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Period prevalence of epilepsy in children in BC: a population-based study

Veronica Schiariti1, Kevin Farrell, Jill S Houbé

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|March 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study estimated epilepsy prevalence in British Columbia children using health care data. Epilepsy was found in 5.5 per 1000 children, with higher rates in younger children and those with lower socioeconomic status.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Estimating seizure disorder prevalence in Canada relies on varied national surveys.
  • This study utilized health care utilization data for a population-based prevalence estimate of epileptic seizures and epilepsy in British Columbia (BC) children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the population-based prevalence of epileptic seizures and epilepsy in children (0-19 years) in British Columbia.
  • To analyze prevalence variations by age, urban/rural location, and socioeconomic status.

Main Methods:

  • Inclusion of BC residents aged 0-19 years enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (2002-2003).
  • Definition of epileptic seizures using ICD-9 codes and data extraction from the BC Linked Health Database.
  • Calculation of period prevalence for epileptic seizures and epilepsy, stratified by demographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Out of 1,013,816 children, 8,125 had epileptic seizures; 5,621 were classified as epilepsy (5.5 per 1000 children).
  • Higher epilepsy prevalence was noted in infants and preschoolers compared to literature.
  • Increased prevalence was observed in children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds and in health regions with a higher proportion of First Nations individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Prevalence rates for epilepsy in BC children were comparable to existing data, except for those under five.
  • A clear gradient showed increased epilepsy prevalence with decreased income levels.
  • Health care utilization data provides valuable insights for planning services for children with epileptic seizures.
Abstract

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