Burden of Childhood Idiopathic Epilepsy in Asia from 1990 to 2021

Childhood idiopathic epilepsy poses a major public health issue in Asia. This study aimed to characterize the burden of idiopathic epilepsy among children aged 0-14 years across Asia between 1990 and 2021, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021.

Data on the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for children idiopathic epilepsy in Asia were extracted from the GBD 2021. The analyses involved evaluating trends by calculating age-standardized rates (ASRs) and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Stratification was conducted by region, sex, age, and socio-demographic index. Temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis, which calculated the average annual percentage change. Future trends through 2035 were projected with an autoregressive integrated moving average model.

From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) exhibited a slight upward trend (EAPC = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 to 0.25). In contrast, significant declines were observed in the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR; EAPC = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.07), mortality rate (ASMR; EAPC = -1.81, 95% CI: -1.93 to -1.69), and DALY rate (ASDR; EAPC = -1.32, 95% CI: -1.40 to -1.24). All four metrics were consistently higher in males than females across all age groups. The age group <5 years carried the highest burden for incidence, mortality, and DALYs, while prevalence was highest in the 10-14 years age group. Projections to 2035 indicate a continuing upward trend in incidence and prevalence but a decline in mortality.

Despite overall ASPR, ASMR, ASDR declines, slight ASIR rise as well as regional, age, and sex disparities highlights that childhood idiopathic epilepsy remains a persistent health issue in Asia. Future public health efforts should prioritize strengthening healthcare system development and enhancing enhanced early intervention, particularly in resource-limited regions.