Predictive factors of pediatric intractable seizures
Javad Akhondian1, Farhad Heydarian, Seyed-Ali Jafari
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. J-Akhondian@mums.ac.ir
Insights
Identifying early risk factors for uncontrolled seizures in children is crucial for accurate treatment. Factors like young age, seizure frequency, and neurological defects predict refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Study conducted at Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
- Focus on children under 15 years old.
- Investigated predisposing factors for uncontrolled seizures in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key predisposing factors for uncontrolled seizures in children.
- To enable accurate and timely treatment initiation.
- To improve management of refractory epilepsy in pediatric neurology.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study of two patient groups: refractory seizures (Group I, n=51) vs. well-controlled seizures (Group II, n=80).
- Group I: ≥1 refractory seizure/month on ≥2 antiepileptic drugs.
- Group II: No seizures within 6 months of treatment initiation.
Main Results:
- Factors predicting refractory seizures: age <1 year, multiple pre-treatment seizures, male gender, myoclonic seizures.
- Neurologic defects, neonatal seizures, daily seizures, and abnormal EEG/CT scans were also significant.
- These factors aid in identifying children at higher risk for uncontrolled epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Several predictive factors for the development of uncontrolled seizures in children have been identified.
- Understanding these factors allows for better patient discrimination.
- Increased attention can be directed towards high-risk pediatric patients for improved epilepsy management.
Background:
This study was performed in children aged <15 years, at the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The objective of this study was to recognize the main predisposing factors that result in uncontrolled seizures in patients so that we can start the treatment accurately.
Methods:
There were two groups of patients; group I, consisted of 51 patients, with minimum refractory seizures of one episode per month while taking at least two antieplieptic drugs, and group II, comprised of 80 well-controlled patients chosen at random, who had no fit within 6 months after starting the treatment.
Results:
Factors affecting the occurrence of refractory seizures included age <1 year, multiple seizures before starting the treatment, male gender, myoclonic seizures, neurologic defects, neonatal and daily seizures, and first abnormal electroencephalogram and brain computerized tomography scan.
Conclusion:
There are several factors that can predict development of uncontrolled seizures. Knowledge of these factors helps us to discriminate our patients and pay more attention to those at risk of developing uncontrolled seizures.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types