Neurological Disorders In Children Research Articles

Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlate Among Children with Epilepsy at Single-center Study in Oman.

ObjectivesEpilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children and comorbid depression is common. This study aimed to assess the frequency of depressive symptoms along with demographic and clinical factors in children diagnosed with epilepsy in a tertiary care institution in Oman.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2016 and August 2018 and included children (n = 75) aged 6–12 years old attending the epilepsy clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. The cohort constituted of children with epilepsy (CWE) following up at a dedicated unit. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. Associated factors, including history of seizure in the last three months, compliance with antiepileptic medications, and type of epilepsy were also examined.ResultsDepressive symptoms were endorsed in 52.0% of CWE and 96.0% were compliant to medications. Recurrent seizures were present in the last three months among 48.0% of the CWE. The type of epilepsy was significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms.ConclusionsDepression is prevalent among Omani CWE. Certain clinical factors appeared to increase the risk of depression among this population. The findings of this study fill a gap in the existing literature and call for further work aiming to explore possible tailored recognition and CWE.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between fluoride exposure and neurological disorders

Different studies have suggested that fluoride is related to neurological disorders in children and adolescents, but clinical evidences of which neurological parameters associated to fluoride exposure are, in fact, still controversial. In this way, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to show if there is an association between fluoride exposure from different sources, doses and neurological disorders. Terms related to “Humans”; “Central nervous system”; “Fluorides”; and “Neurologic manifestations” were searched in a systematic way on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane and Google Scholar. All studies performed on humans exposed to fluoride were included on the final assessment. A meta-analysis was then performed and the quality level of evidence was performed using the GRADE approach. Our search retrieved 4,024 studies, among which 27 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The main source of fluoride was naturally fluoridated water. Twenty-six studies showed alterations related to Intelligence Quotient (IQ) while only one has evaluated headache, insomnia, lethargy, polydipsia and polyuria. Ten studies were included on the meta-analysis, which showed IQ impairment only for individuals under high fluoride exposure considering the World Health Organization criteria, without evidences of association between low levels and any neurological disorder. However, the high heterogeneity observed compromise the final conclusions obtained by the quantitative analyses regarding such high levels. Furthermore, this association was classified as very low-level evidence. At this time, the current evidence does not allow us to state that fluoride is associated with neurological damage, indicating the need for new epidemiological studies that could provide further evidences regarding this possible association.

Analysis of the application of glucocorticoids in eight pediatric neurological disorders in China

Objective: To investigate the application of glucocorticoids in children with neurological diseases by pediatricians, and to provide baseline data for further standardization of glucocorticoids application. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey, an electronic questionnaire survey was conducted online from July 8, 2019 to July 28, 2019 through the Subspecialty Group of Clinical Pharmacology, the Subspecialty Group of Neurology, and Expert Committee on Rational Use of Medicines for Children in the Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association. This survey was conducted for the application of glucocorticoids in 8 neurological diseases in children, and compared with the current guidelines or consensus to judge whether the application was standard. A total of 1 850 pediatricians from 1 073 hospitals were surveyed. Surveyed diseases included bacterial meningitis, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD), multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, juvenile dermatomyositis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In order to explore the associated factors of standardized glucocorticoid application, the level of hospital, whether there was an independent department of pediatric neurology, and working experience of the doctor were used as independent variables. The χ2 test and multivariate Logistic analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1 834 (99.1%) valid questionnaires were collected from 1 073 hospitals in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The coincidence rate with recommendation of the current guideline or consensus on glucocorticoids was 5.8% (51/879) in juvenile dermatomyositis, 13.7% (153/1 115) in myasthenia gravis, 18.2% (142/781) in bacterial meningitis, 18.5% (310/1 680) in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, 23.0% (248/1 079) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 33.4% (322/964) in NMOSD and multiple sclerosis, and 43.5% (477/1 096) in Guillain-Barre syndrome. The most common one was the irregular course of treatment, and the coincidence rate was 36.8% (12.5%-62.2%). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the use of glucocorticoids was more standardized in bacterial meningitis (OR=1.83, 95%CI 1.39-2.43, P<0.01), Guillain-Barre syndrome (OR=1.97, 95%CI 1.50-2.59, P<0.01), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.38-2.48, P<0.01), juvenile dermatomyositis (OR=2.08, 95%CI 1.03-4.19, P=0.040) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (OR=0.302, 95%CI 0.20-0.46, P<0.01) and by pediatricians with pediatric neurology specialty in the hospital. Conclusions: The coincidence rate with recommendation of the current guideline or consensus on glucocorticoids is less than half in children with neurological diseases, and the use of glucocorticoids is more standardized in a variety of diseases by pediatricians with pediatric neurology specialty in the hospital, which indicates that the study of guidelines or consensus and the special training of pediatric neurologists should be further strengthened.

Efficacy of a telemedicine programme in the treatment of paediatric epilepsy

IntroductionTelemedicine is a real-time interactive communication method where patients are assessed and treated remotely. Epilepsy is one of the most frequent neurological disorders in childhood. However, specialists and subspecialists are scarce in rural settings. In neurology, telemedicine has been shown to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. MethodsWe gathered data from patients diagnosed with epilepsy and managed through telemedicine consultations from January 2011 to February 2020. We collected data on the number of consultations, town/city of origin, treatment, aetiology, seizure type, treatment adherence, loss to follow up, discharges, and comorbidities. ResultsWe identified a total of 467 patients (180 girls and 287 boys). The largest age group was pre-school children, with 160 cases (34.2%). Seizures were focal in 253 cases (54.2%) and generalised in 214 (45.8%). Seizure aetiology was unknown in the majority of patients (69.3%). Ninety percent of patients presented good treatment adherence, and 76.8% were seizure-free. Regarding treatment, 351 patients (75%) were receiving monotherapy, and the most frequently prescribed drug was magnesium valproate, in 225 patients (64.2%). A total of 158 patients (33.8%) presented 1 comorbidity, and 19 (4%) presented 2 comorbidities. ConclusionsIn our study, telemedicine proved to be effective in the treatment and follow-up of paediatric patients with epilepsy living in rural settings. Its usefulness in other neuropaediatric disorders should also be evaluated.

Pseudo tumor cerebri in children: Diagnosis and management approach

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare neurological disorder in children. It is characterized by raised intracranial pressure in the presence of normal cerebrospinal fluid chemistry, normal neuroimaging, and no localizing signs on neurological exam (with the exception of cranial nerve VI palsy). We review clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of IIH in children.

Serum folate levels in children on long-term anti-seizure medication in a Nigerian tertiary center-Implications for practice and public health.

Epilepsy is the most common childhood neurological disorder in Nigeria. Treatment of epilepsy is long-term and sometimes lifelong with anti-seizure medications. There are conflicting reports on the effect of anti-seizure medications on serum folate. There is therefore a need to determine the effect of a commonly used anti-seizure medication's on serum folate levels of children. This would provide an evidence-based consideration for folic acid supplementation in children on anti-seizure medication as has been suggested by some studies. To determine whether serum folate levels were lower in children taking long-term carbamazepine or sodium valproate, compared to a control group. Serum folic acid levels were measured from well-nourished children between the ages of 1-17 years on carbamazepine and sodium valproate monotherapy and their age/sex-matched controls, using spectrophotometry. The mean serum folate levels of patients on carbamazepine (43) and sodium valproate (22) were 0.032 mg/l ± 0.009 and 0.028 mg/l ± 0.008, respectively. The mean folate levels of the controls were 0.046 mg/l ± 0.03 (p = 0 001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the serum folate levels of children on the two anti-seizure medications, that is, carbamazepine and valproate. The children on treatment with carbamazepine and sodium valproate for more than 6 months had statistically significantly lower serum levels of folic acid compared to the standard reference range and controls. The serum folate levels of children on carbamazepine were not statistically different from those on sodium valproate.

Congenital Zika Infection and the Risk of Neurodevelopmental, Neurological, and Urinary Track Disorders in Early Childhood. A Systematic Review.

It was late 2015 when Northeast Brazil noticed a worrying increase in neonates born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations. These abnormalities, characterized by an abnormally small head and often neurological impairment and later termed Congenital Zika Syndrome, describe the severity of neurodevelopmental and nephrological outcomes in early childhood, and the implication of microcephaly at birth. The purpose of the study was to describe the neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to Zika virus during fetal life, with and without microcephaly at birth. The systematic review included research studies about the neurodevelopmental outcomes with and without microcephaly, as well as nephrological outcomes in early childhood. We searched PubMed, Crossref, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar publications and selected 19 research articles published from 2018 to 2021. Most studies have linked the severity of microcephaly in childbirth to the neurodevelopmental and urinary outcomes in early childhood. However, most children without microcephaly at birth develop typically, while others may be at risk for language impairment.

Cellular Bioenergetic and Metabolic Changes in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a heterogeneous neurological disease in childhood, a growing body of evidence associates it with mitochondrial dysfunction explaining the observed comorbidities. The aim of this study is to identify variations in cellular bioenergetics and metabolism dependent on mitochondrial function in ASD patients and healthy controls using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). We hypothesized that PBMCs may reveal the cellular pathology and provide evidence of bioenergetic and metabolic changes accompanying the disease. PBMC from children with ASD and a control group of the same age and gender were isolated. All patients underwent an in-depth clinical evaluation. A well-characterized cohort of Bulgarian children is selected. Bioenergetic and metabolic studies of isolated PBMCs are performed with a Seahorse XFp analyzer. Our data show that PBMCs from patients with ASD have increased respiratory reserve capacity (by 27.5%), increased maximal respiration (by 67%) and altered adaptive response to oxidative stress induced by DMNQ. In addition, we demonstrate а strong dependence on fatty acids and impaired ability to reprogram cell metabolism. The listed characteristics are not observed in the control group. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the underlying causes of ASD, which is crucial for selecting a successful treatment. The current study, for the first time, provides a functional analysis of cell bioenergetics and metabolic changes in a group of Bulgarian patients with ASD. It reveals physiological abnormalities that do not allow mitochondria to adapt and meet the increased energetic requirements of the cell. The link between mitochondria and ASD is not yet fully understood, but this may lead to the discovery of new approaches for nutrition and therapy.

Associations Between Daytime Physical Activity and Sleep Patterns in Children With Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases in children. Sleep disorders tend to increase the risk of seizures, and research has found that moderate physical activity may improve the quantity and quality of sleep in adults. However, the link between physical activity level and sleep patterns in toddlers and preschool-age children with epilepsy remains unclear. To explore the association between level of physical activity and sleep patterns in toddlers and preschool-age children with epilepsy. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted. Ninety-eight children with epilepsy (1.5-6 years old) wore an actigraph for seven days. Additional data were collected using a health information datasheet, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and sleep diary, all of which were completed by the parents of each child. The results showed that the mean amount of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day was 36.00 ± 49.20 minutes and that only 23 children (23.5%) had a nighttime sleep efficiency greater than 85%. The overall CSHQ score (56.00 ± 5.69) indicated the presence of moderate to severe sleep disturbances. Multiple regression analysis showed the hours and percentage of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to be positively associated with night sleep efficiency (β = .54, p < .01; β = .51, p < .01) and negatively associated with nighttime sleep hours (β = -.55, p < .01; β = -.52, p < .01), even after controlling for potential confounders. Based on the findings, the sleep patterns and physical activity of children with epilepsy should be regularly assessed. Furthermore, appropriately increasing the duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may improve sleep efficiency and prevent reductions in the duration of night sleep.

English

BACKGROUND The objective of the study was to assess and determine the level of awareness regarding cerebral palsy and its risk factors in young adults and provide a statistical data showing the level of awareness in young adults. Cerebral palsy is one of the most commonly occurring neurological disorders in children with having lifelong abnormalities. Increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy needs attention as this is the leading cause of disability in children. The age group of 18 - 35 years is known as the reproductive age group; it is important to assess the level of awareness to educate them about the preventive measures during pregnancy. Due to this, the percentage of occurrence of cerebral palsy will drop significantly. METHODS The research was completed by survey method. It is an observational study including 192 participants. Sample size was calculated by the formula n = 4pq/l2. Both males and females in the age group of 18 to 35 were included. A structured questionnaire comprising of cerebral palsy and risk factor questions was used. Ethical approval from institutional ethical committee, permission from respective authorities were taken. After the protocol and ethical clearance, the procedure was started. Results were obtained from statistical analysis. RESULTS The obtained results revealed significantly low level of awareness about cerebral palsy in younger adults which was 29.17 % of the sample size 192 (100 %) which made 70.83 % unaware about the condition with an extreme low level of awareness regarding the risk factors causing cerebral palsy. Only 9.38 % were aware about risks causing cerebral palsy. CONCLUSIONS Study results concluded that there is lack of awareness about cerebral palsy and its risk factors in young adults. KEY WORDS Awareness, Cerebral Palsy, Disability, Risk Factors, Young Adults, Pregnancy

Clinical evolution of perinatal pathology. Dialogues with the Teacher

Here are reported the data of investigating clinical evolution of perinatal brain pathology performed under the auspices of Professor V.A. Karlov. Analysis of the data obtained revealed an importance for detecting ante- and intranatal predictors for most relevant neurological disorders in childhood: neonatal seizures, some epilepsy forms, headache and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorders. The speaker argues for the necessity to conduct topical diagnostics of the nervous system disturbances in neonates and justifies a relationship between early and delayed neurological disorders in diverse pediatric periods.

An Analysis of Disorders Presenting at a Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic: A Report from Turkey

AbstractNeurological problems constitute an important part of diseases in children. Studies evaluating neurological diseases in children collectively and reporting their types and rates are very few. We report the clinical and laboratory spectra of children presenting with neurological diseases to our clinic. The charts of patients who presented for the first time to the only pediatric neurology outpatient clinic in the region during a year were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 88,785 patients were seen at the Meram Faculty of Medicine pediatric outpatient clinics in 1 year; 5.5% (4,904) of these patients were seen at the child neurology clinic and 1,807 patients (36.8%) were seen for the initial evaluation. Medical charts of 1,685 (93.2%) patients were reviewed: 952 (56.5%) were male patients and 733 were females. The mean age was 5.77 ± 4.92 years; 30.9% of the patients had a similar disease in the family. The top three presenting complaints that led to hospital seen were seizures (12.2%), paroxysmal events (10%), and headaches (9.2%). The most common diagnoses were epilepsy (18%), headache (8.6%), and developmental delay (7.8%). Our study describes the characteristics of the large number of patients seen for the first time in the child neurology outpatient clinic.

Effects of Levetiracetam and Topiramate Monotherapy on Oral Health in Epileptic Children

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurologic disease in children associated with multipleneurodevelopmental comorbidities or related to adverse drug reactions due to antiepileptic drugs. Objective: To study the effects of Levetiracetam (LEV) and Topiramate (TPM) monotherapy on oral cavity, to improve oral health care of epileptic children. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 60 epileptic children of age group 6 -12 years compared to 30 normal age- and sex-matched controls, 30 children on LEV monotherapy and 30 on TPM monotherapy. All were subjected to full clinical dental examination by a pediatric dental expert. Results: There was significant increase in plaque index 50% grade 3 in children receiving antiepileptic medications, the decay-missing-filled (DMF) index was significantly more in children than in epileptic children, 43.3 % of children on antiepileptic having grade 1 Gingival index, while grade 2 gingival enlargements were noticed in 43.3% and dental hygiene was missed in 76.7% of children on antiepileptic drugs. Most of the indices were little more with TPM group than LEV group. Conclusions: Both LEV and TPM affect oral health of epileptic children, which makes regular screening for oral health by a pediatric dental expert necessary to detect early changes and intervene to improve their quality of life.

Assessment of the health status of infants born from women of the late reproductive period

Objective.To assess the condition of newborns from women of the late reproductive period (LRP), depending on the parity of births.Material and methods.The authors examined 130 pregnant women and their 130 newborns. Group I consisted of 60 primiparouswomen of late reproductive period and their 60 newborns, Group II included 40 multiparous women of the late reproductive periodand their 40 newborns, Group III (control group) consisted of 30 healthy pregnant women aged from 18 to 25 years and their 30newborns. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the gestation course and perinatal outcomes. Ultrasound and neurosonography were used among the instrumental research methods.Results.Women of the late reproductive period gave birth to children in a state of asphyxia twice more often, who develop neurologicaldisorders 1,5 times more often and complex postnatal adaptation and disorders of the perinatal period are twice more likely. Amongwomen of the late reproductive period, primiparous women gave birth to children with the most severe disorders.Conclusion.The high incidence of neurological diseases in children born from women of the late reproductive period is associatedwith age-related changes in their germ cells, the implementation of assisted reproductive technologies, and the intake of hormonaldrugs in early pregnancy. The data obtained should be taken into account by obstetricians in the course of pregnancy in women of latereproductive age; they should be included in the group of high risk of developing neurological disorders in children.

Electroencephalogram Spectrum in Children with Neurological Disorders an Experience of Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Objective: For evaluation of brain function in medical and psychiatric disorders one of the important investigative tool is Electroencephalogram (EEG) . There are limited studies overall related to use of EEG however in pediatric population there is scarcity of standard data related to topic Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal EEG and related neurological disorders in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 664 EEG was done. One year record from 1st October 2020 to 30th September 2021 was reviewed .EEG request forms and reports were retrieved from neurophysiology lab data of the institute. A structured Pre-designed questionnaire used for collection of data information collected include demographics , history and conclusion were noted on the proforma. Results: Total of 664 childrens has complete Electroencephalogram and bio-demographic records. The Mean age was 5.5 ± 4 SD at presentation was . Males 375( 63.5%) and 290(43.6%) were females. Males to female ratio was. Among total ,375 (56%) EEG were normal, while 408(61.4%) patients had history of seizure. whereas 256 ( 38.5%) had provisional diagnosis other than seizure and 61 (29%) of them abnormal EEG tracing. Conclusion: In developing countries EEG yet plays an essential role in the evaluation of neurological disorder particularly epilepsy. Therefore efforts needed to establish fully equipped neurophysiology facilities at least in tertiary care pediatric hospitals for early diagnosis and optimum prognosis. Keywords: Electroencephalogram, Neurological Disorders, patterns

Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Neurologic Complications in Children: A Systematic Review and Aggregated Case Series

To describe the features and frequency of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated severe acute neurologic disease in children. We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify reports of severe acute neurologic complications associated with acute RSV infection in children aged <15years (PROSPERO Registration CRD42019125722). Main outcomes included neurologic, clinical, and demographic features of cases and the frequency of disease. We aggregated available case data from the published literature and from the Australian Acute Childhood Encephalitis (ACE) study. We identified 87 unique studies from 26 countries describing a spectrum of RSV-associated severe acute neurologic syndromes including proven encephalitis, acute encephalopathy, complex seizures, hyponatremic seizures, and immune-mediated disorders. The frequency of RSV infection in acute childhood encephalitis/encephalopathy was 1.2%-6.5%. We aggregated data from 155 individual cases with RSV-associated severe acute neurologic complications; median age was 11.0months (IQR 2.0-21.5), most were previously healthy (71/104, 68%). Seizure was the most frequently reported neurologic feature (127/150, 85%). RSV was detected in the central nervous system of 12 cases. Most children recovered (81/122, 66%); however, some reports described partial recovery (33/122, 27%) and death (8/122, 7%). RSV-associated neurologic complications have been widely reported, but there is substantial heterogeneity in the design and quality of existing studies. The findings from our study have implications for the investigation, management, and prevention of RSV-associated neurologic complications. Further, this systematic review can inform the design of future studies aiming to quantify the burden of childhood RSV-associated neurologic disease.

The impact of severe rare chronic neurological disease in childhood on the quality of life of families\u2014a study on MLD and PCH2

BackgroundRare and severe neurological disorders in childhood not only heavily affect the life perspective of the patients, but also their caregivers and families. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of such diseases on the family, especially on the quality of life and life perspectives of parents, but also on the families’ everyday life, based on the model of two diseases which have been well described in recent years with respect to symptoms and course: metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2 (PCH2). PCH2 is a primary severe developmental disorder, while children with MLD initially develop normally and then progressively deteriorate.MethodsUsing a semi-standardized questionnaire, 43 families with children suffering from MLD (n = 30) or PCH2 (n = 19) reported data on the severity of the illness/symptoms, on family support and the care situation, as well as on the circumstances of non-affected siblings and the parents’ work situation. In addition, the quality of life of parents and general family functioning was assessed using the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module [23]. Results for the latter were compared to published data from families with children without any chronic condition using student’s t-tests for independent samples. Potential factors influencing the PedsQL™ scores were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation.ResultsParents of children with MLD and PCH2 reported significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to parents of healthy children (P < 0.001). Mothers showed significantly poorer HRQOL (P < 0.05) and were significantly more dissatisfied with their professional development (P < 0.05) than fathers, and this was seen in relation to their child's disease. Neither the form of disease (‘primary’ symptomatic PCH2 or ‘secondary’ symptomatic MLD), nor the severity of the child’s illness (in terms of gross motor and speech function) had a specific impact on HRQOL in families. However, the time from diagnosis and advanced symptoms in the terminal disease stage were experienced as especially distressing.ConclusionsThis study illustrates that MLD and PCH2 affect mothers in particular, but also the entire family. This underlines the need for personalized care and counselling of parents and families, especially following diagnosis and during the end stage in a child with a severe, rare chronic neurological disorder.

Can Deep Learning Hit a Moving Target? A Scoping Review of Its Role to Study Neurological Disorders in Children.

Neurological disorders dramatically impact patients of any age population, their families, and societies. Pediatrics are among vulnerable age populations who differently experience the devastating consequences of neurological conditions, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cerebral palsy, concussion, and epilepsy. System-level understanding of these neurological disorders, particularly from the brain networks' dynamic perspective, has led to the significant trend of recent scientific investigations. While a dramatic maturation in the network science application domain is evident, leading to a better understanding of neurological disorders, such rapid utilization for studying pediatric neurological disorders falls behind that of the adult population. Aside from the specific technological needs and constraints in studying neurological disorders in children, the concept of development introduces uncertainty and further complexity topping the existing neurologically driven processes caused by disorders. To unravel these complexities, indebted to the availability of high-dimensional data and computing capabilities, approaches based on machine learning have rapidly emerged a new trend to understand pathways better, accurately diagnose, and better manage the disorders. Deep learning has recently gained an ever-increasing role in the era of health and medical investigations. Thanks to its relatively more minor dependency on feature exploration and engineering, deep learning may overcome the challenges mentioned earlier in studying neurological disorders in children. The current scoping review aims to explore challenges concerning pediatric brain development studies under the constraints of neurological disorders and offer an insight into the potential role of deep learning methodology on such a task with varying and uncertain nature. Along with pinpointing recent advancements, possible research directions are highlighted where deep learning approaches can assist in computationally targeting neurological disorder-related processes and translating them into windows of opportunities for interventions in diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological disorders in children.

Assessment of the Frequency of Depressive Symptoms in Epileptic Children (Single Center Study).

BackgroundEpilepsy, the most common neurological disorder in children, may present with many psychiatric comorbidities, the most common of which is depression.Aim of the WorkWe evaluated the frequency of depressive symptoms in epileptic children, with regard to the possible association between depression and their demographic data or seizure-related variables.Patients and MethodsThis cohort study was conducted on 80 children (6–13 years old) diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy and were regularly recruiting the pediatric neurology clinic at Minya University Children Hospital. The Structured Birleson Depression Scale Questionnaire was used for assessment of presence of depressive symptoms, and Quality Of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31) score was used to assess quality of life in those patients.ResultsDepressive symptoms were found in 37.5% of enrolled patients. There were statistically significant differences between the patients with depressive symptoms and the other group regarding age (p=0.001), residence (p=0.006) and past history of mood disorders (p=0.03). Sleep disturbance was the highest predictor of depression in cases with depressive symptoms, detected in 90% of cases, followed by appetite disturbance in 86.6% of cases, while delusions and hallucinations were the lowest, detected in only 10% of cases. Both duration of epilepsy and frequency of seizures were significantly higher in cases with depressive symptoms than the other group (p=0.001) for both. QOLIE score was significantly lower in cases with depressive symptoms than the other group (p= 0.01 for all).ConclusionDepressive symptoms are common in epileptic children, and it is often challenging and underestimated. It should be screened during the management of such children. Early diagnosis and more comprehensive package of care for depression in epileptic children will enable them to have a better quality of life.

Evaluation of the Anxiety Level of Mothers of Children with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Background and Aim: Although anyone can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it may cause additional concern for people with chronic conditions. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine anxiety levels among the mothers of children under follow-up for epilepsy in our clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study group consisted of the mothers of epilepsy patients who were under follow-up in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of the tertiary care center and were scheduled for a routine examination during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mothers’ anxiety levels according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory and their opinions about COVID-19 in relation to their child were assessed and compared based on whether the mother/patient attended their appointments in person and whether the child had frequent or infrequent seizures. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety level between the mothers of 64 children with epilepsy who attended their appointment during the pandemic and those of the mothers of 52 who did not attend their appointment. However, the mothers of children with frequent seizures had significantly higher anxiety levels. Conclusion: Anxiety level of mothers whose children have frequent seizures was significantly higher compared to mothers whose children have infrequent seizures. It is important to be aware about this point and using telemedicine approach in suitable population and postpone routine outpatient follow-up appointments as much as possible.