Epilepsy Clinic Research Articles

Felbamate for pediatric epilepsy-should we keep on using it as the last resort?

IntroductionConcerns regarding felbamate adverse effects restrict its widespread use in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of felbamate in those children and identify the ones who may benefit most from its use.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical files of all patients who were treated with felbamate in a tertiary pediatric epilepsy clinic between 2009–2021. Drug efficacy was determined at the first 3 months of treatment and thereafter. Therapeutic response and adverse reactions were monitored throughout the course of treatment.ResultsOur study included 75 children (age 8.9 ± 3.7 years), of whom 53 were treated with felbamate for seizures, 16 for electrical status epilepticus during sleep and 6 for both. The median follow-up time was 16 months (range 1–129 months). The most common cause for epilepsy was genetic (29%). The median number of previous anti-seizure medications was six [4–8]. A therapeutic response ≥50% was documented in 37 (51%) patients, and a complete response in 9 (12%). Nineteen patients (25%) sustained adverse reactions, including three cases of elevated liver enzymes and one case of neutropenia with normal bone marrow aspiration. In all cases, treatment could be continued. All children with intractable epilepsy following herpes encephalitis showed a response to felbamate.ConclusionFelbamate is an efficacious and safe anti-seizure medication in the pediatric population.

High Prevalence of Glaucoma among Patients in an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area (Mahenge, Tanzania).

Onchocerciasis is known to cause skin lesions and blindness, but there is also epidemiological evidence that onchocerciasis is associated with epilepsy, including nodding syndrome. We carried out ocular exams in persons with epilepsy in Mahenge, an onchocerciasis endemic area with a high prevalence of epilepsy in Tanzania. We recruited 278 consecutive persons with epilepsy attending the epilepsy clinic at Mahenge hospital and satellite clinics in rural villages. They underwent a general physical and a detailed ocular examination and were tested for onchocerciasis Ov16 IgG4 antibodies. Glaucoma was defined by a raised intraocular pressure above 21 mmHg with evidence of typical glaucomatous disc changes in one or both eyes. Among the 278 participants, median age 27 (IQR 21–38) years, 55.4% were female; 151/210 (71.9%) (95% CI: 65.3–77.9) were Ov16 positive. The most frequent ophthalmic lesions were glaucoma (33.1%), vitreous opacities (6.5%) and cataracts (2.9%). In multivariate analysis, glaucoma (adjusted IRR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.24–1.70) and age (adjusted IRR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) were significantly associated with onchocerciasis. In conclusion, a high prevalence of glaucoma was observed among Ov16 positive persons with epilepsy. Persons with epilepsy with O. volvulus infection should undergo screening for glaucoma to prevent one of the causes of preventable blindness.

Low apparent temperature increases the number of epilepsy-related clinic visits in a humid subtropical region: a time-series study

Background. At present, the effect of apparent temperature (AT) on epilepsy has not been confirmed. Therefore, we conducted this study in Hefei, China, a city in a humid subtropical region, to investigate the effects of AT on the daily number of epilepsy-related clinic visits. Methods. A time-series analysis of the number of daily epilepsy clinic visits during 2015–2020 was performed using a quasi-Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM). Time trends, days of the week, relative humidity, and PM2.5 concentration were adjusted for in the model. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex and age. Results. A total of 28,020 epilepsy-related clinic visits were reported by the hospital during the study period. Low AT showed significant negative and delayed effects on the number of epilepsy clinic visits, but no such effects were observed with high AT. The median apparent temperature (17 °C) was used as the reference, and the single-day lag effect of low AT (5th percentile, −1.5 °C) on the number of epilepsy clinic visits peaked on lag day 1, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.055 (95% CI: 1.015–1.097). The cumulative effect of low AT was most obvious on lag days 0–12, with a maximum RR of 1.451 (95% CI: 1.180–1.783). Males and young adults (0–14 years and 15–29 years) were more likely to be affected by low AT. Conclusions. We found that low AT led to an increase in the number of epilepsy-related clinic visits. This result provides an important scientific basis for the allocation of outpatient medical resources and the development of interventions.

Improving Access to Advanced Diagnostics and Therapies for Children Diagnosed with Drug Resistant Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic Model in Ontario, Canada

Improving Access to Advanced Diagnostics and Therapies for Children Diagnosed with Drug Resistant Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic Model in Ontario, Canada

Evaluation of clinical and electroencephalographic findings in patients with early childhood epilepsy and inborn errors of metabolism

Epilepsy is one of the leading chronic diseases of childhood, and an underlying IEM is an etiology that can easily be overlooked. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of metabolic disease in patients diagnosed with epilepsy in the first two years of life, as well as to determine the clinical, radiological, and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of the metabolic disease subtypes associated with epilepsy and evaluate treatment response in our study. The records of patients diagnosed with epilepsy before the age of 2years in our pediatric neurology clinic between 2014 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Those diagnosed with an IEM and followed up in the pediatric neurology and pediatric metabolism departments of our hospital were included in the study. A total of 990 patients under the age of 2years were diagnosed with epilepsy in the pediatric neurology clinic of our hospital and 74 (7.5%) of them had IEM. Thirty-nine (52.7%) of the 74 patients were female. The median age at admission was 144days (min-max: 0-284). Of the 74 patients diagnosed with metabolic epilepsy, 38 patients were diagnosed with amino acid metabolism disorder, 17 with lysosomal storage disease, 9 with energy metabolism disorder, 5 with vitamin/cofactor/trace element metabolism disorders, 2 with fatty acid metabolism disorder, 2 with peroxisomal disease, and 1 with carbohydrate metabolism disorder. Epilepsy was refractory despite appropriate treatment in 39 patients (52.7%). Inborn errors of metabolism are a rare cause of epilepsy, in regions like our country with high rates of consanguineous marriage, IEM should be considered in patients presenting with seizures that do not respond to conventional antiepileptic treatments.

An Analysis of Phenotype and Genotype in a Large Cohort of Chinese Children with Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder, but there has been limited analysis of a large cohort of Chinese children with Angelman syndrome. This study aims to assess the phenotype and genotype of Chinese children with Angelman syndrome. We retrospectively analyzed data through a detailed online survey combined with an on-site study. Furthermore, phenotype analysis stratified by deletion and non-deletion groups was carried out. The responses of family members of 695 individuals with AS revealed that 577 patients (83.02%) had maternal deletions, 65 patients (9.35%) carried UBE3A mutations, 31 (4.46%) patients had UPD15pat (one patient with UPD15pat constituted by a mosaic), 10 patients (1.44%) had imprinting defects and 12 (1.58%) patients only showed abnormal methylation without further detection. We identified 50 different pathogenic variants in this cohort, although 18 of these variants were unreported. Recurrent variant c.2507_2510del (p.K836Rfs*4) was found in 7 patients. In the deletion group, patients were diagnosed at an earlier age, had a more severe clinical phenotype, a higher rate of epilepsy with more multiple seizure types, and more frequently combined medication. Strabismus and sleep disturbances were both common in deletion and non-deletion groups. The top three resources invested in caring for AS children are: daily involvement in patient care, rehabilitation cost, and anti-epileptic treatment. Our study showed the genetic composition of Chinese children with 83.02% of maternal deletions, and the mutation spectrum for UBE3A variants was expanded. Developmental outcomes are associated with genotype, and this was confirmed by deletion patients having a worse clinical phenotype and complex epilepsy.

Cognitive impairment in people with epilepsy: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool.

Although cognitive impairment is common in people with epilepsy, it is often neglected in outpatient clinics. MoCA is a simple and reliable test, which was validated for the cognitive screening of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The aim of our study was to evaluate MoCA as a tool for a cognitive screening of people with epilepsy. Our study included 50 people with epilepsy and 46 healthy individuals. All participants took the Slovenian version of the MoCA. Mean age, education and MoCA scores were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference between people with epilepsy and the controls in age (47.6, SD 18.1 vs 50.9, SD 14.0years) or education (12.8, SD 2.8 vs 13.4, SD 2.8years). People with epilepsy had significantly lower total MoCA scores than did the controls (23.3, SD 4.5 vs 27.5, SD 1.9 points; p < 0.001). People with epilepsy achieved a lower score in several cognitive domains compared to the control group. MoCA can be used as an appropriate screening tool for cognitive impairment in people with epilepsy in the outpatient clinic. For a more accurate evaluation, neuropsychological assessments should be used.

Effects of long-term supplementation of probiotics on cognitive function and emotion in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders are very common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). These comorbidities complicate the treatment of epilepsy and seriously affect the quality of life. So far, there is still no effective intervention to prevent the development of epilepsy-associated comorbidities. Gut dysbiosis has been recognized to be involved in the pathology of epilepsy development. Modulating gut microbiota by probiotics has shown an antiseizure effect on humans and animals with epilepsy. Whether this treatment strategy has a positive effect on epilepsy-associated comorbidities remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively assess the effect of probiotics on cognitive function and neuropsychiatric performance of patients with TLE. Participants enrolled in an epilepsy clinic were randomly assigned to the probiotic and placebo groups. These two groups were treated with probiotics or placebo for 12 weeks, and then the cognitive function and psychological performance of participants were assessed. We enrolled 76 participants in this study, and 70 subjects were finally included in the study (35 in the probiotics group and 35 in the placebo group). Our results showed significant seizure reduction in patients with TLE treated with probiotics. No significant differences were observed on cognitive function (including intelligence and memory) between groups. For neuropsychiatric performances, supplementation of probiotics significantly decreased the Hamilton Anxiety Rating and Depression Scale scores and increased the 89-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory score in patients with TLE. In conclusion, probiotics have a positive impact on seizures control, and improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with TLE.

Transition from pediatric to adult care among patients with epilepsy: Cross-sectional surveys of experts and patients in Korea.

ObjectivesMany pediatric patients with epilepsy require treatment beyond the pediatric age. These patients require transition to an adult epilepsy center. Currently, many centers worldwide run epilepsy transition programs. However, a standardized protocol does not exist in Korea. The basic data required to establish a transition program are also unavailable. We aimed to assess the status and perceptions of patients and epilepsy care providers on transition.MethodsTo assess the status of epilepsy transition, we retrospectively collected data from patients with epilepsy older than 18 years who visited our pediatric epilepsy clinic between March 1990 and July 2019. To assess the perception of transition, we surveyed patients, parents, pediatric neurologists (PN), and adult epileptologists (AE).ResultsIn a retrospective chart review, 39 of 267 (14.6%) patients visited the adult epilepsy clinic after consulting a pediatric neurologist, and three patients returned to the pediatric center. The average patient age at transition was 23.29 ± 5.10 years. A total of 94 patients or their guardians and 100 experts participated in the survey. About half of the patients or guardians (44.7%) did not want to transition and emotional dependence was the commonest reason. Most patients (52.1%) thought that the appropriate age of transition was above 20 years. PNs had greater concerns about patients' compliance than AEs. Regarding the age of transition, AEs believed that a younger age (18 years) was more appropriate than PNs (20 years).SignificanceThis study describes difficulties in the transition from pediatric to adult epilepsy centers without appropriate support. There were differences in perspectives among patients, parents, and adult and pediatric epilepsy care providers. This study can assist in creating a standardized protocol in Korea.

Measuring of Non-Adherence of Epilepsy Patients to their Medication and its Relationship to their Beliefs about the Disease, and the Frequency of Seizures: A Comparative Study between Epilepsy Patients in Saudi Arabia and Egypt

Background: Medication adherence and believes are crucial to achieving the desired goal of therapy in epileptic patient. Anti-epileptic drugs (AED) are the primary therapeutic modes for epileptic patients and have been demonstrated to control seizure, which decreases morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy. Our aim is assessment of patient’s non-adherence to anti-epileptic drugs among Saudis and Egyptians, and evaluation of the association between patient beliefs about the disease and the frequency of seizures. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out using online questionnaire among patients with epilepsy in neurology clinics either in Saudi Arabia (KSA) or Egypt. Medication adherence was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire which was designed by the authors with reference to relevant literature. The questionnaire includes patients’ socio-demographic, types, and causes of epilepsy, causes of poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs and belief of patients about epilepsy. All variables were calculated using frequencies and percentages. Results: The prevalence of non-adherence was high among epileptic Saudi patients (52.3%) compared to Egyptians (36.6%). It was reported that older age, female gender, high educational level, high family income significantly increased the patient adherence to AED, while marital and employment status didn’t. Many factors causing poor adherence were forgetfulness, polypharmacy, medication complexity, feeling bad or better which more pronounced among Saudis than Egyptians. Conclusion: Evaluation of medication adherence and improvement of the belief about the importance of medication and identification of factors affecting adherence to treatment is mandatory to reduce seizure frequency, so we recommend educational programs to enhance the patients’ belief about their medication to improve medication adherence presented by the healthcare providers. Keyword: Anti-epileptic drug, Medication adherence, Patients' beliefs, Saudi Arabia, Egypt.

Epilepsy research in Africa: A scoping review by the ILAE Pediatric Commission Research Advocacy Task Force.

Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in Africa, evaluation of epilepsy research trends on the continent is lacking. Without establishing effective research, improvement in care for people with epilepsy cannot be effectively strategized or targeted. A scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature on epilepsy from Africa (1989-2019) was conducted. The aim was to understand from this what areas are well researched versus underresearched based on published epilepsy topics. A total of 1227 publications were identified and assessed. A significant increase in publications occurred over the 30 years assessed. African author leadership was evident in most reports. Nine countries had >50 publications identified; the remaining 45 countries had <50 or no publications. Research studies were typically of lower quality (case series and observational studies). Research themes were more focused on clinical epilepsy (descriptive observational studies) and social aspects (qualitative surveys). However, there were a number of unique and strong themes, specifically for neurocysticercosis and nodding syndrome, where strong research collaborations were evident, basic science understandings were explored, and interventional models were established. Despite Africa being the continent with the most countries, it is lacking in the quantity, quality, and for some areas, relevance of research on epilepsy. Targeted approaches are needed to upskill the strength of research undertaken with more basic science, interventional, and randomized controlled studies. Themes of research need to promote those with unique African content but also to align with current international research areas that have impact on care delivery, such as epilepsy surgery and epilepsy genetics. For this to be possible, it is important to strengthen research hubs with collaborations that empower Africa to own its epilepsy research journey.

Predictive modeling of suicidal ideation in patients with epilepsy.

The prevalence of suicide in the United States has seen an increasing trend and is responsible for 1.6% of all mortality nationwide. Although suicide has the potential to broadly impact the entire population, it has a substantially increased prevalence in persons with epilepsy (PWE), despite many of these individuals consistently seeing a health care provider. The goal of this work is to predict the development of suicidal ideation (SI) in PWE using machine learning methodology such that providers can be better prepared to address suicidality at visits where it is likely to be prominent. The current study leverages data collected at an epilepsy clinic during patient visits to predict whether an individual will exhibit SI at their next visit. The data used for prediction consisted of patient responses to questions about the severity of their epilepsy, issues with memory/concentration, somatic problems, markers for mental health, and demographic information. A machine learning approach was then applied to predict whether an individual would display SI at their following visit using only data collected at the prior visit. The modeling approach allowed for the successful prediction of an individual's passive and active SI severity at the following visit (r=.42, r=.39) as well as the presence of SI regardless of severity (area under the curve [AUC]=.82, AUC=.8). This shows that the model was successfully able to synthesize the unique combination of an individual's responses to important questions during a clinical visit and utilize that information to indicate whether that individual will exhibit SI at their next visit. The results of this modeling approach allow the health care team to be prepared, in advance of a clinical visit, for the potential reporting of SI. By allowing the necessary support to be prepared ahead of time, it can be better integrated at the point of care, where patients are most likely to follow up on potential referrals or treatment.

The Cost Analysis of a 7-Year Cross-Section of Patients with Epilepsy in a Single-Center Child Neurology Outpatient Clinic: A Descriptive Retrospective Analysis

AbstractThe cost analysis of the 7-year cross-section of the patients in pediatric neurology outpatient clinic including patients with foreign nationality was investigated retrospectively. Between January 10, 2013 and January 10, 2020, the total number of applicants, the nationalities of the patients, and the hospital cost were analyzed. Of 3,338 patients, aged between 0 and 20 years with mean age of 8.7 years at admission to the child neurology had received 17,476 clinical examinations. Of these, 51.6% were male and 93.5% cases were Turkish patients (n = 3,122), with 6.5% foreign nationals (n = 216). There was no difference in terms of gender between nationalities (p &gt; 0.05). The total cost of cases with epilepsy was 1,312,427.73 Turkish Lira (TRY) and 6.2% account belonged to foreign nationals, mostly from Iraq (3.6%, n = 119) and Syria (2.4%, n = 80). The highest proportion of foreigner admissions due to epilepsy was in 2018 (11.1%). Mean average of health expenditures for foreign nationals diagnosed with epilepsy was 6.2% with the highest expenditure in 2019 (27.750,06 TRY). The proportion of admissions for epilepsy was 27.6% (17,476/63,173) among all neurological admissions. The proportion of Turkish patients was 25.6% (6,181/63,173), and 3.8% (1,295/3,398) accounted for foreigners' admissions. The proportion of total epilepsy costs compared with the total neurological admissions was 30% (1.312.427,73 TRY/4.347.592,80 TRY) and among them, the expenditure proportion for epilepsy in Turkish patients compared with that of total foreigner admissions was 3.9% (80.416,44 TRY/201.490,515 TRY). Expenditures for evaluating of epileptic children with foreign nationality cover an average of 6.5% of the entire section of the health expenditures made for patients with the diagnosis of epilepsy in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic over the 7-year period. Epilepsy accounts for 30% admissions among all neurological admissions with 3.9% belonging to foreign national admissions.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on epilepsy care in Japan: A national-level multicenter retrospective cohort study.

ObjectiveThe impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on epilepsy care across Japan was investigated by conducting a multicenter retrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study included monthly data on the frequency of (1) visits by outpatients with epilepsy, (2) outpatient electroencephalography (EEG) studies, (3) telemedicine for epilepsy, (4) admissions for epilepsy, (5) EEG monitoring, and (6) epilepsy surgery in epilepsy centers and clinics across Japan between January 2019 and December 2020. We defined the primary outcome as epilepsy center‐specific monthly data divided by the 12‐month average in 2019 for each facility. We determined whether the COVID‐19 pandemic‐related factors (such as year [2019 or 2020], COVID‐19 cases in each prefecture in the previous month, and a state of emergency) were independently associated with these outcomes.ResultsIn 2020, the frequency of outpatient EEG studies (−10.7%, P < .001) and cases with telemedicine (+2608%, P = .031) were affected. The number of COVID‐19 cases was an independent associated factor for epilepsy admission (−3.75 × 10−3% per case, P < .001) and EEG monitoring (−3.81 × 10−3% per case, P = .004). Furthermore, a state of emergency was an independent factor associated with outpatient with epilepsy (−11.9%, P < .001), outpatient EEG (−32.3%, P < .001), telemedicine for epilepsy (+12,915%, P < .001), epilepsy admissions (−35.3%; P < .001), EEG monitoring (−24.7%: P < .001), and epilepsy surgery (−50.3%, P < .001).SignificanceWe demonstrated the significant impact that the COVID‐19 pandemic had on epilepsy care. These results support those of previous studies and clarify the effect size of each pandemic‐related factor on epilepsy care.

Seizure-related injuries in people with epilepsy: A cohort study from Saudi Arabia.

ObjectivesPatients with epilepsy have a high risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in minimized physical activity and social withdrawal. Therefore, we surveyed the prevalence and the types of injuries that patients with epilepsy may endure, and the factors that may increase the risk of injuries.MethodsIn this cohort study, adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy (age ≥ 7 years) and a close family member (parents/guardian) attending the outpatient epilepsy clinics at King Fahd Medical City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) were interviewed by neurologists. They reviewed the patients' medical records and administered a structured questionnaire to identify and compare several variables, including injury frequency versus seizure type and seizure frequency, number of antiseizure medications used, medication compliance, and work and social limitations.ResultsOut of 200 patients, 86 (43%) sustained injuries during an attack of their habitual seizures. Almost half of this group showed a tendency for recurrent injuries. The most common traumas were soft tissue injury (36.5%), head injury (32%), dental injury (8.5%), burns (7%), dislocation (7%), fractures (6.5%), and submersion (2%). Two‐thirds of the patients had their injury at home. 64% of patients who had seizures for more than 10 years sustained multiple injuries (P = .003). Injury frequency was higher among patients with daily or monthly seizures (P = .03). 76% of patients who suffered injuries more than twice had generalised tonic‐clonic seizures, and genetic generalised epilepsy was encountered more in injured patients (P = .02). Also, patients on polytherapy were more likely than those on monotherapy to have an injury (P = .003).SignificanceTwo‐fifths of the patients reported seizure‐related injuries. The most common were soft‐tissue injuries and head traumas, while homes were the most frequent site. In addition, longer epilepsy duration, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, and polytherapy were associated with a higher prevalence of injuries. Therefore, injury prevention strategies should be developed for PWE, especially for those at higher risk.

A Case Study of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures in a patient with Dependent Personality Disorder

IntroductionPsychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) refer to the dissociative condition which resembles seizures but does not involve epileptic synchronous cortical activity (Huff, 2021). 20% of people visiting epilepsy clinics have PNES (Huff, 2021). Depression, anxiety, and personality disorders predispose towards PNES (Ekanayake, 2018).ObjectivesTo present a case of PNES in a patient with dependent personality disorder (DPD) and to discuss the sociocultural aspects.MethodsA case study.ResultsA 23-years old, married female presented with 20 days history of episodes of ‘falling down, rolling on ground, and involuntary movements of her head.’ The episodes typically lasted from 20-25 minutes. During the episodes, patient closed her eyes but remained conscious and expressed her distress with gestures, and tearfulness was also observed. Her condition improved when she was offered water. The clinical picture of these episodes evolved with time. Her EEG and serum prolactin levels following the episodes were normal. Accordingly, a diagnosis of PNES was made. No acute stressor was present. The patient also fulfilled the criteria of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). During communication with the patient, it appeared that the patient and her attendants perceived the train of questioning as investigational rather than therapeutic. Efforts were made towards a more empathetic understanding of their point of view, and the tailoring of long-term management in accordance with their sociocultural context.ConclusionsThe socio-cultural context is important in the management of PNES and a sensitive, and collaborative approach is recommended. Assessment of personality should be considered in patients presenting with PNES.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Determinants of seizure outcome after resective surgery following stereoelectroencephalography.

The aim of this study was to investigate seizure outcomes after resective epilepsy surgery following stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), including group characteristics, comparing surgical and nonsurgical groups and assess predictors of time to seizure recurrence. Clinical and EEG data of 536 consecutive patients who underwent SEEG at Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center between 2009 and 2017 were reviewed. The primary outcome was defined as complete seizure freedom since the resective surgery, discounting any auras or seizures that occurred within the 1st postoperative week. In addition, the rate of seizure freedom based on Engel classification was determined in patients with follow-up of ≥ 1 year. Presumably significant outcome variables were first identified using univariate analysis, and Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to identify outcome predictors. Of 527 patients satisfying study criteria, 341 underwent resective surgery. Complete and continuous seizure freedom after surgery was achieved in 55.5% of patients at 1 year postoperatively, 44% of patients at 3 years, and 39% of patients at 5 years. As a secondary outcome point, 58% of patients achieved Engel class I seizure outcome for at least 1 year at last follow-up. Among surgical outcome predictors, in multivariate model analysis, the seizure recurrence rate by type of resection (p = 0.039) remained statistically significant, with the lowest risk of recurrence occurring after frontal and temporal lobe resections compared with multilobar and posterior quadrant surgeries. Patients with a history of previous resection (p = 0.006) and bilateral implantations (p = 0.023) were more likely to have seizure recurrence. The absence of an MRI abnormality prior to resective surgery did not significantly affect seizure outcome in this cohort. This large, single-center series shows that resective surgery leads to continuous seizure freedom in a group of patients with complex and severe pharmacoresistant epilepsy after SEEG evaluation. In addition, up to 58% of patients achieved seizure freedom at last follow-up. The authors' results suggest that SEEG is equally effective in patients with frontal and temporal lobe epilepsy with or without MRI identified lesions.

Suicidality in Patients With Epilepsy: Why Should Neurologists Care?

Suicidality is a relatively common comorbidity in patients with epilepsy (PWE). Population-based studies have revealed lifetime prevalence rates of 25% of suicidal ideation (SI). In addition, PWE without comorbid psychiatric disorders has two to three higher risk of committing suicide and this risk increases by 12- to 32-fold in the presence of various psychiatric disorders. Risk factors are multiple and include socio-demographic, genetic, age and gender, and psychiatric comorbidities. Among the latter, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders have been found to be common risk factors for suicidality in PWE, but iatrogenic causes resulting from pharmacotherapy with antiseizure drugs or epilepsy surgery can also cause SI and behavior. Suicidality and epilepsy have a complex bidirectional relation, whereas PWE are at increased risk of suicidality and vice-versa. Common pathogenic mechanisms operant in both conditions may explain this bidirectional relation. SI can be easily identified in outpatient epilepsy clinics with screening instruments and can be treated and thus prevent its escalation to suicidal attempts and completed suicide. The aim of this manuscript is to review these data in detail.

177 Outpatient letter writing in the neurology department

ObjectiveAs a predominantly outpatient-based specialty, neurology clinic letters are a vital, yet often overlooked, communication tool. This study aims to evaluate whether current Neurology outpatient letters in University Hospital of Wales meet the standards suggested by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Professional Records Standards Body.MethodsAn assessment proforma was created based on the standards. A retrospective sample of consult- ant letters from General Neurology, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis outpatient clinics throughout January 2019 were assessed. 2–4 letters were randomly selected from each clinic, aiming for equal numbers of follow-up and new cases.Results187 clinic letters were assessed, from 12 different anonymised consultants. Letters universally achieved ‘mandatory’ PRSB headings, fewer meeting non-mandatory headings. There was a wide variety in style and content, with consultants’ mean word counts ranging from 89 to 537. Turnaround delay between clinic and typing ranged from 0 to 79 days, with 79.7% of letters copied to the patient.ConclusionThough mandatory content was achieved, consistency and clarity often lacked. Present- ing the results at audit meeting prompted much interest and discussion. Many supported implementing a departmental letter structure and exploring reducing turnaround delay to improve the quality and efficiency of outpatient letters.LockFJ@cardiff.ac.uk

Predicting Patient No-Shows in an Academic Pediatric Neurology Clinic.

Background: No-shows can negatively affect patient care. Efforts to predict high-risk patients are needed. Previously, our epilepsy clinic identified patients with 2 or more no-shows or late cancelations in the past 18 months as being at high risk for no-shows. Our objective was to develop a model to accurately predict the risk of no-shows among patients with epilepsy seen at our neurology clinic. Methods: Using electronic health record data, we developed a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-regularized logistic regression model to predict no-shows and compared its performance with our neurology clinic's above-mentioned ad hoc rule. Results: The ad hoc rule identified 13% of patients seen at our neurology clinic as high-risk patients for no-shows and resulted in a positive predictive value of 38%. In comparison, our LASSO model resulted in a positive predictive value of 48%. Our LASSO model identified that lack of private insurance, inactive Epic MyChart, greater past no-show rates, fewer appointment changes before the appointment date, and follow-up appointments were more likely to result in no-shows. Conclusions: Our LASSO model outperformed the ad hoc rule used by our neurology clinic in predicting patients at high risk for no-shows. Social workers can use the no-show risk scores generated by our LASSO model to prioritize high-risk patients for targeted intervention to reduce no-shows at our neurology clinic.