Effects of Stable Vagus Nerve Stimulation Efficacy on Autistic Behaviors in Ten Pediatric Patients With Drug Resistant Epilepsy: An Observational Study.

Zhiyan Wang,Qian Zhang,Jialun Wen,Xiaoya Qin,Yuwu Jiang,Xing Yuan,Tungyang Cheng,Luming Li,Ye Wu,Hongwei Hao,Jianxiang Liao,Xiaomei Shu,Taoyun Ji

doi:10.3389/fped.2022.846301

Abstract

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a safe and effective therapy for pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). However, in children with DRE, the effects of VNS on autistic behaviors remain controversial. We retrospectively collected data from 10 children with DRE who underwent VNS implantation and regular parameter regulation in three pediatric epilepsy centers, and completed the behavioral assessments, including the autistic behavior checklist and the child behavior checklist, at follow-ups 1 (mean 2.16 years) and 2 (mean 2.98 years). The 10 children maintained stable seizure control between the two follow-ups. Their autistic behaviors, especially in language, social and self-help, were reduced at follow-up 2 compared to follow-up 1 (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, these improvements were not associated with their seizure control, whether it was positive or negative. These results suggested that the VNS had a positive effect on autistic behaviors, which provided a preliminary clinical basis that VNS may benefit to younger children with DRE comorbidity autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental dysfunctions characterized by impaired social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities [1, 2]
The efficacy of Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was stable in these pediatric patients except for the 9th child
Previous studies indicated that the responder rate of VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) was similar between adults and children [28, 32]

Summary

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental dysfunctions characterized by impaired social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities [1, 2]. Standardized screening for ASD is recommended at 18 and 24 months of age in primary care, but diagnosis later than 6 years of age is reported in one-third to half of children [3]. Epilepsy is another common neurologic disorder in children [4]. Children candidate for VNS are at higher risk of behavioral comorbidities or other chronic illnesses, including ASD, compared with those in the general population [9–12]

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Results

Conclusion