| 1. |
- 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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| 2. |
- 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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| 3. |
- 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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| 4. |
- Dellenmark-Blom, Michaela, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Schooling experiences in children with long-gap esophageal atresia compared with children with esophageal atresia and primary anastomosis: a Swedish study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1750-1172. ; 18:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundChildren with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) risk living with aerodigestive morbidity and mental health difficulties. No previous study has investigated their experiences of schooling, despite the importance of schools in children's development, learning and social relationships. We aimed to describe experiences of schooling in children with LGEA in Sweden in comparison with children with EA who had primary anastomosis.MethodChildren with LGEA aged 3-17 were recruited nationwide in Sweden. One parent completed a survey on their child's school-based supports (according to definitions from the Swedish National Agency for Education), school absence, school satisfaction, school functioning (PedsQL 4.0), mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) and current symptomatology. School data were compared between 26 children with LGEA to that from 95 children with EA who had PA, a hypothesized milder affected group. Mental health level was determined using validated norms; abnormal & GE; 90 percentile. Data were analyzed using descriptives, correlation and Mann-Whitney-U test. Significance level was p < 0.05.ResultsFormal school-based support was reported in 17 (65.4%) children with LGEA and concerned support with nutritional intake (60%), education (50%) and medical/special health needs (35%). The prevalence of school-based support was significantly higher compared to children with PA overall (36.8%, p = 0.013) and regarding nutritional intake support (20%, p < 0.001). In children with LGEA, school-based support was related to low birth weight (p = 0.036), young child age (p = 0.014), height & LE; -2SD for age/sex (p = 0.024) and an increased number of aerodigestive symptoms (p < 0.05). All children with LGEA who had abnormal mental health scores had school-based support, except for one child. Nine children with LGEA (36%) had school absence & GE; 1times/month the past year, more frequently because of colds/airway infections (p = 0.045) and GI-specific problems compared to PA (p = 0.003). School functioning scores were not significantly different from children with PA (p = 0.34) but correlated negatively with school-based support (< 0.001) and school absence (p = 0.002). One parent out of 26 reported their child's school satisfaction as "not good".ConclusionsChildren with LGEA commonly receive school-based support, reflecting multifaceted daily needs and disease severity. School absence is frequent and related to poorer school functioning. Future research focusing on academic achievement in children with EA is needed.
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| 5. |
- Goselink, Rianne J. M., et al.
(författare)
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Transition to adult care in epilepsy: A systematic review
- 2022
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Ingår i: Seizure. - : Elsevier BV. - 1059-1311 .- 1532-2688. ; 101, s. 52-59
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The transfer from paediatric to adult care can be a complex process in children with epilepsy. Inadequate care during this phase can affect long-term medical and psychosocial outcomes. The aim of this study was to review studies on transitional care from paediatric to adult healthcare for young persons with epilepsy in order to synthesize evidence for best practice. We undertook a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and employed narrative synthesis. A total of 36 articles were included, of which 11 were interventional studies and 25 observational studies. Study quality was rated as 'good' for only four studies. Interventions included joint or multidisciplinary clinics, education (patient and health professional education) and extended service provision (Saturday clinics, peer-groups). All studies observed a positive effect experienced by the participants, regardless of intervention type. Observational studies showed that transition plans/programmes are asked for but frequently not existing or not adapted to subgroups with intellectual disability or other neurodevelopmental conditions. The results of this systematic review on transitional care in epilepsy suggest that a planned transition process likely enhances medical and psychosocial outcomes for young people with epilepsy, but the body of evidence is limited and there are significant gaps in knowledge of what efficacious transition constitutes. More studies are needed employing qualitative and quantitative methods to further explore the needs of young people with epilepsy and their families but also robust study designs to investigate the impact of interventions on medical and psychosocial outcomes.
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| 6. |
- Hunter, R. M., et al.
(författare)
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The health, education, and social care costs of school-aged children with active epilepsy: A population-based study
- 2015
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Ingår i: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580. ; 56:7, s. 1056-1064
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo provide data on the health, social care, and education costs of active childhood epilepsy and factors associated with these costs over an 18-month period in a population-based sample. MethodsThe Children with Epilepsy in Sussex Schools (CHESS) study is a population-based study involving school-aged children (5-15years) with active epilepsy (taking one or more antiepileptic drug and/or had a seizure in the last year) in a defined geographical area in England. Clinical data were collected on 85 children (74% of eligible population) who underwent comprehensive psychological assessment. Health, education, and social care resource use was collected retrospectively over an 18-month period. Regression analysis was used to identify variables associated these with costs. ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) 18-month cost of health care for a child with active epilepsy was 3,635 (5,339) pound, with mean education and social care cost of 11,552 pound (8,937) pound and 1,742 pound (8,158) pound, respectively, resulting in total mean costs per participant of 16,931 pound (14,764) pound. Health care costs were significantly associated with seizure frequency and etiology (all p-values<0.05). Combined health care, social care, and education costs were significantly related to cognitive impairment (intelligence quotient [IQ] <85) and seizure frequency (p<0.05). The mean cost of health care, social care, and education over 18months for participants with cognitive impairment was 23,579 pound (95% confidence interval [CI] 16,489- pound 30,670) pound compared to 7,785 pound (95% CI 4,943- pound 10,627) pound for those without impairment. SignificanceActive childhood epilepsy has significant health, social care, and education costs. This is the first study to comprehensively document the economic impact on these sectors as well as factors associated with these costs. When caring for children with epilepsy in England, costs incurred by education and social care sectors are approximately four times the costs incurred by the health care sector. Increased costs were associated with cognitive impairment (IQ <85) and weekly or greater seizure frequency.
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| 7. |
- Johnson, Emma C, et al.
(författare)
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Physical activity in people with epilepsy: A systematic review.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 1528-1167 .- 0013-9580.
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to systematically review studies focusing on levels of physical activity (PA) in people with epilepsy (PWE) compared with non-epilepsy controls, and identify factors associated with PA in PWE. Intervention studies were also reviewed to consider the effects of psychological interventions on levels of PA, and the effects of PA-based interventions on seizure activity, psychiatric comorbidity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PRISMA guidelines were followed. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PsycINFO, and Embase. Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria, including case-control, cross-sectional, and intervention studies. Assessment measures included questionnaires, activity trackers, and measures of physiological fitness. Twelve of 22 (54.5%) case-control studies utilizing self-report questionnaire measures reported that PWE were performing lower levels of PA, less likely to be engaging in PA, or less likely to meet PA guidelines than controls. The remaining studies did not find a difference between PWE and controls. Eight of 12 (67%) case-control studies utilizing exercise/fitness tests reported that PWE performed significantly poorer than controls, whereas in two studies PWE performed better than controls. One of three studies investigating the relationship between PA and seizure frequency found that increased self-reported PA was associated with having fewer seizures, whereas two did not find a significant relationship. All seven cross-sectional studies that included measures of HRQoL and depression/anxiety found a positive relationship between levels of PA and HRQoL/reduced levels of depression and anxiety. All four studies that used PA-based interventions demonstrated improvements in levels of PA and increased HRQoL. Study quality was almost universally low. In conclusion, there is some evidence that PWE engage in less PA than peers, and that interventions can improve PA levels and HRQoL. However, there is a need for more robust study designs to better understand PA in individuals with epilepsy.
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| 8. |
- Jones, C., et al.
(författare)
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Parental anxiety in childhood epilepsy: A systematic review
- 2016
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Ingår i: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580. ; 57:4, s. 529-537
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim was to systematically review studies that have focused on symptoms of anxiety reported by parents of children (0-18 years) with epilepsy. PubMed was used to identify relevant studies. Selected studies were reviewed with respect to prevalence of above threshold scores and comparisons with controls on standardized measures of anxiety. Studies are also reported with respect to factors associated with parental anxiety, impact on child outcomes, and comparisons with studies that have included equivalent measures of symptoms of depression. Fifteen studies that met inclusion criteria were identified. None of the studies were population based. The percentage of parents scoring above cutoffs on standardized measures of anxiety was 9-58%. In comparison with parents of healthy controls, parents of children with epilepsy had higher mean scores in two of three studies where this was measured. Possible correlates of parental anxiety in childhood epilepsy that were considered varied widely across studies. Factors such as seizure frequency and use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with parental anxiety in some but not all studies. With respect to child outcome, increased parental anxiety has been associated with lower quality of life and lower scores on adaptive behavior domains. Symptoms of anxiety are common among parents of children with epilepsy. There is a need for more systematic, representative studies to identify the prevalence of clinically significant anxiety and track the course of symptoms. Such studies will help to identify more clearly factors associated with parental anxiety and impact of symptoms on child and parent outcomes. Intervention studies are needed to evaluate approaches that target a reduction in symptoms and the potential impact on parental and child functioning. Furthermore, there is a need to evaluate the impact of antiepileptic therapies and interventions that focus on child neurobehavioral comorbidities on parental anxiety
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| 9. |
- Krantz, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Parental experiences of having a child with CLN3 disease (juvenile Batten disease) and how these experiences relate to family resilience
- 2022
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Ingår i: Child: Care, Health and Development. - : Wiley. - 0305-1862 .- 1365-2214. ; 48:5, s. 842-851
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: CLN3 disease is a neurodegenerative condition presenting in the first decade of life typically leading to death in the third decade. The earliest symptom is rapidly progressive visual impairment followed by intellectual and motor impairments, epilepsy and behavioural disturbances. There are limited data on how the condition affects the family system or the role of family resilience in paediatric neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight parents (five mothers and three fathers) of five children with CLN3. Interview questions focused on the experience of having a child with CLN3, its impact on the family system as well as the concept of family resilience. Data were analysed via thematic analysis. Results: The thematic analysis resulted in four main themes. The theme ‘recurring losses’ included the feeling of losing a healthy child, the child's loss of abilities and loss of relationships. The theme ‘disruption to the family system’ included that siblings could be ‘side-lined’, the potential negative impact on romantic relationships and difficulties finding time to oneself. The theme ‘Society is not developed for a progressive disease’ highlighted the difficulties parents faced with respect to contacts with the health and/or social insurance system. The paediatric health care system was seen as supportive, but the adult health care system was not seen as fit for the purpose. Regarding family resilience, parents felt that the disease forced them to reconsider what was important in life. Several parents described that they learned to value small moments of joy and create deep connections through involvement in family routines and rituals. Conclusions: CLN3 places a very significant burden on the family system including parental feelings of loss, impact on family relationships and lack of understanding within the health/social insurance systems. The concept of family resilience may be useful in understanding the experiences of families affected by paediatric neurodegenerative conditions.
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| 10. |
- McWilliams, A., et al.
(författare)
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Nonepileptic seizures in the pediatric population: A qualitative study of patient and family experiences
- 2016
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Ingår i: Epilepsy & Behavior. - : Elsevier BV. - 1525-5050. ; 59, s. 128-136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the experience of nonepileptic seizures (NES) in young people (0-19 years) and their families, referred to a UK specialist (tertiary) pediatric hospital. The topics investigated include: accessing healthcare, how the diagnosis was first explained, impact on home life and school, coping strategies, and ideas about naming and causes. Methods: Ten young people with NES and 29 family members took part in focus groups and telephone interviews. The data generated were analyzed qualitatively with thematic analysis. Results: Six themes were identified from participant experiences: upset and afraid, missing out, feeling misunderstood, confusion and uncertainty, less than epilepsy, and making sense and moving on. Participants described severe disruption to multiple domains of functioning at home, educationally, and in social activities. Young people felt guilty but also overprotected, while family members felt that they were failing as parents. The journey to diagnosis and treatment was seen as unnecessarily tortuous, with access to care and treatment pathways poorly defined. Participants described feeling that a wide variety of professionals did not believe their experiences, showed pejorative attitudes, and left them feeling isolated and marginalized. The young people and family members found NES a difficult disorder to understand and sometimes could not differentiate it from epilepsy. Epilepsy was used as a benchmark for several comparisons, including highlighting the lack of support for and information about NES. Families disliked being told that it was "good news" that their child did not have epilepsy and questioned if their child should be present during initial diagnostic discussions. Participants described stressful situations as a common trigger for NES. Young people showed ambivalence towards the need to understand the condition or the choice of name used for it, whereas family members considered this crucial for achieving recovery. Conclusions: Young people and families who live with NES experience considerable distress and impairment. Pathways to diagnosis need to be streamlined, and better integration of pediatric, mental health, and educational services is required. The use of the "good news" story to discuss the diagnosis with families should be reconsidered, as families seem to interpret this as indicating that there is no effective treatment. Educational resources and support groups for young people and families are needed. Greater understanding of experiences may allow investigation of the pathogenic mechanism and inform possible management approaches. Training of health professionals in communicating with young people and families with NES must be improved. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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