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- Mouthaan, B. E., et al.
(author)
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Current use of imaging and electromagnetic source localization procedures in epilepsy surgery centers across Europe
- 2016
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In: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580. ; 57:5, s. 770-776
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: In 2014 the European Union-funded E-PILEPSY project was launched to improve awareness of, and accessibility to, epilepsy surgery across Europe. We aimed to investigate the current use of neuroimaging, electromagnetic source localization, and imaging postprocessing procedures in participating centers. Methods: A survey on the clinical use of imaging, electromagnetic source localization, and postprocessing methods in epilepsy surgery candidates was distributed among the 25 centers of the consortium. A descriptive analysis was performed, and results were compared to existing guidelines and recommendations. Results: Response rate was 96%. Standard epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are acquired at 3 Tesla by 15 centers and at 1.5 Tesla by 9 centers. Three centers perform 3T MRI only if indicated. Twenty-six different MRI sequences were reported. Six centers follow all guideline-recommended MRI sequences with the proposed slice orientation and slice thickness or voxel size. Additional sequences are used by 22 centers. MRI postprocessing methods are used in 16 centers. Interictal positron emission tomography (PET) is available in 22 centers; all using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Seventeen centers perform PET postprocessing. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used by 19 centers, of which 15 perform postprocessing. Four centers perform neither PET nor SPECT in children. Seven centers apply magnetoencephalography (MEG) source localization, and nine apply electroencephalography (EEG) source localization. Fourteen combinations of inverse methods and volume conduction models are used. Significance: We report a large variation in the presurgical diagnostic workup among epilepsy surgery centers across Europe. This diversity underscores the need for highquality systematic reviews, evidence-based recommendations, and harmonization of available diagnostic presurgical methods.
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| 2. |
- Kobulashvili, T., et al.
(author)
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Current practices in long-term video-EEG monitoring services: A survey among partners of the E-PILEPSY pilot network of reference for refractory epilepsy and epilepsy surgery
- 2016
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In: Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1059-1311. ; 38, s. 38-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The European Union-funded E-PILEPSY network aims to improve awareness of, and accessibility to, epilepsy surgery across Europe. In this study we assessed current clinical practices in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) in the participating centers. Method: A 60-item web-based survey was distributed to 25 centers (27 EMUs) of the E-PILEPSY network across 22 European countries. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the characteristics of EMUs, including organizational aspects, admission, and observation of patients, procedures performed, safety issues, cost, and reimbursement. Results: Complete responses were received from all (100%) EMUs surveyed. Continuous observation of patients was performed in 22 (81%) EMUs during regular working hours, and in 17 EMUs (63%) outside of regular working hours. Fifteen (56%) EMUs requested a signed informed consent before admission. All EMUs performed tapering/withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, 14 (52%) prior to admission to an EMU. Specific protocols on antiepileptic drugs (AED) tapering were available in four (15%) EMUs. Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) for the treatment of seizure clusters and status epilepticus were available in 16 (59%). Safety measures implemented by EMUs were: alarm seizure buttons in 21 (78%), restricted patient's ambulation in 19 (70%), guard rails in 16 (59%), and specially designated bathrooms in 7 (26%). Average costs for one inpatient day in EMU ranged between 100 and 2200 Euros. Conclusion: This study shows a considerable diversity in the organization and practice patterns across European epilepsy monitoring units. The collected data may contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based recommended practices in LTM services across Europe. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of British Epilepsy Association.
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| 4. |
- Markoula, S., et al.
(author)
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A European questionnaire survey on epilepsy monitoring units' current practice for postoperative psychogenic nonepileptic seizures' detection
- 2020
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In: Epilepsy and Behavior. - : Elsevier BV. - 1525-5050. ; 112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In cases undergoing epilepsy surgery, postoperative psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) may be underdiagnosed complicating the assessment of postsurgical seizures' outcome and the clinical management. We conducted a survey to investigate the current practices in the European epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) and the data that EMUs could provide to retrospectively detect cases with postoperative PNES and to assess the feasibility of a subsequent postoperative PNES research project for cases with postoperative PNES. Methods: We developed and distributed a questionnaire survey to 57 EMUs. Questions addressed the number of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, the performance of systematic preoperative and postoperative psychiatric evaluation, the recording of sexual or other abuse, the follow-up period of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, the performance of video-electroencephalogram (EEG) and postoperative psychiatric assessment in suspected postoperative cases with PNES, the existence of electronic databases to allow extraction of cases with postoperative PNES, the data that these bases could provide, and EMUs' interest to participate in a retrospective postoperative PNES project. Results: Twenty EMUs completed the questionnaire sheet. The number of patients operated every year/per center is 26.7 (+ 19.1), and systematic preoperative and postoperative psychiatric evaluation is performed in 75% and 50% of the EMUs accordingly. Sexual or other abuse is systematically recorded in one-third of the centers, and the mean follow-up period after epilepsy surgery is 10.5 ± 7.5 years. In suspected postoperative PNES, video-EEG is performed in 85% and psychiatric assessment in 95% of the centers. An electronic database to allow extraction of patients with PNES after epilepsy surgery is used in 75% of the EMUs, and all EMUs that sent the sheet completed expressed their interest to participate in a retrospective postoperative PNES project. Conclusion: Postoperative PNES is an underestimated and not well-studied entity. This is a European survey to assess the type of data that the EMUs surgical cohorts could provide to retrospectively detect postoperative PNES. In cases with suspected PNES, most EMUs perform video-EEG and psychiatric assessment, and most EMUs use an electronic database to allow extraction of patients developing PNES. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.
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| 5. |
- Adyasari, D., et al.
(author)
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Radon-222 as a groundwater discharge tracer to surface waters
- 2023
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In: Earth-Science Reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 0012-8252. ; 238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The naturally occurring isotope radon-222 (222Rn) is widely employed as a tracer for groundwater discharge to lakes, lagoons, rivers, estuaries, and coastal oceans. However, owing to the highly diverse hydrogeological settings, limitations, and assumptions when applying the 222Rn mass balance, there is a clear need to create a uniform approach that will constrain the uncertainties in the reported groundwater fluxes. This review paper provides an overview of the 222Rn measurement techniques and discusses 222Rn mass balances and their application to various hydrological environments. We address the primary uncertainties faced when applying 222Rn mass balances including, (1) atmospheric evasion, (2) groundwater endmember, (3) offshore mixing loss, (4) steady-state assumptions, and (5) upscaling groundwater discharge from 222Rn measurements, and methods that can be applied to minimize these uncertainties. Finally, we provide guidelines and open-source scripts (i.e., R codes and FINIFLUX) that should assist future studies using 222Rn to quantify groundwater discharge to surface waters.
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| 6. |
- Baud, Maxime O, et al.
(author)
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European trends in epilepsy surgery.
- 2018
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In: Neurology. - 1526-632X. ; 91:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Resective surgery is effective in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy, but it remains unclear whether improved diagnostics influence postsurgical outcomes. Here, we compared practice and outcomes over 2 periods 15 years apart.Sixteen European centers retrospectively identified 2 cohorts of children and adults who underwent epilepsy surgery in the period of 1997 to 1998 (n = 562) or 2012 to 2013 (n = 736). Data collected included patient (sex, age) and disease (duration, localization and diagnosis) characteristics, type of surgery, histopathology, Engel postsurgical outcome, and complications, as well as imaging and electrophysiologic tests performed for each case. Postsurgical outcome predictors were included in a multivariate logistic regression to assess the strength of date of surgery as an independent predictor.Over time, the number of operated cases per center increased from a median of 31 to 50 per 2-year period (p = 0.02). Mean disease duration at surgery decreased by 5.2 years (p < 0.001). Overall seizure freedom (Engel class 1) increased from 66.7% to 70.9% (adjusted p = 0.04), despite an increase in complex surgeries (extratemporal and/or MRI negative). Surgeries performed during the later period were 1.34 times (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.77) more likely to yield a favorable outcome (Engel class I) than earlier surgeries, and improvement was more marked in extratemporal and MRI-negative temporal epilepsy. The rate of persistent neurologic complications remained stable (4.6%-5.3%, p = 0.7).Improvements in European epilepsy surgery over time are modest but significant, including higher surgical volume, shorter disease duration, and improved postsurgical seizure outcomes. Early referral for evaluation is required to continue on this encouraging trend.
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