Referral patterns for pediatric resective epilepsy surgery in a publicly funded healthcare system

Referral patterns for pediatric epilepsy surgery in publicly funded healthcare systems remain unclear. This study quantified referral intervals and identified predictors of prolonged referrals at Finland's primary pediatric epilepsy surgery center. Additionally, the authors examined time intervals from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) diagnosis to surgical referral.

A retrospective analysis of the charts of 251 pediatric epilepsy surgery patients treated between 2002 and 2024 was conducted (median age at surgery: 9.63 years). Geographical regions were categorized based on university hospitals' catchment areas to southern, western, central, and northern regions. The authors collected data on clinical, diagnostic, and surgical characteristics; referral centers; and time intervals across different stages of the referral process. Predictors of prolonged referral duration (above median) were identified using an adjusted logistic regression model.

The median (IQR) onset-to-referral interval was 3.24 (5.34) years, with no significant regional differences (p = 0.73). Among 155 patients with detailed data on prescription of a third antiseizure medication, the median (IQR) interval from DRE to surgical referral was 2.02 (3.37) years. Referral hospitals with systematic epileptologist consultants had a shorter onset-to-surgery interval (3.89 vs 5.31 years, p = 0.043) than those without. Adjusted predictors of prolonged onset-to-referral interval included seizure remission (OR 8.70, p < 0.001) and MRI negativity (OR 3.73, p = 0.037). Furthermore, active infantile spasms at referral (OR 0.076, p = 0.046), daily seizures (OR 0.27, p < 0.001), and low-grade tumors (OR 0.25, p = 0.011) were associated with shorter onset-to-referral interval.

Prolonged durations of epilepsy before surgical referral are linked to epilepsy severity and pre-referral MRI findings. In Finland, referral intervals are consistent across regions despite long travel distances. Overall, epilepsy treatment is efficient nationwide, with relatively short and equal referral intervals. Epileptologist outreach consultations should be considered to facilitate earlier identification of surgical candidates and reduce referral delays.