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Association between epilepsy and systemic autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis
Zhang Lin1, Qi Si2, Zou Xiaoyi1
1Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Seizure
|September 5, 2016
Summary
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) and epilepsy are linked, with a significantly higher risk in individuals under 20. This meta-analysis confirms a strong association, particularly pronounced in younger populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) encompass a range of chronic conditions affecting multiple organ systems.
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- The potential link between autoimmune processes and epilepsy is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) and epilepsy.
- To determine if this association is stronger in younger individuals.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using data from Medline and Embase up to February 2016.
- The study adhered to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies.
- Twenty-five studies, involving 10,972 epilepsy patients and 2,618,637 SAD patients, were included.
Main Results:
- Patients with epilepsy demonstrated a >2.5-fold increased risk of SAD, and vice versa.
- Individuals under 20 years old exhibited a 3-fold increased risk for both SAD and epilepsy.
- Specific associations included a 2.6-fold risk of celiac disease in epilepsy patients and a 4.5-fold risk of epilepsy in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between epilepsy and systemic autoimmune diseases.
- This association is notably stronger in younger individuals (<20 years of age).
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