Discontinuation Of Antiepileptic Drugs Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effects of Fasting During the Holy Month of Ramadan on Patients with Epileptic Attacks Who Visited the Emergency Room

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system. Many factors affect the occurrence and severity of epileptic attacks (EAs). Food is one of the most challenging of the factors. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the important requirements in Islam, and it has always been challenging for epileptic patients. This study evaluated the number of EA cases admitted to the emergency room (ER) during Ramadan. Methods: This prospective and cross-sectional study evaluated all ER visits by EA patients during the months of Shaaban, Ramadan, and Shawwal (all were convulsions). In this study, the mean average ER visit frequency was compared in the three months. The differences between the mean averages of EA visits were significant (P<0.05). Results: Of the 156 cases, half were male and half were female. The frequency of EAs was 68, 35, and 53 for the months of Shaaban, Ramadan, and Shawwal, respectively. It was found that there was about 40% reduction in ER visits during the month of Ramadan, mainly due to the discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: During the Holy month of Ramadan, the number of visits to the ER due to EA (convulsions) decreased. Two mechanisms are involved in the reduced number of epileptic occurrences and their control: First, the consumption of a high-fat diet and bigger protein portions, and, second, reduced food consumption. Other possible factors are reduced travel during Ramadan, better administration of drugs, and the peaceful mind attributed to this month.

Poor midterm clinical outcomes and a high percentage of unsatisfying results are reported after seizure-related shoulder injuries, especially after posterior proximal humerus fracture-dislocations

Treating seizure-related shoulder injuries is challenging, and an evidence-based consensus to guide clinicians is lacking. The aim of this prospective single-center observational clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical results of a cohort of patients undergoing treatment of seizure-related shoulder injuries, to categorize them according to the lesion's characteristics, with special focus on patients with proximal humerus fracture-dislocations (PHFDs), and to define groups at risk of obtaining unsatisfactory results. We hypothesized that patients with a PHFD, considered the worst-case scenario among these injuries, would report worse clinical results in terms of the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (qDASH) as compared to the other patients. Patients referred to a tertiary epilepsy center who have seizure-related shoulder injuries and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. A quality-of-life assessment instrument (EQ-5D-5L), a district-specific patient-reported outcome measure (qDASH), and a pain assessment tool (visual analog scale [VAS]) were used for the clinical outcome evaluation. Subjective satisfaction and fear of new shoulder injuries was also documented. Categorization and subgroup analysis according to the presence and features of selected specific lesions were performed. A total of 111 patients were deemed eligible and 83 were available for follow-up (median age 38 years, 30% females), accounting for a total of 107 injured shoulders. After a median follow-up of 3.9 (1.6-8.2) years, overall moderate clinical results were reported. In addition, 34.1% of the patients reported a VAS score ≥35 mm, indicating moderate to severe pain, and 34.1% a qDASH score ≥40 points, indicating severe disability of an upper limb. These percentages rose to, respectively, 45.5% and 48.5% in the subgroup of patients with PHFDs and to 68.8% and 68.8% in patients experiencing posterior PHFD. Overall, 46.9% of the patients considered themselves unsatisfied with the treatment and 62.5% reported a persistent fear of a new shoulder injury. Patients with seizure-related shoulder injuries reported only moderate clinical results at their midterm follow-up. Older age, male sex, and absence or discontinuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment were identified as characterizing features of patients with posterior dislocation episodes. In patients with PHFD, a tendency to worse clinical results was observed, with posterior PHFD patients emerging as a definite subgroup at risk of reporting unsatisfying results after treatment.

Clinical outcomes of pediatric cerebral cavernous malformation: an analysis of 124 consecutive cases.

One-fourth of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) patients are children, but studies on these patients are scarce. This study aimed to identify the clinical presentation of pediatric CCM patients and to investigate clinical outcomes according to the treatment modalities applied on the basis of our institution's treatment strategy. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 124 pediatric CCM patients with a follow-up of more than 1 year from 2000 to 2019. They performed resection (n = 62) on lesions causing intractable seizure, rebleeding, or mass effect and observed the clinical courses of patients with lesions in deep or eloquent areas without persistent symptoms (n = 52). Radiosurgery (n = 10) was performed when the patient refused resection or strongly desired radiosurgery. The authors investigated the clinical characteristics, performance status (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score), and rebleeding rate at the 1-year and last follow-up examinations and compared these among 3 groups classified on the basis of treatment applied. The authors evaluated seizure outcomes at the 1-year and last follow-up examinations for the surgery (n = 32) and observation (n = 17) groups. Finally, the authors drew cumulative incidence curves for the discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for patients in the surgery (n = 30) and observation (n = 9) groups. The 3 groups showed slight differences in initial symptoms, lesion locations, and rates of recent hemorrhage. The proportion of patients with improved mRS score at the 1-year follow-up was significantly greater in the surgery group than in the other groups (67% of the surgery group, 52% observation group, and 40% radiosurgery group; p = 0.078), as well as at the last follow-up (73% surgery group, 54% observation group, and 60% radiosurgery group; p = 0.097). The surgery group also had the lowest rebleeding rate during the follow-up period (2% surgery group, 11% observation group, and 20% radiosurgery group; p = 0.021). At the 1-year follow-up, the proportion of seizure-free patients without AEDs was significantly higher in the surgery group than the observation group (88% surgery group vs 53% observation group, p < 0.001), and similar results were obtained at the last follow-up (91% surgery group vs 56% observation group, p = 0.05). The 5-year AED-free rates for the surgery and observation groups were 94% and 50%, respectively, on the cumulative incidence curve (p = 0.049). The clinical presentation of pediatric CCM patients was not significantly different from that of adult patients. Lesionectomy may be acceptable for pediatric CCM patients with indications of persistent seizures despite AED medications, rebleeding, and mass effects.

Rapid versus slow withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs.

The ideal objective of treating a person with epilepsy is to induce remission (free of seizures for some time) using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and withdraw the AEDs without causing seizure recurrence. Prolonged usage of AEDs may have long-term adverse effects. Hence, when a person with epilepsy is in remission, it is logical to attempt to discontinue the medication. The timing of withdrawal and the mode of withdrawal arise while contemplating withdrawal of AEDs. This review examines the evidence for the rate of withdrawal of AEDs (whether rapid or slow tapering) and its effect on seizure recurrence. This is an updated version of the Cochrane Review previously published in 2020. To quantify risk of seizure recurrence after rapid (tapering period of three months or less) or slow (tapering period of more than three months) discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in adults and children with epilepsy who are in remission, and to assess which variables modify the risk of seizure recurrence. For the latest update, on 8 November 2021, we searched: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web), MEDLINE (Ovid), and SCOPUS. There were no language restrictions. CRS Web includes randomized or quasi-randomized, controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), CENTRAL, and the Specialized Registers of Cochrane Review Groups including Epilepsy. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated withdrawal of AEDs in a rapid or slow tapering after varying periods of seizure control in people with epilepsy. Two review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data. The outcomes assessed included seizure freedom after one, two, or five years of AED withdrawal; time to recurrence of seizure following withdrawal; occurrence of status epilepticus; mortality; morbidity due to seizure, such as injuries, fractures, and aspiration pneumonia; and quality of life (assessed by validated scale). There are two included studies in this review. One study randomized 57 children with epilepsy with seizure freedom for at least two years to taper down the AED over one or six months. The study was not blinded and there were no details of randomization. Over the period of 54 months of follow-up, 20/30 participants in the one-month group remained seizure-free compared to 15/27 participants in the six-month group (no evidence of a difference). There was no information on time of seizure recurrence for each group to allow a comparison. The other study involved 149 children. There was a non-significant trend towards a lower risk of seizure recurrence after one year of AED withdrawal in participants allocated to slow tapering (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 1.01; P = 0.06; very low-certainty evidence). At the end of two years, 30 participants were seizure free in the rapid-tapering group and 29 participants in the slow-tapering group (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.29; P = 0.48; very low-certainty evidence). At the end of five years, 10 participants were seizure free in the rapid-tapering group and six participants in the slow-tapering group (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.65; P = 0.49; very low-certainty evidence). There were no data for the other outcomes. Due to the methodological heterogeneity and the difference in the duration of tapering, we did not perform a quantitative synthesis of these studies. Currently, one Italian trial is ongoing that is investigating if a slow or a rapid withdrawal schedule of AEDs influences return of seizures (relapse) in adults with focal or generalized epilepsy who have been seizure free for at least two years (no preliminary results available). In view of methodological deficiencies, and small sample size of the two included studies, we cannot draw any reliable conclusions regarding the optimal rate of tapering of AEDs. Using GRADE, we assessed the certainty of the evidence as very low for outcomes for which data were available. We judged both studies to be at an overall high risk of bias. Further studies are needed in adults and children to investigate the optimal rate of withdrawal of AEDs and to study the effects of variables such as seizure types, aetiology, intellectual disability, electroencephalography abnormalities, presence of neurological deficits, and other comorbidities on the rate of tapering.

Prediction of seizure recurrence risk following discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs.

ObjectiveDiscontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in seizure‐free patients is an important goal because of possible long‐term side effects and the social stigma burden of epilepsy. The purpose of this work was to assess seizure recurrence risk after suspension of AEDs, to evaluate predictors for recurrence, and to investigate the recovery of seizure control after relapse. In addition, the accuracy of a previously published prediction model of seizure recurrence risk was estimated.MethodsSeizure‐free patients with epilepsy who had discontinued AEDs were retrospectively enrolled. The frequency of seizure relapses after AED withdrawal as well as prognosis after recurrence were assessed and the predictive role of baseline clinical‐demographic variables was evaluated. The aforementioned prediction model was also validated and its accuracy assessed at different seizure‐relapse probability levels.ResultsThe enrolled patients (n = 133) had been followed for a median of 3 years (range 0.8–33 years) after AED discontinuation; 60 (45%) of them relapsed. Previous febrile seizures in childhood (hazard ratio [HR] 3.927; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.403–10.988), a seizure‐free period on therapy of less than 2 years (HR 2.313; 95% CI 1.193–4.486), and persistent motor deficits (HR 4.568; 95% CI 1.412–14.772) were the clinical features associated with relapse risk in univariate analysis. Among these variables, only a seizure‐free period on therapy of less than 2 years was associated with seizure recurrence in multivariate analysis (HR 2.365; 95% CI 1.178–4.7444). Pharmacological control of epilepsy was restored in 82.4% of the patients who relapsed. In this population, the aforementioned prediction model showed an unsatisfactory accuracy.SignificanceA period of freedom from seizure on therapy of less than 2 years was the main predictor of seizure recurrence. The accuracy of the previously described prediction tool was low in this cohort, thus suggesting its cautious use in real‐world clinical practice.

The role of brain magnetic resonance imaging on the timing of antiepileptic drugs withdrawal following mesial temporal lobe epilepsy surgery.

Objectives:To assess the influence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings on the timing of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) withdrawal following anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from Jan, 2004 – Dec, 2017 of patients with MTLE who underwent ATL and included patients who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. We evaluated the association between the time required to start tapering and discontinuing AEDs after ATL in patients with Engel class I outcomes and their preoperative brain MRI.Results:We studied 64 patients who underwent ATL. The majority of patients (63%) had hippocampal sclerosis (HS) on histopathology. Following ATL, the mean time to start tapering AEDs was 10 months and AEDs were discontinued at a mean of 48 months. Abnormal brain MRI was observed in 53 (83%) patients, with findings suggestive of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) accounting for 75% of these abnormalities. The presence of any MRI abnormality was associated with a 10-month earlier tapering of AEDs (p<0.01), and an 18-month earlier complete withdrawal of AEDs (p<0.01). The odds of being seizure-free within the first year were higher if MTS was present in the brain MRI (adjusted OR=16). Similarly, this was associated with seizure freedom after the first year (adjusted OR=14.8, p<0.01). The presence of unilateral temporal IEDs on preoperative EEG were also associated with earlier tapering and discontinuation of AEDs as well as a seizure-free state after ATL surgery (OR=8.5 and 4.2, for the first and second year respectively, p<0.01).Conclusion:Patients with abnormal MRI findings and unilateral IEDs had earlier tapering of AEDs with an overall shorter AED discontinuation plan. Moreover, the presence of MTS on MRI, along with unilateral IEDs, were predictors of seizure freedom following ATL.

Discontinuation of preventive antiepileptic drugs in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

BackgroundThe risk factors for seizures in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) stroke and the effect of seizure prevention by anticonvulsant are not well understood. Limited studies have investigated the risk of seizure after discontinuing antiepileptic drugs in patients with ICH. This study aimed to investigate the role of valproic acid (VA) for seizure prevention and to access the risk of seizure after anticonvulsant withdrawal in patients with spontaneous ICH.MethodsBetween 2013 and 2015, 177 patients with ICH were enrolled in this 3-year retrospective study. Seizures were classified as early seizure (first seizure within 1 week of ICH), delayed seizure (first seizure after 1 week), and late seizure (any seizure after 1 week). Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline clinical factors and late seizures between study periods. VA was prescribed or discontinued based on the decision of the physician in charge.ResultsSeizures occurred in 24 patients, including early seizure in 6.78% (12/177) of the patients, delayed seizure in 7.27% (12/165) of the patients without early seizure, and late seizure in 9.60% (17/177) of the patients. Most seizures occurred within the first year. Binary logistic regression analysis showed ICH with cortex involvement as the independent risk factor for seizures. VA did not decrease the risk of seizures. Patients with ICH with cortical involvement using anticonvulsants for longer than 3 months did not have a decreased risk of seizures (odds ratio 1.86, 95% CI: 0.43–8.05).ConclusionsSpontaneous ICH with cortex involvement is the risk factor for seizure. Most seizures occurred within 1 year after stroke onset over a 3-year follow up. Discontinuation of antiepileptic drug within 3 months in patients does not increase the risk of seizure.

Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in adults with epilepsy

SUMMARYPatients with epilepsy who have been free of seizures for at least two years may be able to stop their antiepileptic drugs. Discontinuation may be considered after an individualised harm–benefit assessment and consultation with a neurologist is recommended.It is paramount to discuss with patients whether the risk of seizure recurrence is worth the benefit of stopping the antiepileptic drug.The risk of seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drugs are discontinued depends on the epilepsy syndrome and a number of other risk factors. Approximately 30–50% of patients will relapse.If seizures recur, the majority of patients regain seizure control when treatment is resumed. However up to 20% do not achieve immediate remission.

Recurrence of Epilepsy and Related Risk Factors after the Discontinuation of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children: A 10-Year Single-Center Study

Recurrence of Epilepsy and Related Risk Factors after the Discontinuation of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children: A 10-Year Single-Center Study

Association Between Adverse Events and Discontinuation of Antiepileptic Drugs Among Drug-Naïve Adults with Epilepsy.

BackgroundAdherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remains the primary management tool to prevent recurrent seizures in patients with epilepsy. Adverse events associated with AEDs could have an impact on adherence and result in treatment failures.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to assess the association between adverse events and discontinuation of AEDs for AED-naïve patients with epilepsy. Our second objective was to estimate the economic burden of AED discontinuation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed IBM MarketScan administrative data from 2014 to 2017. The cohort consisted of new users of AEDs with an epilepsy diagnosis and with two or more subsequent AED claims. Outpatient and inpatient cohorts were analyzed separately. Adverse events were identified by injury codes (E-CODES) or by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Edition (ICD-9/10) codes for disease manifestations reported in the literature or product inserts (LADE). Discontinuation of AEDs was defined as a gap of ≥ 60 days without a refill. All cost comparisons were based on 1:1 propensity-score matching. Associations between adverse events and discontinuation were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for predefined covariates such as age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, insurance type, and AED type.ResultsThe overall discontinuation rate was 9% (E-CODES rate was 0.1% and LADE rate was 27%). The discontinued group was older (56.1 vs. 52.8 years; p < 0.0001). Adults aged ≥ 65 years had the highest discontinuation rate (11%). Patients who discontinued had fewer AED claims (6.8 vs. 9.2; p < 0.0001), more outpatient claims (19.3 vs. 17.8; p < 0.0001), and longer hospital stays (6.6 vs. 5.3 days; p < 0.0001). Differences in daily outpatient costs between patients with and without adverse events were statistically significant (E-CODES $US213 vs. 105; p = 0.001; LADE $US188 vs. 161; p < 0.0001). Additionally, total cost of AEDs in the outpatient cohort was higher for patients with adverse events (E-CODES and LADE). There was no association between E-CODES and AED discontinuation; however, there was a positive association between LADE and discontinuation in the outpatient cohort but a negative association in the inpatient cohort.ConclusionWe found that total costs of prescriptions claimed and total costs of outpatient visits among the outpatient cohort were higher for those with adverse drug events than for those without. An association between adverse events and discontinuation was inconclusive because it depended on the target population and how the adverse events were identified.

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Epilepsy.

Psychiatric comorbidities are close to 5-times higher in children and youth with epilepsy (CYE) compared to general population. With epilepsy being one of the most common neurological disorders in children, we provide a timely review of psychiatric issues in CYE. A meta-analysis found a pooled prevalence of anxiety in 18.9% and depression in 13.5% of CYE. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 2.5 to 5.5 times higher in CYE compared to healthy counterparts. Recent evidence highlights that behavioral adverse effects may lead to discontinuation of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in more than 10% of CYE. Up to 70% CYE shows elevation in baseline psychological symptoms after AED initiation. Identifying psychiatric symptoms can be easily accomplished by the routine use of psychiatric screening instruments in CYE clinics, which is associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Psychoeducation is a key component for any visit with CYE. There is some evidence of the effectiveness of behavioral psychological interventions for CYE. There are no therapeutic trials of psychotropics in CYE, but treatment recommendations based on the experience in adults with epilepsy and general population are applicable. Early diagnosis and management of psychiatric comorbidities leads to improvement in HRQOL of CYE. This requires routine screening and a multidisciplinary teamwork.

Psychotic disorders as an adverse effect of levetiracetam or discontinuation of mood stabilising drugs

Patients using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) suffer from relatively common adverse effects manifested by psychotic and behavioural disorders. This is particularly true in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders and using levetiracetam. This has important therapeutic implications because very often discontinuation of AED is the only available option. Simultaneous use of mood-stabilising AEDs reduces this risk; however, too rapid withdrawal of such AEDs can also induce psychotic symptoms. We present four cases of epilepsy patients who experienced psychiatric disorders induced by LEV. In one of them, they occurred after adding LEV to the treatment; in two – after discontinuation of a mood-stabiliser; and in one both modifications were made simultaneously. Our cases show that LEV-induced behavioural disorders are dose-dependent and do not always require discontinuation of the drug. This seems to be justified by good seizure control ensured by the use of LEV, and using mood-stabiliser reduces LEV adverse effects.

Characterization and Outcomes of Epileptic Seizures in Mexican Pediatric Patients With Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis.

IntroductionAnti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is one of the most common autoimmune encephalitides. The frequency of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is known to exceed the frequency of any individual viral encephalitis in young subjects. Epileptic seizures are a cardinal symptom in anti-NMDAR encephalitis; a significant amount of pediatric patients exhibit seizures as the first symptom of the disease, and most of them will develop them during the acute phase. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a cornerstone of the treatment of these patients, but the choice of agent and duration of treatment is currently unknown.Materials and methodsThis was a single-center retrospective review case series of all pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and epileptic seizures admitted to the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City from January 2012 to July 2019.ResultsWe included a total of 31 patients (males 64.5%, median age: 10 years). No patient showed evidence of teratoma; only 38% of cases had a viral prodrome. Most patients initially exhibited psychiatric symptoms (51%), but the leading cause in soliciting medical assistance was the presence of epileptic seizures (71%). About 85% of patients presented epileptic seizures during the course of the illness, predominantly focal onset seizures (42% focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, 32% focal seizures with impaired awareness). Electroencephalogram (EEG) was abnormal in 97% of patients; the characteristic extreme delta brush pattern was found in 9% of patients. Two AEDs on average were required to control seizures during the acute stage. In six (19%) patients, human herpesvirus (HHV) was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); all of them had epileptic seizures, which were more resistant to pharmacological treatment during the acute phase, requiring a higher number of AED (median 2.5 vs. 2). The development of epilepsy after acute encephalitis was uncommon; at 24 months, only one patient continued to have epileptic seizures. One of the factors most closely related to the persistence of epileptic seizures was the inadequate response to immunotherapy after four weeks. The functional prognosis was generally good; at a two-year follow-up, only two (10%) patients had a significant disability [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score: 3-5]; both patients had seizures at a one-year follow-up.ConclusionsSustained use of AEDs after the acute phase of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is controversial. We found that the continuation of AEDs after the acute phase could be considered in the following scenarios: status epilepticus (SE), inadequate response to immunotherapy at four weeks, and a high mRS score at discharge and during follow-up. In other cases, discontinuation of AED may be warranted. More studies are needed in our country to replicate these results.

Rapid versus slow withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs.

The ideal objective of treating a person with epilepsy is to induce remission (free of seizures for some time) using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and withdraw the AEDs without causing seizure recurrence. Prolonged usage of AEDs may have long-term adverse effects. Hence, when a person with epilepsy is in remission, it is logical to attempt to discontinue the medication. The timing of withdrawal and the mode of withdrawal arise while contemplating withdrawal of AEDs. This review examines the evidence for the rate of withdrawal of AEDs (whether rapid or slow tapering) and its effect on seizure recurrence. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in 2006, Issue 2. To quantify risk of seizure recurrence after rapid (tapering period of three months or less) or slow (tapering period of more than three months) discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in adults and children with epilepsy who are in remission, and to assess which variables modify the risk of seizure recurrence. For the latest update, on 9 April 2019, we searched: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web, which includes the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov), MEDLINE (Ovid; 8 April 2019), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and SCOPUS. There were no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials that evaluate withdrawal of AEDs in a rapid or slow tapering after varying periods of seizure control in people with epilepsy. Review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data. The outcomes assessed included seizure freedom after one, two, or five years of AED withdrawal; time to recurrence of seizure following withdrawal; occurrence of status epilepticus; mortality; morbidity due to seizure, such as injuries, fractures, and aspiration pneumonia; and quality of life (assessed by validated scale). In this review update, we have included one new study. The new study randomized 57 children with epilepsy with seizure freedom for at least two years to taper the AED during over one or six months. The study was not blinded and there were no details of randomization. Over the period of 54 months of follow-up, 20/30 participants in the one-month group remained seizure-free compared to 15/27 participants in the six-month group (no evidence of a difference). There was no information on time of seizure recurrence for each group to allow a comparison. One trial had already been included in the previous version of the review; it involved 149 children. There was a non-significant trend toward a lower risk of seizure recurrence after one year of AED withdrawal in participants allocated to slow tapering (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 1.01; P= 0.06; very low-certainty evidence). At the end of two years, 30 participants were seizure free in the rapid-tapering group and 29 participants in the slow-tapering group (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.29; P = 0.48; very low-certainty evidence). At the end of five years, 10 participants were seizure free in the rapid-tapering group and six participants in the slow-tapering group (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.65; P = 0.49; very low-certainty evidence). There were no data for the other outcomes. Due to the methodological heterogeneity and the difference in the duration of tapering we did not perform a quantitative synthesis of these studies. Since the last version of this review was published, we found one new pediatric study. In view of methodological deficiencies, and small sample size of the two included studies, we cannot draw any reliable conclusions regarding the optimal rate of tapering of AEDs. Using GRADE, we assessed the certainty of the evidence as very low for outcomes for which data were available. We judged both studies to be at high risk of bias. Further studies are needed in adults and children to investigate the optimal rate of withdrawal of AEDs and to study the effects of variables such as seizure types, etiology, mental retardation, electroencephalography abnormalities, presence of neurologic deficits, and other comorbidities on the rate of tapering.

Factors associated with seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drug withdrawal

In seizure-free patients, there are difficulties in deciding to discontinue treatment and optimal timing of withdrawal. We aimed to investigate the disease characteristics associated with recurrence of seizures after discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), as well as the factors affecting the time to seizure recurrence. Patients with epilepsy who had seizure recurrence after withdrawing AED treatment for at least 2 years of the seizure-free period included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Of the 107 patients included, time to recurrence of seizures after AED withdrawal was 18 (1-188) months. Univariate cox regression analysis showed that later onset of epilepsy, older age at AED withdrawal, discontinuation of treatment by the patient, and shorter AED withdrawal periods were associated with recurrence (p=0.041, p=0.028, p

Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome: Outcomes from a vicious circle.

Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome: Outcomes from a vicious circle.

Epilepsy in Guinea: The experience of a free consultation

Purpose to characterize people with epilepsy (PWE) presenting to a free neurology consultation and antiepileptic drug (AED) service in the Republic of Guinea. Guinea is a low-income country in West Africa that recently experienced an Ebola Virus Disease epidemic. Community-dwelling PWE were seen at a public referral hospital in Conakry, the capital city. During two visits in 2017, an African-U.S. team performed structured interviews and electroencephalograms and provided AEDs. Results Of 257 participants (143 children, 122 female), 25% had untreated epilepsy and 75% met our criteria for poorly controlled epilepsy. 59% had >100 lifetime seizures and 58% reported a history consistent with status epilepticus. 38 school-aged children were not in school and 26 adults were unemployed. 115 were not currently taking an AED, including 50 participants who had previously taken an AED and stopped. Commonly cited reasons for AED discontinuation were perceived side effects, unaffordability, and unavailability of AEDs. Traditional medicine use was more frequent among children versus adults (92/143 vs. 60/114, p = .048). 57 participants had head injuries, 29 had burns, and 18 had fractures. In a multivariable regression analysis, >100 lifetime seizure count was strongly associated with seizure-related injury (p < .001). Burns were more likely to occur among females (p = .02). There is an urgent need to improve the standard of care for PWE in Guinea. Several missed opportunities were identified, including low use of AEDs and high use of traditional medicines, particularly in children. Targeted programs should be developed to prevent unintentional injury and improve seizure control.

Epilepsy in Guinea: The experience of a free consultation

Purpose to characterize people with epilepsy (PWE) presenting to a free neurology consultation and antiepileptic drug (AED) service in the Republic of Guinea. Guinea is a low-income country in West Africa that recently experienced an Ebola Virus Disease epidemic. Community-dwelling PWE were seen at a public referral hospital in Conakry, the capital city. During two visits in 2017, an African-U.S. team performed structured interviews and electroencephalograms and provided AEDs. Of 257 participants (143 children, 122 female), 25% had untreated epilepsy and 75% met our criteria for poorly controlled epilepsy. 59% had >100 lifetime seizures and 58% reported a history consistent with status epilepticus. 38 school-aged children were not in school and 26 adults were unemployed. 115 were not currently taking an AED, including 50 participants who had previously taken an AED and stopped. Commonly cited reasons for AED discontinuation were perceived side effects, unaffordability, and unavailability of AEDs. Traditional medicine use was more frequent among children versus adults (92/143 vs. 60/114, p = .048). 57 participants had head injuries, 29 had burns, and 18 had fractures. In a multivariable regression analysis, >100 lifetime seizure count was strongly associated with seizure-related injury (p < .001). Burns were more likely to occur among females (p = .02). There is an urgent need to improve the standard of care for PWE in Guinea. Several missed opportunities were identified, including low use of AEDs and high use of traditional medicines, particularly in children. Targeted programs should be developed to prevent unintentional injury and improve seizure control.

Risk factors for recurrence after drug withdrawal in childhood epilepsy

BackgroundSeveral studies have been conducted to determine the risk of recurrence after withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in recent years. There is no consensus concerning the circumstances affecting discontinuation of AEDs. This study was designed to determine the recurrence rate of epilepsy after withdrawal of AEDs and the risk factors related with recurrence. MethodsChildren with epilepsy onset between 1 month and 16 years of age who were followed up at least 3 years after AED treatment withdrawal were enrolled. Patients were classified into groups according to defined risk factors for recurrence. ResultsA total of 284 patients, 137 (48.2%) girls and 147 (51.8%) boys were included, and seizures recurred after withdrawal in 51 patients (18%). Thirty-three (64.7%) patients had recurrence in the first year after withdrawal. The recurrence risk was calculated based on the electro-clinical syndromes classification; the recurrence risk was the highest in the juvenile myoclonic/absence group and lowest in the benign infantile seizure group. No recurrence was observed in the infantile spasm group. Data evaluated by multivariable analysis showed that having the structural-metabolic and unknown epilepsy and <3 years seizure free period before withdrawal of AEDs were the main risk factors for recurrence after AED withdrawal in our study. ConclusionWe suggest a seizure-free period of at least 3 years under AED medication and we must be cautious in patients with structural-metabolic and unknown epilepsy before AED withdrawal.

A Case of Early Discontinuation of Antiepileptic Drugs for Psychiatric Comorbidity after Epilepsy Surgery

A Case of Early Discontinuation of Antiepileptic Drugs for Psychiatric Comorbidity after Epilepsy Surgery