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Effects of Stable Vagus Nerve Stimulation Efficacy on Autistic Behaviors in Ten Pediatric Patients With Drug
Zhiyan Wang1, Xing Yuan2, Qian Zhang3
1National Engineering Laboratory for Neuromodulation, School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Insights
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved autistic behaviors in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). These positive effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms were observed independently of seizure control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Epilepsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is established for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children.
- The impact of VNS on autistic behaviors in pediatric DRE patients is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of VNS on autistic behaviors in pediatric patients with DRE.
- To determine if VNS-induced improvements in autistic behaviors correlate with seizure control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from 10 pediatric epilepsy patients with DRE undergoing VNS.
- Behavioral assessments using the autistic behavior checklist and child behavior checklist at two follow-up points.
Main Results:
- Patients maintained stable seizure control between follow-ups.
- Significant reductions in autistic behaviors, particularly in language and social domains, were observed.
- Improvements in autistic behaviors were independent of seizure control status.
Conclusions:
- VNS may positively influence autistic behaviors in children with DRE and comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- This study provides preliminary clinical evidence supporting VNS as a potential therapeutic option for children with DRE and ASD.
Abstract:
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a safe and effective therapy for pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). However, in children with DRE, the effects of VNS on autistic behaviors remain controversial. We retrospectively collected data from 10 children with DRE who underwent VNS implantation and regular parameter regulation in three pediatric epilepsy centers, and completed the behavioral assessments, including the autistic behavior checklist and the child behavior checklist, at follow-ups 1 (mean 2.16 years) and 2 (mean 2.98 years). The 10 children maintained stable seizure control between the two follow-ups. Their autistic behaviors, especially in language, social and self-help, were reduced at follow-up 2 compared to follow-up 1 (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, these improvements were not associated with their seizure control, whether it was positive or negative. These results suggested that the VNS had a positive effect on autistic behaviors, which provided a preliminary clinical basis that VNS may benefit to younger children with DRE comorbidity autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
