Northern Italy.

Methods

STEPPER, an observational, prospective, multicentric cohort study, was conducted across neurology units, emergency departments, and intensive care units of the ERR over 24 months (October 2019–October 2021), encompassing incident cases of SE. Patients were followed up for 30 days.

Results

A total of 578 cases were recruited (56% female, mean age = 70 years, 32% with previous ...

Abstract

Objective

SCN2A encodes the voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channel α subunit Na_V1.2, which is important for the generation and forward and back propagation of action potentials in neurons. Genetic variants in SCN2A are associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanisms whereby variation in SCN2A leads to disease remains incompletely understood, and the full spectrum of SCN2A-related disorders may not be fully delineated.

Methods

Here, we identified seven de novo heterozygous variants in SCN2A in eight individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy ...

Abstract

Objective

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments for epilepsy. However, there have been concerning increases in the placebo responder rate over time. To understand these trends, we evaluated features associated with increased placebo responder rate.

Methods

Using individual-level data from 20 focal-onset seizure trials provided by seven pharmaceutical companies, we evaluated associations with change in seizure frequency in participants randomized to placebo. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate participant and study factors associated with differing ...

Abstract

Objective

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency in childhood, often leading to neuronal damage and long-term outcomes. The study aims to identify barriers in the pre-hospital and in-hospital management of community-onset pediatric SE and to evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric scores on outcomes prediction.

Methods

This monocentric observational retrospective cohort study included patients treated for community-onset pediatric SE in a tertiary care hospital between 2010 and 2021. Data were extracted following Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Inclusion ...

Abstract

Objective

Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is a minimally invasive procedure for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy that preserves more tissue than open procedures. As a result, although patients have better functional outcomes, more patients do not achieve seizure freedom. The rate at which this occurs is evolving with improved surgical practices. However, the risks and benefits of further surgical management for these patients remains a question with limited data to guide decision-making.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a continuous series (2011–2019) of SLAH operations at ...

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of cognitive deficits in older people with epilepsy (PWE), their ability to judge and make decisions in daily life remains unexplored. In 61 older PWE (55–90 years) from the multicenter BRain Aging and Cognition in Epilepsy (BrACE) study, we examined everyday judgment, as measured by the Test of Practical Judgment (TOP-J: 9 questions, score range = 0–27; higher score = better judgment) and evaluated its association with clinical and demographic characteristics, global cognition, neuropsychological performance, subjective cognition, and quality of life ...

Abstract

Objective

In onchocerciasis-endemic areas, limited access to antiseizure medications (ASMs) contributes to a high epilepsy burden. This study evaluated the impact of a community-based epilepsy care program in Mahenge, Tanzania, an onchocerciasis-endemic area with high epilepsy prevalence.

Methods

A baseline survey (2017–2018) identified persons with epilepsy (PWE) in four rural villages. Subsequently, PWE were invited to enroll in the epilepsy treatment program (2019–2022), where trained community health workers (CHWs) screened for epilepsy, promoted ivermectin intake to treat onchocerciasis, distributed ASMs, and monitored seizure ...

Abstract

Objective

Studies have shown that a growing number of people with epilepsy belong to minority groups and experience health disparities. Inclusivity in clinical trial enrollment is essential for advancing health access but has not been well studied among epilepsy trials. The objective of this study was to analyze US epilepsy clinical trials to identify the prevalence and trends associated with race and sex enrollment disparities.

Methods

We queried the Clinicaltrials.gov registry to identify completed epilepsy clinical trials ...

Abstract

Objective

Electroencephalographic seizures (ES) are common in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but identification with continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring (CEEG) is resource-intensive. We aimed to develop an ES prediction model.

Methods

Using a prospective observational study of 260 neonates with HIE undergoing CEEG, we identified clinical and EEG risk factors for ES, evaluated model performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and calculated test characteristics emphasizing high sensitivity. We assessed ES incidence and timing in neonates subdivided by ES risk ...

Abstract

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) is a neuronal migration disorder often associated with drug-resistant epilepsy. The epileptogenic zone network (EZN) in PVNH is generally large, contraindicating surgery. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) can be proposed to map the EZN and perform radiofrequency thermocoagulation (THC) with an efficacy rate of approximately 65%. There are genetic forms of PVNH, particularly with mutations in the filamin A gene (FLNA). However, data on SEEG-guided THC in these patients still have not been described. We report four patients with ...