Epilepsia. Official Journal of the International League Against Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

We aimed to investigate sleep in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), including developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). Next, we examined differences in sleep macrostructure and microstructure and questionnaire outcomes between children with well-controlled epilepsy (WCE) and children with DRE. Furthermore, we wanted to identify factors associated with poor sleep outcome in these children, as some factors might be targets to improve epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in children 4 to 18-years-old. Children without epilepsy, with WCE, and ...

Abstract

Objective

Functional seizures (FS) look like epileptic seizures but are characterized by a lack of epileptic activity in the brain. Approximately one in five referrals to epilepsy clinics are diagnosed with this condition. FS are diagnosed by recording a seizure using video-electroencephalography (EEG), from which an expert inspects the semiology and the EEG. However, this method can be expensive and inaccessible and can present significant patient burden. No single biomarker has been found to diagnose FS. However, the current limitations in ...

Abstract

Objective

The SeLECT 2.0 score is a prognostic model of epilepsy after ischemic stroke. We explored whether replacing the severity of stroke at admission with the severity of stroke after treatment at 72 h from onset could improve the predictive accuracy of the score.

Methods

We retrospectively identified consecutive adults with acute first-ever neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke who were admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Ospedale Civile Baggiovara (Modena, Italy) and treated with intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment. Study outcome was the occurrence of ...

Abstract

Objective

Early life seizures (ELS) are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the exact role of ELS in the pathology is unknown. Prior studies have demonstrated social deficits, a core feature of ASD, following ELS; consequently, alterations in sensory modalities may contribute to the overall social deficits. Considering the speculated contribution of sensory deficit to social communication, we examined the developmental consequences of early postnatal kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures on olfactory preference and neural markers in the olfactory bulb ...

Abstract

Dravet syndrome (DS) is an infantile onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Sodium channel blockers are known to exacerbate seizures in this syndrome. Due to its high incidence, the management of prolonged seizures is crucial for DS patients. There is still ambiguity regarding the use of intravenous phenytoin for prolonged seizure in DS patients mainly due to the lack of data, raising concern about the safety of it use. We conducted a retrospective study (from January 2009 to January 2020) aiming ...

Abstract

Objective

To assess whether children with febrile seizures and/or epilepsy were at increased risk of experiencing internalizing symptoms or psychotic-like experiences at age 11 years.

Methods

This cohort study includes 44 819 children from the 11-year follow up of the Danish National Birth Cohort. Information on childhood seizures was retrieved from the Danish National Patient Registry, whereas child psychiatric symptoms were assessed in a web-based questionnaire using the Adolescent Psychotic-like Symptom Screener and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with corresponding 95% ...

Abstract

Objective

Following hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury, neuronal cytoplasmic chloride concentration ([Cl⁻]_i) increases, potentially contributing to depolarizing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses, onset of seizures, and the failure of antiepileptic drugs that target inhibitory chloride-permeable GABA_A receptors. Post-HI seizures characteristically begin hours after injury, by which time substantial accumulation of [Cl⁻]_i may have already occurred. In immature neurons, a major pathway for Cl⁻ influx is the reversible Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter NKCC1.

Methods

Spontaneous neuronal network, neuronal [Cl⁻]_i, and GABA activity were determined in hippocampal preparations from ...

Abstract

Objective

To identify key factors influencing the therapeutic efficacy of the ketogenic diet (KD) for children with drug-resistant epilepsy and elucidate their interconnected relationships to optimize clinical practice.

Methods

Participants were selected from children receiving KD treatment at West Second University Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2015 to October 2023. Clinical factors pre-KD and post-KD (at the third month) were analyzed systematically using an analytical framework. Descriptive analyses, univariate analyses, and multivariate regression analyses were performed for the entire cohort and subgroups ...

Illustration of study design.

Abstract

Objective

The current standard of care for Dravet syndrome (DS) includes polytherapy after inadequate seizure control with one or more monotherapy approaches. Treatment guidelines are often based on expert opinions, and finding an optimal balance between seizure control and adverse drug effects can be challenging. This study utilizes the efficacy and pharmacokinetic assessment of a second-line ...