Quality of life perception in patients with epilepsy for a period of 4 years

The quality of life (QoL) perception over time in adult people with epilepsy (PWE) is important to define strategies of conduct.

The aim of this study was to assess the minimally important change (MIC) threshold of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) of PWE over a period of 4 years and its relationship with clinical epilepsy variables.

A total of 129 PWE (46 ± 14.3 years) were included, and the clinical aspects of epilepsy and the QOLIE-31 were assessed in the initial and final assessment, with p < 0.05.

The emotional well-being (-6.31) and social functioning (-5.36) showed clinically relevant effects between the assessments. Quality of life was compromised by increasing the number of antiepileptic drugs (AED) taken [total score (-8.53), social functioning (-14.70)] or by maintaining the use of polytherapy [social functioning (-12.89)]. Fewer seizures were associated with a better QoL [total score (7.99), social (17.88) and cognitive functioning (16.30)]. The reduction in seizures was not associated with a better QoL [total and social functioning score], and the increase in seizures did not change QoL perception (cognitive functioning). There was a reduction in the QoL perception in medication effects in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) (8.92) and with an increase in age in one year (-0.44).

Quality of life was compromised in the emotional well-being and social functioning during the 4-year follow-up period. The increase in the number of AED taken and age and the TLE-HS compromised QoL changes in the frequency of seizures not associated with a significant improvement in QoL.