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Seizure frequency, healthcare resource utilisation and mortality in childhood epilepsy: a retrospective cohort study

Melissa Myland1, Brian Buysse1, Wan Tsong2

  • 1IQVIA, London, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Higher seizure frequency in children with epilepsy (CWE) is linked to increased healthcare use and mortality. Improving seizure control in CWE may lead to better outcomes and reduced healthcare resource utilization.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
  • Understanding the impact of seizure frequency on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and mortality is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between seizure frequency and HCRU and mortality in UK children with epilepsy (CWE).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing routinely collected primary care data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) UK database.
  • Analysis included children with epilepsy aged 1-17 years, examining HCRU from 2010-2015 and mortality from 2005-2015.
  • Seizure frequency was assessed, and its correlation with HCRU contacts and mortality was analyzed using negative binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Main Results:

  • Increased seizure frequency was significantly associated with higher HCRU, including more general practitioner visits, inpatient admissions, and outpatient visits.
  • Each category increase in seizure frequency correlated with an 11% rise in GP visits, 35% in inpatient admissions, and 15% in outpatient visits, alongside a 24% increase in direct HCRU costs.
  • Mortality risk was elevated in children with higher seizure frequencies, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.11 (95% CI: 1.24 to 3.60) per higher seizure frequency category.

Conclusions:

  • Higher seizure frequency in UK children with epilepsy is demonstrably linked to increased healthcare resource utilization and mortality.
  • These findings underscore the importance of seizure control for improving patient outcomes and potentially reducing healthcare burdens.
Abstract

Keywords:
epidemiologyneurologypaediatric practice

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