Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in Children With Non-Acquired Epilepsy: A Cohort Study Based on
Jia Zhang1,2, Xiaoqian Wang2,3, Xueyi Rao2
1Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Insights
Genetic testing in children with epilepsy improves diagnosis and prognosis. Gene-positive epilepsy patients showed poorer treatment response, highlighting genetic testing
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Genetics
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Epilepsy in children presents complex diagnostic and prognostic challenges.
- Understanding genetic contributions is crucial for targeted treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical phenotypes, treatment response, and risk factors in children with epilepsy based on genetic testing results.
- To evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic guidance value of genetic testing in pediatric epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective-prospective cohort study of 848 children with non-acquired epilepsy.
- Genetic testing was performed, and patients were followed for 1-5 years.
- Comparative analysis between Gene-positive and Gene-negative groups.
Main Results:
- The Gene-negative group demonstrated a better response to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) compared to the Gene-positive group.
- Specific risk factors for poor treatment response were identified in both groups.
- Children with positive genetic findings showed greater developmental delays and poorer treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing provides critical prognostic and therapeutic guidance in pediatric epilepsy.
- Early treatment response at 3 months is a significant predictor of long-term outcomes.
- Identifying genetic causes aids in tailoring therapeutic strategies for improved epilepsy management.
Abstract:
This study aimed to analyze the clinical phenotypes, treatment response, and related risk factors in children with epilepsy to improve diagnosis and prognosis, employing a retrospective-prospective cohort design involving 848 children with non-acquired epilepsy who underwent genetic testing and were followed for 1-5 years to monitor treatment efficacy and development, with participants categorized into Gene-positive (n = 484) and Gene-negative (n = 364) groups for comparative analysis. Results showed that the Gene-negative group had a better treatment response than the Gene-positive group, and multivariate logistic analysis identified specific high-risk factors for poor treatment response in each group: febrile seizures history, delayed language development, concomitant congenital heart disease, and the use of ≥ 4 ASMs in the Gene-positive group, and comorbidities such as autism, intellectual disability, focal seizures, and multiple seizure types in the Gene-negative group. In conclusion, children with positive genetic findings exhibited more significant developmental delays/regression and poorer responses to treatment, underscoring the critical prognostic and therapeutic guidance value of genetic testing, while the treatment response observed at the 3-month mark serves as a significant predictor of long-term prognosis, offering a crucial reference for adjusting therapeutic strategies.
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