Predictors of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy After Perinatal Stroke

To identify predictors of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children with a history of perinatal ischemic stroke (PIS).

This single-center retrospective observational study analyzed children with PIS using international classification of diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) codes, institutional databases, medical records, and neuroimaging from 2012 to 2023. DRE was defined as seizures unresponsive to ≥2 antiseizure medications. The Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) was retrospectively scored.

Of 96 children with PIS, 56% developed epilepsy and 20 (21%) had DRE. Median age at the last visit was 7.9 years (interquartile range, 3.1-11.7 years.) Among those with DRE, 70% had presumed perinatal stroke and 30% had symptomatic neonatal stroke. PSOM scores differed by epilepsy status: median PSOM was 2.5 for DRE, 1.8 for non-DRE epilepsy and 1.0 for children without epilepsy; paired comparisons for neurological outcome found a difference between those with DRE compared to those without epilepsy (P < 0.001). Hippocampal volume reduction was the only predictor of DRE (odds ratio 6.45, 95% confidence interval 1.80-23.16, P = 0.004) in a multivariable model including sex, neonatal seizures, and total PSOM. Children with DRE tried a median of four antiseizure medications after the newborn period, and 13 (65%) underwent epilepsy surgery. Favorable outcomes (seizure-free or >90% reduction) were seen in 62% postsurgery, including three focal resections, four functional hemispherectomies, and one posterior quadrant disconnection.

Hippocampal volume reduction is a strong predictor of DRE following PIS. Epilepsy and DRE were more common in older children. Hemispherectomy and focal resections were associated with favorable seizure outcomes.