Post-stroke seizures in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Stroke Research
• Epilepsy Research

Background:

• Post-stroke seizures (PSS) are a common stroke complication.
• Limited research exists on PSS in preclinical stroke models.
• Understanding PSS in animal models is crucial for translational research and therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Systematically review and meta-analyze PSS incidence and consequences in animal models.
• Assess methodological quality of PSS studies in ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) models.
• Evaluate the relationship between PSS and stroke outcomes in preclinical research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Included peer-reviewed animal studies (post-1999) reporting seizures and outcomes without intervention.
• Performed data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and random-effects meta-analysis for lesion volume.

Main Results:

• 10 studies met criteria; 8 eligible for meta-analysis. Seizure incidence varied (17.5-82% in focal ischemia, 45-67% in ICH).
• Meta-analysis: Seizures associated with larger lesions in focal ischemia (Hedge's G=1.598, p=0.038), not ICH (Hedge's G=0.180, p=0.468).
• High risk of bias noted across studies; methodological limitations identified, suggesting publication bias.

Conclusions:

• Scarcity of rigorous preclinical PSS studies and significant heterogeneity exist.
• Focal ischemia-associated seizures linked to larger lesions and worse neurological deficits.
• Future research needs rigorous, long-term studies with standardized monitoring and diverse populations.