| 1. |
- Andreasson, Ann‐Charlotte, et al.
(författare)
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Cortical excitability measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation in children with epilepsy before and after antiepileptic drugs
- 2020
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Ingår i: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. - : Wiley. - 0012-1622 .- 1469-8749. ; 62:7, s. 793-798
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim To evaluate cortical excitability with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in children with new-onset epilepsy before and after antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Method Fifty-five drug-naive patients (29 females, 26 males; 3-18y), with new-onset epilepsy were recruited from 1st May 2014 to 31st October 2017 at the Child Neurology Department, Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. We performed TMS in 48 children (23 females, 25 males; mean [SD] age 10y [3y], range 4-15y) with epilepsy (27 generalized and 21 focal) before and after the introduction of AEDs. We used single- and paired-pulse TMS. We used single-pulse TMS to record resting motor thresholds (RMTs), stimulus-response curves, and cortical silent periods (CSPs). We used paired-pulse TMS to record intracortical inhibition and facilitation at short, long, and intermediate intervals. Results There were no differences in cortical excitability between children with generalized and focal epilepsy at baseline. After AED treatment, RMTs increased (p=0.001), especially in children receiving sodium valproate (p=0.005). CSPs decreased after sodium valproate was administered (p=0.050). As in previous studies, we noted a negative correlation between RMT and age in our study cohort. Paired-pulse TMS could not be performed in most children because high RMTs made suprathreshold stimulation impossible. Interpretation Cortical excitability as measured with RMT decreased after the introduction of AEDs. This was seen in children with both generalized and focal epilepsy who were treated with sodium valproate, although it was most prominent in children with generalized epilepsy. We suggest that TMS might be used as a prognostic tool to predict AED efficacy.
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| 2. |
- Baumgartner, T., et al.
(författare)
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A survey of the European Reference Network EpiCARE on clinical practice for selected rare epilepsies
- 2021
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Ingår i: Epilepsia Open. - : Wiley. - 2470-9239. ; 6:1, s. 160-170
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Clinical care of rare and complex epilepsies is challenging, because evidence-based treatment guidelines are scarce, the experience of many physicians is limited, and interdisciplinary treatment of comorbidities is required. The pathomechanisms of rare epilepsies are, however, increasingly understood, which potentially fosters novel targeted therapies. The objectives of our survey were to obtain an overview of the clinical practice in European tertiary epilepsy centers treating patients with 5 arbitrarily selected rare epilepsies and to get an estimate of potentially available patients for future studies. Methods: Members of the European Reference Network for rare and complex epilepsies (EpiCARE) were invited to participate in a web-based survey on clinical practice of patients with Dravet syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), autoimmune encephalitis, and progressive myoclonic epilepsies including Unverricht Lundborg and Unverricht-like diseases. A consensus-based questionnaire was generated for each disease. Results: Twenty-six of 30 invited epilepsy centers participated. Cohorts were present in most responding centers for TSC (87%), Dravet syndrome (85%), and autoimmune encephalitis (71%). Patients with TSC and Dravet syndrome represented the largest cohorts in these centers. The antiseizure drug treatments were rather consistent across the centers especially with regard to Dravet syndrome, infantile spasms in TSC, and Unverricht Lundborg / Unverricht-like disease. Available, widely used targeted therapies included everolimus in TSC and immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune encephalitis. Screening for comorbidities was routinely done, but specific treatment protocols were lacking in most centers. Significance: The survey summarizes the current clinical practice for selected rare epilepsies in tertiary European epilepsy centers and demonstrates consistency as well as heterogeneity in the treatment, underscoring the need for controlled trials and recommendations. The survey also provides estimates for potential participants of clinical trials recruited via EpiCARE, emphasizing the great potential of Reference Networks for future studies to evaluate new targeted therapies and to identify novel biomarkers. © 2020 The Authors. Epilepsia Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International League Against Epilepsy
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| 3. |
- Bjurulf, Björn, 1962, et al.
(författare)
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Caregiver reported behavior, sleep and quality of life in children with Dravet syndrome: A population-based study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Epilepsy and Behavior. - 1525-5050 .- 1525-5069. ; 150
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this population-based study was to assess behavior, sleep, and quality of life, and explore factors associated with these in children with Dravet syndrome. Methods: The Developmental Behavior Checklist, the Insomnia Severity Index, and a global question regarding quality of life from the Epilepsy and Learning Disabilities Quality of Life scale were completed by primary caregivers of 42/48 Swedish children with Dravet syndrome, born 2000–2018. Factors associated with problems with insomnia, behavior and quality of life were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Results: Scores indicating significant behavioral problems were seen in 29/40 (72 %) children, scores indicating moderate or severe clinical insomnia in 18/42 (43 %) and scores indicating poor or very poor quality of life in 7/41 (17 %). On multivariable analysis, autistic symptoms were significantly associated with behavioral problems (p = 0.013), side-effects of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) were associated with insomnia (p = 0.038), whilst insomnia was significantly associated with poor quality of life (p = 0.016). Significance: Dravet syndrome in children is associated with significant problems with behavior, sleep and quality of life. There is a need to optimize treatment via ASMs and develop and evaluate interventions to treat behavioral and sleep difficulties to optimize outcomes.
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| 4. |
- Bjurulf, Björn, 1962, et al.
(författare)
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Caregiver reported seizure precipitants and measures to prevent seizures in children with Dravet syndrome
- 2022
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Ingår i: Seizure. - : Elsevier BV. - 1059-1311. ; 103, s. 3-10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this population-based, cross-sectional study was to describe caregiver-reported seizure precipitants, measures taken to prevent seizures and rescue therapies in children with Dravet Syndrome (DS). Methods: In a population-based study, caregivers of 42/48 Swedish children with DS born between 2000 and 2018 were interviewed. Frequency of precipitants, preventive measures, and rescue therapies were compared between children born 2000-2009 and 2010-2018 and between `severe acute accent and `less severe acute accent epilepsy.Results: All children had experienced precipitants. Preventive measures were employed in all. Seizures had been provoked by a median of seven (range 2-11) out of 13 factors. A median of eight (range 1-17) preventive measures out of 19 were reported. The most common precipitants were fever (n=42, 100%), and afebrile in-fections (n=39/42, 93%). Afebrile infections (p=0.014) and reduced ambient temperature (p=0.006) were more common precipitants in younger children, and bright light in children with severe epilepsy (p=0.013).The most common factors avoided were warm weather (n=35/42, 83%) and physical activity (n=27/42, 64%). It was more common to avoid strong emotions (p=0.035) and reduced temperature (p=0.002) in younger children, and to avoid infections (p=0.024) and crowds (p=0.046) in children with 'severe' epilepsy. Many children (n=28/42, 67%) or their siblings (n=16/34, 47% of individuals with siblings) had stayed home to avoid infections in school/day-care. Use of emergency medicines was more frequent in younger children (p=0.006) and in children with 'severe' epilepsy (p=0.007). Significance: Caregiver-reported seizure precipitants are common in DS. Caregivers employ a range of measures to avoid seizures, restricting family life.
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| 5. |
- Bjurulf, Björn, 1962, et al.
(författare)
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Dravet syndrome in children - A population-based study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Epilepsy Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0920-1211 .- 1872-6844. ; 182
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim was to describe age at diagnosis, cumulative incidence, SCN1A variants, mortality, seizure types and treatments in children with Dravet Syndrome (DS) in Sweden. Methods: Children diagnosed with DS, born between January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2018 were included in a population-based study. Clinical data, frequency of seizure types and treatments were collected from caregivers and medical records in 42 children. Age at diagnosis, cumulative incidence and treatment were compared between children born in Sweden 2000–2009 and 2010–2018. Results: We identified 55 children with DS, 53 were born in Sweden. Three children had died of definite, probable, or possible sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, one of acute anoxic brain injury and three of pneumonia or pneumonitis. Median age at death was 4.7 (range 3.3–11) years. In 49/53 children with known SCN1A status, a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant of SCN1A was detected. In two a SCN1A variant of unknown significance was found. For children born in Sweden 2010–2018, median age at DS diagnosis was lower (1.6 vs 4.5 years, p = 0.001) and cumulative incidence higher (1/33,000 vs 1/46,000 live-born children, p = 0.03), compared to children born in 2000–2009. The most common seizure types were focal to bilateral tonic clonic (n = 41/42) and myoclonic (n = 35/42). Tonic seizures were reported in 25/42 children. Sodium-channel inhibitors had been used in 9/24 children born in 2010–2018 and 17/18 children born in 2000–2009 (p = 0.001). Significance: A SCN1A variant that could explain the syndrome was found in over 90% of children. Tonic seizures seem to be more frequent than earlier described. Median age at diagnosis was lower, cumulative incidence higher and use of contra-indicated sodium-channel inhibitors less common for children born in 2010–2018 compared with children born in 2000–2009. This could indicate an increased awareness of DS.
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| 6. |
- Bjurulf, Björn, 1962, et al.
(författare)
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Potassium citrate and metabolic acidosis in children with epilepsy on the ketogenic diet: a prospective controlled study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. - : Wiley. - 0012-1622 .- 1469-8749. ; 61:1, s. 57-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim To investigate if potassium citrate, a mild alkaline compound, can prevent metabolic acidosis in children with epilepsy treated with the ketogenic diet without reducing antiepileptic efficacy. Method In this prospective controlled study, we investigated the frequency of initial uncompensated metabolic acidosis in 51 participants. There were 22 participants with and 29 without potassium citrate supplementation. The ketogenic diet was used as add-on treatment to children with drug resistant epilepsy. We also estimated the proportion of participants with a greater than 50% seizure reduction after 7 months. Results None of the 22 participants (15 males, seven females; median age 1y 7mo, interquartile range [IQR] 3y 3mo) with, and 10 of 29 (12 males, 17 females; median age 6y 1mo, IQR 4y 8mo) without potassium citrate developed metabolic acidosis (odds ratio=0.04, 95% CI 0.00–0.75 [p<0.01]); median pH 7.32 vs 7.24; [p<0.001]), and median bicarbonate 19.7mmol/L vs 14.0mmol/L (p<0.001). The number of seizures was reduced by more than 50% in 9 of 22 with potassium citrate and 8 of 29 participants without potassium citrate, 7 months after introducing a ketogenic diet (p=0.4). Interpretation In the ketogenic diet, potassium citrate supplementation can prevent metabolic acidosis, without reducing antiepileptic efficacy.
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| 7. |
- Bomfim, I L, et al.
(författare)
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The immunogenetics of narcolepsy associated with A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination (Pandemrix) supports a potent gene-environment interaction.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Genes and immunity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5470 .- 1466-4879. ; 18, s. 75-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination campaign from 2009 to 2010 was associated with a sudden increase in the incidence of narcolepsy in several countries. Narcolepsy with cataplexy is strongly associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II DQB1*06:02 allele, and protective associations with the DQB1*06:03 allele have been reported. Several non-HLA gene loci are also associated, such as common variants of the T-cell receptor-α (TRA), the purinergic receptor P2RY11, cathepsin H (CTSH) and TNFSF4/OX40L/CD252. In this retrospective multicenter study, we investigated if these predisposing gene loci were also involved in vaccination-associated narcolepsy. We compared HLA- along with single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes for non-HLA regions between 42 Pandemrix-vaccinated narcolepsy cases and 1990 population-based controls. The class II gene loci associations supported previous findings. Nominal association (P-value<0.05) with TRA as well as suggestive (P-value<0.1) associations with P2RY11 and CTSH were found. These associations suggest a very strong gene-environment interaction, in which the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strain or Pandemrix vaccine can act as potent environmental triggers.Genes and Immunity advance online publication, 23 March 2017; doi:10.1038/gene.2017.1.
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| 8. |
- Chaplin, John, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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The development of a health-related quality-of-life instrument for young people with narcolepsy: NARQoL-21
- 2017
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Ingår i: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1477-7525. ; 15:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Narcolepsy is a lifelong sleep disorder with a prevalence of between 0.03% and 0.06% and onset at around puberty. It is associated with psychiatric comorbidities and cognitive difficulties. No valid and reliable condition-specific health-related quality-of-life (HrQoL) instrument has been developed for this population. METHODS: A questionnaire based on four mixed-gender age-defined focus group discussions and a patient panel analysis was administered to young people with narcolepsy and a control group. External reliability was measured by a test-retest procedure and internal reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity with the KIDSCREEN-10 index was assessed using with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Factor analysis techniques were used to identify suitable items and confirm the factor structure. Baseline values were assessed for convergent validity, ceiling effects, agreement and sensitivity. Comparison with KIDSCREEN-10 was made on the basis of area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: One hundred young people with narcolepsy and 95 control subjects returned questionnaires. The factor structure revealed two main factors with five domains and 21 questions, which was confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis. The domains of the NARQoL-21 showed good independence while the floor and ceiling effects were acceptable. The external reliability (0.928), convergent validity (rs = 0.769) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.886) were excellent. A Bland-Altman plot revealed some proportional bias. Good discriminant validity was detected for control/patient (Cohen's d = 2.114). ROC analysis showed significantly better AUC for NARQoL-21 (0.939) than KIDSCREEN (0.877). A cut-off score equivalent to KIDSCREEN-10 for suboptimal HrQoL which maximized sensitivity (84%) and specificity (92%) was found at NARQoL-21 score below 42. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing the validity of a disease-specific HrQoL instrument in a population of people with a rare condition poses significant challenges. The mixed-methods approach adopted here has resulted in a questionnaire of 21 items with good discrimination and convergent validity, and excellent internal and external reliability, allowing precise and stable measurements. The cut-off score can be useful to identify patients with very poor HrQoL and thus improve the design of treatment options. Further testing in a longitudinal cohort is recommended in order to establish responsiveness.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Edelvik, Anna, 1971, et al.
(författare)
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Hälften är långsiktigt fria från anfall efter epilepsikirurgi
- 2018
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Ingår i: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205. ; 115:21
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Personer med läkemedelsresistent epilepsi bör remitteras till regionala epilepsiteam för utredning och bedömning av behandlingsalternativ, bland annat epilepsikirurgi. Om magnetresonanstomografi visar en epileptogen lesion som är åtkomlig för kirurgi är operation ett effektivt behandlingsalternativ, och en epilepsikirurgisk utredning kan vara relativt begränsad. Även om magnetresonanstomografi bedöms normal kan en epilepsikirurgisk utredning vara aktuell, men är då mera omfattande. Små barn med läkemedelsresistent epilepsi bör tidigt remitteras till regionala epilepsiteam. Ungefär hälften av dem som opereras blir anfallsfria på lång sikt, med bättre resultat för dem som opererats för välavgränsade lesioner.
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