Risk Factors For Seizure Recurrence Research Articles

Long-term outcomes after new onset seizure in children living with HIV: A cohort study.

To determine the long-term outcomes, including mortality and recurrent seizures, among children living with HIV (CLWH) who present with new onset seizure. Zambian CLWH and new onset seizure were enrolled prospectively to determine the risk of and risk factors for recurrent seizures. Demographic data, clinical profiles, index seizure etiology, and 30-day mortality outcomes were previously reported. After discharge, children were followed quarterly to identify recurrent seizures and death. Given the high risk of early death, risk factors for recurrent seizure were evaluated using a model that adjusted for mortality. Among 73 children enrolled, 28 died (38%), 22 within 30-days of the index seizure. Median follow-up was 533 days (IQR 18-957) with 5% (4/73) lost to follow-up. Seizure recurrence was 19% among the entire cohort. Among children surviving at least 30-days after the index seizure, 27% had a recurrent seizure. Median time from index seizure to recurrent seizure was 161 days (IQR 86-269). Central nervous system opportunistic infection (CNS OI), as the cause for the index seizure was protective against recurrent seizures and higher functional status was a risk factor for seizure recurrence. Among CLWH presenting with new onset seizure, mortality risks remain elevated beyond the acute illness period. Recurrent seizures are common and are more likely in children with higher level of functioning even after adjusting for the outcome of death. Newer antiseizure medications appropriate for co-usage with antiretroviral therapies are needed for the care of these children. CNS OI may represent a potentially reversible provocation for the index seizure, while seizures in high functioning CLWH without a CNS OI may be the result of a prior brain injury or susceptibility to seizures unrelated to HIV and thus represent an ongoing predisposition to seizures. This study followed CLWH who experienced a new onset seizure to find out how many go on to have more seizures and identify any patient characteristics associated with having more seizures. The study found that mortality rates continue to be high beyond the acute clinical presentation with new onset seizure. Children with a CNS OI causing the new onset seizure had a lower risk of later seizures, possibly because the trigger for the seizure can be treated. In contrast, high functioning children without a CNS OI were at higher risk of future seizures.

Postoperative interictal epileptiform discharges predict seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drug withdrawal regardless of concordance with surgical site

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the association between the site of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) on postoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) and seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal. The study hypothesizes...

Determining Prevalence and Risk Factors of Seizure Recurrence in the Early Period in Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department with Epileptic Seizures

Determining Prevalence and Risk Factors of Seizure Recurrence in the Early Period in Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department with Epileptic Seizures

Effect of the revised definition of epilepsy on treatment decisions and seizure recurrence after a first epileptic seizure.

Studies on risk factors for epilepsy and seizure recurrence after a first seizure are usually based on the old definition of epilepsy with the need for two unprovoked seizures. The current definition of epilepsy allows diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy after a first seizure if the recurrence risk is >60%. We evaluate treatment decisions, seizure recurrence and risk factors for epilepsy related to the application of the new definition of epilepsy. Data of 629 patients with a first seizure were analyzed to investigate changes of treatment decisions and seizure recurrence after the revised definition of epilepsy. We used binary logistic regression to investigate the impact of multiple factors influencing seizure recurrence like electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and administration of antiseizure medication (ASM). The proportion of patients receiving ASM significantly increased from 70.4% to 80.5% (p=0.015) following the new epilepsy definition, without any significant changes in the recurrence rate (40.8% vs. 45.5% after 2 years, p > 0.05). The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) in the EEG increased (OR=1.98) and administration of ASM decreased (OR=0.43) recurrence rates significantly. The new definition of epilepsy was associated with increased application of ASM, but not with reduced recurrence rates. The study confirms the presence of IED as a strong risk factor for seizure recurrence and the protective effect of ASM. The influence of imaging findings, which have a strong impact on the new definition of epilepsy, could not be confirmed.

Risk factors for seizure recurrence after initial withdrawal of anti-seizure medications in children with epilepsy at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

We sought to determine risk factors associated with seizure recurrence following initial withdrawal of anti-seizure medications (ASM) among children with epilepsy. This was a retrospective observational study of children aged between 2 and 18years with a diagnosis of epilepsy who underwent withdrawal of anti-seizure medication following remission of seizures. All eligible medical records between January 2011 and December 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical, imaging and electroencephalography data of all eligible patients were analyzed against seizure remission within 24months after withdrawal of ASM, using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. A total of 49 records of children who underwent withdrawal of ASM out of a total of 613 patients on follow up during the same period were included. The median age at ASM withdrawal was 70months (IQR 52-112months) and 14 (28.6%) were female. Thirteen patients (26.5%) had seizure recurrence within 24months following withdrawal of ASM. Focal onset seizure type was associated with significant risk of seizure recurrence (OR 13.7; 95% CI 0.97, 193.54; P value=0.011). Age at epilepsy diagnosis, abnormal EEG at initiation of treatment and at the time of de-escalation, abnormal MRI findings, first or second degree relative with epilepsy, history of developmental delay, seizure burden, use of 2 or more ASMs and duration of seizure-freedom before de-escalation of ASM were not associated with increased risk of relapse. Focal onset seizure type is associated with increased with risk of seizure recurrence in this cohort.

Interictal epileptiform discharges as a predictive biomarker for recurrence of poststroke epilepsy.

Poststroke epilepsy is a major ischaemic/haemorrhagic stroke complication. Seizure recurrence risk estimation and early therapeutic intervention are critical, given the association of poststroke epilepsy with worse functional outcomes, quality of life and greater mortality. Several studies have reported risk factors for seizure recurrence; however, in poststroke epilepsy, the role of EEG in predicting the risk of seizures remains unclear. This multicentre observational study aimed to clarify whether EEG findings constitute a risk factor for seizure recurrence in patients with poststroke epilepsy. Patients with poststroke epilepsy were recruited from the PROgnosis of POst-Stroke Epilepsy study, an observational multicentre cohort study. The enrolled patients with poststroke epilepsy were those admitted at selected hospitals between November 2014 and June 2017. All patients underwent EEG during the interictal period during admission to each hospital and were monitored for seizure recurrence over 1 year. Board-certified neurologists or epileptologists evaluated all EEG findings. We investigated the relationship between EEG findings and seizure recurrence. Among 187 patients with poststroke epilepsy (65 were women with a median age of 75 years) admitted to the lead hospital, 48 (25.7%) had interictal epileptiform discharges on EEG. During the follow-up period (median, 397 days; interquartile range, 337-450 days), interictal epileptiform discharges were positively correlated with seizure recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.82; 95% confidence interval, 2.09-6.97; P < 0.01). The correlation remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, severity of stroke, type of stroke and generation of antiseizure medications. We detected periodic discharges in 39 patients (20.9%), and spiky/sharp periodic discharges were marginally associated with seizure recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-3.69; P = 0.08). Analysis of a validation cohort comprising 187 patients with poststroke epilepsy from seven other hospitals corroborated the association between interictal epileptiform discharges and seizure recurrence. We verified that interictal epileptiform discharges are a risk factor for seizure recurrence in patients with poststroke epilepsy. Routine EEG may facilitate the estimation of seizure recurrence risk and the development of therapeutic regimens for poststroke epilepsy.

Antiseizure medications (antiepileptic drugs) in adults: starting, monitoring and stopping.

Up to 10% of people living to 80years of age have one or more seizures; and many will not require anti-seizure medication (ASMs). In 85% of patients, the diagnosis comes from the history of the index event. One-third of patients with an apparent "first seizure" have previous events, changing their diagnosis to epilepsy. Targeted investigations are important for classification and risk prediction. Patients with a low risk of seizure recurrence are not usually offered ASM treatment. High-risk patients have multiple seizures, neurological deficits, intellectual disability and/or relevant abnormal investigations; and are offered ASMs. Individual factors modulate this decision-making. Future integrated technologies offer the game-changing potential for seizure monitoring and prediction, but are not yet robust, convenient or affordable. Therapeutic drug monitoring in patients taking ASMs may confirm ASM toxicity, or when non-adherence, malabsorption, or rapid metabolism are suspected causes of breakthrough seizures. They are less useful when these factors are intermittent or irregular. Current evidence does not favour routine monitoring of serum levels, as it neither reliably predicts control, relapse, or adverse effects. The decision to discontinue ASM should follow a full discussion with the patient of risks and benefits. Along with population risk factors for seizure recurrence, the patient's lifestyle and preferences must be considered. ASM are usually discontinued in a slow step-wise fashion, one at a time, after at least two years of remission. Seizure recurrence risk plateaus only after 2years following ASM discontinuation, and patients need access to specialist follow-up over that period.

Risk factors for acute encephalitis and early seizure recurrence in complex febrile seizures.

The purpose of this study is to elucidate risk factors for central nervous system infection and early seizure recurrence in children with febrile seizures (FSs) and thus facilitate outpatient management of complex FS. This single-center, retrospective cohort study investigated 688 children (6-60months old) with FSs in Japan during 2011-2021. We investigated the incidence and clinical manifestations of children with acute encephalitis or bacterial meningitis. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine risk factors for seizure recurrence within 24h. Among children with recurrent FSs, the distribution of intervals between first and second FS was assessed. Among 145 children with complex FSs, 2 patients (1.4%) had acute viral encephalitis and none had bacterial meningitis. Acute encephalitis was found in 2 of 8 patients (25%) with FSs prolonged ≥30min and 2 of 3 patients (67%) requiring ≥2 intravenous anticonvulsants to stop seizures. Seizure recurrence within 24h was observed in 16% of participants and was independently associated with preceding use of diazepam and family history of FS. In 82% of patients with FS recurrence within 24h, early recurrences occurred within 8h of the first seizure. Conclusion: Patients with prolonged or refractory FSs are still indicated for hospital admission due to the risk of acute encephalitis. FS patients with a family history of FS may be managed safely by 8-h observation or single-dose rectal diazepam as prophylaxis against early recurrent seizure. What is Known: •Hospitalization has been recommended for children with complex febrile seizures due to the increased risk of central nervous infections. •Recent studies showed low incidences of bacterial meningitis (<1%) in children with complex febrile seizures in the presence of routine immunization. What is New: •Acute encephalitis was identified in 1.4% of children with complex febrile seizures, characterized by prolonged seizures ≥30 min and refractory seizures. •Early recurrent seizures may be safely managed by prophylactic diazepam or 8-h expectant observation.

Recurrence rates and risk factors for seizure recurrence following antiseizure medication withdrawal in adolescent patients with genetic generalized epilepsy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the recurrence rate of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and risk factors for recurrence after antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal in adolescent patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with GGE who were included in the registry at the Department of Child Neurology, National Hospital Organization Nishiniigata Chuo Hospital from 2000 through 2020. The eligibility criteria were as follows: onset of epileptic seizures at <15 years of age, treatment with an ASM, and attempted treatment withdrawal at 10‐19 years of age. The rates of seizure recurrence after drug withdrawal were evaluated. Moreover, several variables were evaluated as predictors of recurrence.ResultsIn total, 77 patients with GGE (21, 13, and 43 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy [JME], juvenile absence epilepsy [JAE], and epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone [EGTCSA], respectively) were included in this study. Recurrence was detected in 68% of patients with GGE (86%, 31%, and 70% of patients with JME, JAE, and EGTCSA, respectively). Recurrence rates for patients who developed epilepsy at ≥13 years of age, those who started dose reduction at ≥16 years of age, those who exhibited a seizure‐free period of <36 months before withdrawal, and those who chose to discontinue treatment at their own discretion were significantly higher than those for their counterparts. Multivariate analysis revealed that initiation of dose reduction at ≥16 years of age was associated with increased recurrence risk. Meanwhile, a diagnosis of JAE was associated with decreased recurrence risk. All patients with JAE were treated with valproic acid.SignificanceAntiseizure medication withdrawal at ≥16 years of age and a diagnosis other than JAE may be independent risk factors for seizure recurrence after drug withdrawal in adolescent patients.

Long-term seizure outcomes in patients with autoimmune encephalitis: A prospective observational registry study update.

This study was undertaken to update and evaluate long-term seizure outcomes in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) based on a large cohort study with long follow-up. In this prospective observational registry study, we analyzed data from patients with AE mediated by common types of neuronal surface antibodies (anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor [NMDAR], anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 [LGI1]/contactin-associated protein-like 2 [Caspr2], anti-γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor [GABAB R]). All patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital between October 2011 and June 2019, and data were collected prospectively on their demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment strategy, and seizure outcomes, with a median follow-up of 42months (range = 6-93months). Potential risk factors associated with seizure recurrence were also assessed. Of 320 AE patients, 75.9% had acute seizures, among whom >90% of patients had their last seizure within 12months of disease onset. During our follow-up, 21 (9.3%) patients experienced seizure recurrence. Patients with anti-GABAB R encephalitis had a higher cumulative incidence of seizure recurrence than those with anti-NMDAR (log-rank p=.03) or anti-LGI1/Caspr2 encephalitis (log-rank p=.04). Among patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, women had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of seizure recurrence than men (log-rank p=.01). Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) or seizures captured on continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) in the acute phase were identified as potential risk factors for seizure recurrence (p=.04, p=.007). Among 163 patients with ≥24months of follow-up, five (3.1%) showed persistent seizures and required ongoing antiseizure medications despite aggressive immunotherapy. Seizure recurrence occurred in a small number of patients and chronic epilepsy occurred in 3.1% of patients during prolonged follow-up. Across all types of AE, risk factors for seizure recurrence were IEDs or seizures captured on EEG in the acute phase; for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, female sex was also a risk factor.

Evaluation and Management of the First Unprovoked Seizure in Children: Single-Center Experience First Unprovoked Seizure in Children

Aim: We aimed to evaluate clinical and laboratory features in children who presented unprovoked seizure for the first time and also to determine possible risk factors for seizure recurrence. Materials and Methods: A total of 219 patients (113 female, 106 male) who presented a first unprovoked seizure were included in the study. Demographic, clinical findings (type and duration of seizures, seizure recurrence, antiseizure drugs), neuroimaging findings and electroencephalography (EEG) results were recorded retrospectively. Results: The median age was 30 months (IQR 12-66). A history of birth hypoxia and/or phototherapy and family history of epilepsy were present in 21% and 17.4% of cases, respectively. Generalized seizures were the most common seizure type (42%), with a predominance at &lt;2 years of age compared to the other age groups (p=0,007). Seizures recurred in 28% of the patients. Abnormal EEG findings were detected in 33.8% of studied children and most of them were &gt;2 years of age (p&lt;0,01). Brain MRI abnormalities were detected in 19% and recurrence was higher in the patients with abnormal MRI (p&lt;0,001). No correlation was found between seizure recurrence and EEG abnormality. In focal seizures, the rate of seizure recurrence was higher than generalized seizures. Antiseizure therapy was initiated in 44% of the patients. Drug switch were required in 22 patients due to side effects. Etiology was determined in nearly half of the patients. Conclusion: In our study, abnormal brain MRI were determined as possible risk factors for seizure recurrence. Comprehensive etiological investigation should be considered following the first episode of unprovoked seizures, especially in patients under two years.

Prognostic implications of persistent interictal epileptiform discharges on antiseizure medication withdrawal in patients with epilepsy in five-year remission

PurposeWhether patients with epilepsy in long-term remission and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) can stop antiseizure medication (ASM) remains a challenging topic even though multiple studies have investigated ASM withdrawal. This study aimed to estimate seizure relapse and its risk factors in patients with epilepsy in five-year remission and persistent IEDs. MethodsPatients with epilepsy and persistent IEDs were prospectively recruited from the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Dec.1, 2010 to Dec.30, 2019. All enrolled patients achieved seizure remission for over five years and were divided into the ASM withdrawal and continuous treatment groups according to their personal preference. Seizure outcomes and 24 h video electroencephalogram findings were obtained through clinical visits or telephone interviews every three months until March 31, 2021. The cumulative recurrence rate and its diversity between the ASM withdrawal and continuous treatment groups were tested using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the independent predictors for seizure recurrence. Relapsed patients were further monitored for their seizure control and prognosis. ResultsA total of 83 patients with epilepsy in five-year remission and persistent IEDs were enrolled in this study, including 41 (49.4%) in the ASM withdrawal group and 42 (50.6%) in the continuous ASM treatment group. During the follow-up with a median time of 36.8 months (range from 18.7 to 104.6 months), the seizure relapse in off-medication patients (43.9%, 18/41) was higher than that in on-medication patients (21.4%, 9/42; P = 0.031). In the multivariate analysis model, independent predictors for seizure recurrence were structural-metabolic epilepsy or unknown cause (HR = 6.185, 95% CI 1.166–32.805) and multiple seizure types (HR = 2.807, 95% CI 1.051–7.502). ASM withdrawal was not found to be an independent risk factor for seizure recurrence. Of 27 patients with seizure recurrence, 25 were given reinstitution or continuous ASM therapy, whereas two chose sustained observation without medication. At the end of the follow-up, 70.4% (19/27) of recurrence patients were completely free from seizures for at least one year again, and only one patient developed refractory epilepsy. ConclusionFor patients with epilepsy in five-year remission and persistent IEDs, drug withdrawal may be a rational choice after the individualized assessment of benefits and risks. Furthermore, the independent risk factors for the seizure relapse were structural-metabolic epilepsy or an unknown cause, and multiple seizure types. Finally, patients with epilepsy relapsing after ASM withdrawal could achieve seizure remission again after ASM retreatment.

Evaluation and Management of First-Time Seizure in Adults.

First seizures are often perceived as devastating events by patients and their families due to the fear of having a life-long disease. One in 10 people experiences one or more seizures during their lifetime, while 1 in 26 people develops epilepsy. Acute symptomatic seizures are often related to a provoking factor or an acute brain insult and typically do not recur. Careful history and clinical examination should guide clinicians' management plans. Electroencephalography and brain imaging, preferably with epilepsy-specific magnetic resonance imaging, may help characterize both etiology and risk of seizure recurrence. Antiepileptic drugs should be initiated in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. In patients without an epilepsy diagnosis, the decision to prescribe drugs depends on individual risk factors for seizure recurrence and possible complications from seizures, which should be discussed with the patient. Counseling about driving and lifestyle modifications should be provided early, often at the first seizure encounter.

Does diagnostic delay impact on the outcome of epilepsy?

Seizure recurrence in epilepsy poses the patient at risk of self-harm and can have a negative impact on his/her personal and social life. For this reason, the disease, when suspected, should be promptly diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, this is not the case for several patients. Diagnostic delay in people with epilepsy has been the object of a number of studies that, even with differing results, showed that the disease might go undiagnosed for several years.1-4 A delay in the diagnosis of epilepsy may occur preferably when the first seizures are focal or, if generalized, they present with inhibitory features or only mild motor signs. In those cases, the patient might seek medical advice even after several years.2 Along with seizure type, diagnostic delay can be explained by other factors, including patient's own poor awareness of the nature of his/her symptoms, doctor's misdiagnosis, and, not least, the rarity of some events and their modest impact on patient's daily life. However, seizure recurrence with strong impact on one's health and quality of life cannot be excluded even after mild events, particularly in untreated patients, and one cannot exclude that future seizures have a greater impact on patient's and public safety. For these reasons, Laura Parviainen and co-workers5 are commended for having addressed this issue in the intent to verify the impact of diagnostic delay on seizure outcome in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. The authors examined 176 adult patients who were eligible for inclusion in randomized trials of antiseizure medications. The choice of that sample was motivated by the accuracy of the medical records with specific reference to the history of seizures while untreated. Patients were followed for five years, and seizure recurrence was noted and classified in three categories: (1) Complete seizure freedom after treatment start; (2) Seizure freedom achieved after treatment changes; (3) No seizure freedom despite medication changes. The authors found that diagnostic delay alone did not correlate with treatment response at five years. However, seizure outcome was worse in patients with a higher number of seizures before diagnosis. The results of this study confirm previous reports6 in showing that diagnostic delay per se does not affect treatment outcome. However, the association between the number of seizures while untreated and treatment response during follow-up is at variance with previous studies that showed that the long-term prognosis of epilepsy (in terms of prolonged seizure remission during follow-up) is not affected by early treatment of seizures (in those studies, treatment of the first seizure).7 The differences might be explained by the differing populations at risk (patients seen at the first seizure vs. patients with two or more seizures, the latter perhaps with more severe disease varieties) and by the length of follow-up (as poor treatment response proves to be a dynamic process when long-term follow-up is considered).8, 9 Then, having several seizures before treatment might be not only the result of diagnostic delay but also of an intrinsic greater severity of the disease at first manifestation. This study brings to our attention another important problem, that is, if epilepsy should be diagnosed only after seizure relapse or even after the first seizure. The International League Against Epilepsy addressed this issue and concluded that in specific circumstances epilepsy can be diagnosed at the first seizure.10 This definition helps reducing the diagnostic gap but requires that a comprehensive evaluation of the patient is performed and, for this reason, the diagnosis of epilepsy should be made by specialists who are well aware of the risk factors for seizure recurrence in a patient with a first seizure. As the diagnosis of epilepsy is mostly based on an accurate history taken from the patient and, where present, from a witness, the diagnostic process is not easy and requires patient's awareness of the nature of his/her symptoms and skillness of the caring physician. We agree with the authors that public and healthcare workers should be made aware of the diversity of seizure types and the negative reflections of the recurrence of undiagnosed seizures. Ettore Beghi reports grants from Italian Ministry of Health, grants from Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, personal fees from Arvelle Therapeutics, and grants from American ALS Association, outside the submitted work. The author confirms that he has read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirms that this editorial is consistent with those guidelines. Read the winning article - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/epi4.12443

Risk of Seizure Recurrence after Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs in Multiply Handicapped Egyptian Children with Epilepsy

Objectives: To determine the incidence and risk factors of seizure recurrence in multihandicapped Egyptian children with epilepsy after withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Predictors of Seizure Recurrence after Acute Symptomatic Seizures in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Purpose Seizure is a well-recognized complication of both remote and acute ischemic strokes. Predictors of seizure recurrence and epilepsy in patients with ischemic stroke who develop acute symptomatic seizures (ASyS) on continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) have not been well studied. Methods We present a five-year retrospective study of acute and remote ischemic stroke patients who developed ASyS on cEEG. We then identified risk factors for the development of seizure recurrence. Results Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke and ASyS were identified and reviewed. All ASyS were noted to be nonconvulsive seizures. Clinical recurrence of seizures was identified in 19 of these patients (29.2%) at follow-up. Rate of seizure recurrence was higher in remote ischemic stroke patients (84.2%), compared to acute ischemic stroke patients (15.8%, p = 0.0116, OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.049–0.65). Sharp waves/spikes on follow-up EEG significantly correlated with seizure recurrence (p = 0.006, OR 0, 95% CI 0–0.3926). Patients discharged on ≥3 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were at a higher risk of having seizure recurrence (p = 0.0015, OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.0089–0.37). Conclusion We identified risk factors of seizure recurrence in patients with ASyS as remote ischemic stroke, requiring multiple AEDs, and the presence of sharp waves on follow-up EEG. This study highlights the usefulness of cEEG in evaluating patients with acute or remote strokes.

Stereoelectroencephalography: retrospective analysis of 742 procedures in a single centre.

This retrospective description of a surgical series is aimed at reporting on indications, methodology, results on seizures, outcome predictors and complications from a 20-year stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) activity performed at a single epilepsy surgery centre. Prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 742 SEEG procedures carried out on 713 patients were reviewed and described. Long-term seizure outcome of SEEG-guided resections was defined as a binomial variable: absence (ILAE classes 1-2) or recurrence (ILAE classes 3-6) of disabling seizures. Predictors of seizure outcome were analysed by preliminary uni/bivariate analyses followed by multivariate logistic regression. Furthermore, results on seizures of these subjects were compared with those obtained in 1128 patients operated on after only non-invasive evaluation. Survival analyses were also carried out, limited to patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Resective surgery has been indicated for 570 patients (79.9%). Two-hundred and seventy-nine of 470 patients operated on (59.4%) were free of disabling seizures at least 2 years after resective surgery. Negative magnetic resonance and post-surgical lesion remnant were significant risk factors for seizure recurrence, while type II focal cortical dysplasia, balloon cells, glioneuronal tumours, hippocampal sclerosis, older age at epilepsy onset and periventricular nodular heterotopy were significantly associated with seizure freedom. Twenty-five of 153 patients who underwent radio-frequency thermal coagulation (16.3%) were optimal responders. Thirteen of 742 (1.8%) procedures were complicated by unexpected events, including three (0.4%) major complications and one fatality (0.1%). In conclusion, SEEG is a safe and efficient methodology for invasive definition of the epileptogenic zone in the most challenging patients. Despite the progressive increase of MRI-negative cases, the proportion of seizure-free patients did not decrease throughout the years.

Histological type of focal cortical dysplasia is associated with the risk of postsurgical seizure in children and adolescents.

AimFocal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a common cause of refractory epilepsy in children and adolescents. Epilepsy surgery is a treatment option for FCD. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postsurgical outcomes and FCD types according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification and assess prognostic factors in pediatric and adolescent epilepsy surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 92 children and adolescents with a proven pathological diagnosis of FCD who underwent resective surgery at our epilepsy center between August 2012 and September 2015. The patients were followed up for at least 1 year to evaluate the surgical outcomes, and a multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of seizure relapse.ResultsAfter surgery, 53.3% of the patients were completely seizure-free during the entire follow-up period. The FCD types, incomplete resection of the epileptic cortex, and use of intracranial electrode were independent risk factors of seizure recurrence. The patients with FCD type II had relatively favorable surgical outcomes compared to the patients with FCD type I. The difference in the postoperative outcome between patients with FCD types III and I was not significant.ConclusionThere is a significant association between FCD types and surgical outcomes in children and adolescents with epilepsy. These findings provide guidance for the optimization of surgical strategies.

Risk factors for seizure recurrence in a pediatric observation unit

BackgroundMost patients present with seizures to pediatric emergency department (PED) are observed for extended periods for the risk of possible acute recurrence. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the risk factors of acute recurrence within first 24 h. MethodsPatients who presented to PED with seizure during past 24 h were enrolled. Demographic features, number and duration of seizures, diagnostic studies, physical examination findings, presence and time of seizure recurrence in PED were noted. Results187 patients were eligible for the study. 46% had recurrence of seizures in 24 h, 90,8% of recurrence within the first 6 h. Univariate analysis showed that younger patients, epileptic patients who were on multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), who had multiple seizures during the past 24 h, who had abnormal neurological examination or neuroimaging findings had increased risk of seizure recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that number of seizures during the past 24 h and previous use of AEDs was significantly associated with increased risk of recurrence. ConclusionRisk factors for acute recurrence should be evaluated for each patient. Patients without risk factors and no seizures during the first 6 h should not be observed for extended periods in PED.

First‐ever convulsive seizures in children presenting to the emergency department: risk factors for seizure recurrence and diagnosis of epilepsy

Aetiologies of first-ever convulsive seizures may be diverse, not all leading to recurrence or epilepsy diagnosis. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of first-ever convulsive seizures in children, investigating risk factors for recurrence and epilepsy diagnosis. This was a retrospective study of children presenting with a first-ever convulsive seizure to a tertiary-care paediatric emergency department (PED) in Italy, in a 12-month period (2011-2012). One hundred and eight children (57 males, 51 females) presented to the PED for a first-ever convulsive seizure; 90.7% were 6months to 6years old (median age 1y 10mo, mean 2y 7mo, range 0mo-14y 4mo). Seizure duration was less than 5minutes in 76.8%. Seizures were 'unprovoked' in 19.4% and 'provoked' in 80.6%. At 4-year follow-up, 37.9% of patients experienced recurrence and 13.6% received a diagnosis of epilepsy. Factors significantly associated with recurrence were the 'unprovoked' nature of the first seizure, multiple seizures in the first 24hours, positive family history of febrile seizures or epilepsy, and pre-existing neurological conditions/problems. Factors significantly associated with a diagnosis of epilepsy were the 'unprovoked' nature of the first seizure, age older than 6years, pre-existing neurological conditions/problems, and focal onset of first seizure. Children presenting to the PED with first-ever convulsive seizures represent a heterogeneous group. The identification of prognostic factors for recurrence and epilepsy diagnosis may help provide tailored counselling and follow-up. Seizures were 'unprovoked' in 19.4% and 'provoked' in 80.6% of children presenting to the emergency department. At 4-year follow-up, 37.9% relapsed, and 13.6% received a diagnosis of epilepsy. 'Unprovoked' first seizure, family history of febrile seizures, and pre-existing neurological conditions were associated with recurrence. 'Unprovoked' first seizure, age younger than 6years, and pre-existing neurological conditions were associated with epilepsy diagnosis.