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Sudden unexplained death among subjects with refractory epilepsy
1Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Boston University Medical Center, Lexington, Massachusetts, MA 02173, USA.
Epilepsia
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Sudden unexplained death (SUD) occurred in 15 individuals with refractory epilepsy. The incidence rate of SUD in this population was 2.2 per 1,000 person-years, informing safety of anticonvulsant use.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding sudden unexplained death (SUD) rates with new anticonvulsant medications.
- A comparative baseline for SUD incidence in refractory epilepsy is necessary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of SUD in individuals under 50 with refractory epilepsy.
- To provide crucial data for assessing the safety profile of anticonvulsant therapies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) in the UK.
- Defined refractory epilepsy as concurrent use of two or more anticonvulsants.
- Reviewed clinical records for potential SUD cases identified from computer data.
Main Results:
- Fifteen cases of definite/probable or possible SUD were identified among 4,150 subjects.
- The overall SUD incidence rate was 2.2 per 1,000 person-years.
- The incidence rate for highly probable SUD was 1.5 per 1,000 person-years.
Conclusions:
- The study provides an estimated incidence rate for SUD in refractory epilepsy.
- This data is vital for understanding the risks associated with anticonvulsant use.
- Further research may be warranted to explore specific risk factors.