Core outcome measurement set for research and clinical practice in post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) in children and young people: an international Delphi consensus study "PC-COS Children".

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic substantially impacted different age groups, with children and young people not exempted. Many have experienced enduring health consequences. Presently, there is no consensus on the health outcomes to assess in children and young people with post-COVID-19 condition. Furthermore, it is unclear which measurement instruments are appropriate for use in research and clinical management of children and young people with post-COVID-19. To address these unmet needs, we conducted a consensus study, aiming to develop a core outcome set (COS) and an associated core outcome measurement set (COMS) for evaluating post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people. Our methodology comprised of two phases. In phase 1 (to create a COS), we performed an extensive literature review and categorisation of outcomes, and prioritised those outcomes in a two-round online modified Delphi process followed by a consensus meeting. In phase 2 (to create the COMS), we performed another modified Delphi consensus process to evaluate measurement instruments for previously defined core outcomes from phase 1, followed by an online consensus workshop to finalise recommendations regarding the most appropriate instruments for each core outcome. In phase 1, 214 participants from 37 countries participated, with 154 (72%) contributing to both Delphi rounds. The subsequent online consensus meeting resulted in a final COS which encompassed seven critical outcomes: fatigue; post-exertion symptoms; work/occupational and study changes; as well as functional changes, symptoms, and conditions relating to cardiovascular, neuro-cognitive, gastrointestinal and physical outcomes. In phase 2, 11 international experts were involved in a modified Delphi process, selecting measurement instruments for a subsequent online consensus workshop where 30 voting participants discussed and independently scored the selected instruments. As a result of this consensus process, four instruments met a priori consensus criteria for inclusion: PedsQL multidimensional fatigue scale for "fatigue"; PedsQL gastrointestinal symptom scales for "gastrointestinal"; PedsQL cognitive functioning scale for "neurocognitive" and EQ-5D for "physical functioning". Despite proposing outcome measurement instruments for the remaining three core outcomes ("cardiovascular", "post-exertional malaise", "work/occupational and study changes"), a consensus was not achieved. Our international, consensus-based initiative presents a robust framework for evaluating post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people in research and clinical practice via a rigorously defined COS and associated COMS. It will aid in the uniform measurement and reporting of relevant health outcomes worldwide.

Prevalence of ictal injuries in functional (psychogenic nonepileptic) seizures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ictal injuries have long been considered typical signs of epileptic seizures. However, studies have shown that patients with functional seizures (FS)-also named psychogenic nonepileptic seizures-can also present these signs, misleading physicians and delaying a correct diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of injuries from FS. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest. Observational studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for studies reporting prevalence data. RStudio was used for meta-analyses. Cumulative evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS: From the 2607 identified records, 41 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 28 were included in meta-analyses. A meta-analysis of 13 studies, including 1673 individuals, resulted in an overall lifetime prevalence of injuries due to FS per person of 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19%-32%, I2 = 88%). Considering a limited period (video-electroencephalographic [VEEG] monitoring days), a meta-analysis of 13 studies, including 848 individuals, resulted in an injury prevalence due to FS per person of .7% (95% CI = 0%-3%, I2 = 73%). Also, a meta-analysis of eight studies, including 1000 individuals, resulted in a prevalence of injuries per FS of .1% (95% CI = 0%-.98%, I2 = 49%). The certainty in cumulative evidence assessed by GRADE was rated "very low" for lifetime prevalence of injuries per person, "low" for prevalence per person during VEEG monitoring, and "moderate" for prevalence per number of FS. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall pooled lifetime prevalence of injuries due to FS per person was 25%. In comparison, the prevalence of injuries per person during VEEG monitoring and per functional seizure was .7% and .1%, respectively. [Correction added on 07 October 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, 'consecutively' was corrected to 'respectively'.] The evidence of the occurrence of injuries due to FS breaks the paradigm that epileptic seizures can cause injuries but FS cannot.

Seizure rescue medications are missing from in-flight medical emergency kits.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to inquire whether any seizure rescue medications are included in the in-flight medical emergency kits of the main airlines in the world. This data could help the airline authorities update their strategies in light of any shortcomings. METHODS: First, we identified ten major airlines in the world. Then, we searched the Google engine with the following keywords: "name of the airline" and "in-flight medical emergency" or "first aid kit" or "emergency kit". In case there was no information on the web, we emailed the airlines and inquired about the contents of their in-flight medical emergency kits. We also investigated some of the major aviation organizations' websites [i.e., Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA)]. RESULTS: None of the major airlines were equipped with easily applicable seizure rescue medications (i.e., buccal midazolam, a nasal spray of midazolam, or intranasal diazepam). The AsMA and ICAO recommend including injectable sedative anticonvulsant drugs in the in-flight medical emergency kits without any further specifications. The IATA does not provide specific recommendations for including seizure rescue medications in the in-flight medical emergency kits. CONCLUSION: A seizure is a significant in-flight medical emergency event. The use of easily applicable seizure rescue medications during prolonged or repeated seizures is significantly associated with fewer sequelae for the affected person. Easily applicable seizure rescue medications should be included in the in-flight medical emergency kits, and the cabin crew should receive training on how and when to use them.

Epilepsy care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the care of all patients around the world. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) COVID-19 and Telemedicine Task Forces examined, through surveys to people with epilepsy (PWE), caregivers, and health care professionals, how the pandemic has affected the well-being, care, and services for PWE. The ILAE included a link on their website whereby PWE and/or their caregivers could fill out a survey (in 11 languages) about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including access to health services and impact on mental health, including the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. An anonymous link was also provided whereby health care providers could report cases of new-onset seizures or an exacerbation of seizures in the context of COVID-19. Finally, a separate questionnaire aimed at exploring the utilization of telehealth by health care professionals since the pandemic began was available on the ILAE website and also disseminated to its members. Seventeen case reports were received; data were limited and therefore no firm conclusions could be drawn. Of 590 respondents to the well-being survey (422 PWE, 166 caregivers), 22.8% PWE and 27.5% caregivers reported an increase in seizure frequency, with difficulty in accessing medication and health care professionals reported as barriers to care. Of all respondents, 57.1% PWE and 21.5% caregivers had severe psychological distress (k score >13), which was significantly higher among PWE than caregivers (p<0.01). An increase in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by health care professionals, with 40% of consultations conducted by this method. Although 74.9% of health care providers thought that this impacted positively, barriers to care were also identified. As we move forward, there is a need to ensure ongoing support and care for PWE to prevent a parallel pandemic of unmet health care needs.

Epilepsy and school in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: The current situation, challenges, and solutions.

Education is a human right that plays a key role in social and economic development. Children having active epilepsy may not be properly schooled in ordinary school structures. Students with epilepsy (SWE) are often faced with academic barriers. The lack of information about the current status of special education for SWE obliged the researchers to try to describe the existing reality of the special education practices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We disseminated a simple self-administered questionnaire via email to main healthcare professionals involved in epilepsy care in the MENA region, and we also did a literature search on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase engines. We ranked the countries in terms of their educational system. The 1st group contains the most advanced educational system, including specialized schools for SWE. The 2nd group contains an educational system with specialized but less structured schools. The 3rd group includes countries using integrated classes or classes mixing many children with cognitive disabilities. The 4th group includes countries with ordinary classes for SWE, and finally, the 5th group with no schooling for children with epilepsy (CWE). This study indicates that 60% of the countries in the MENA region belong to the 3rd group; there is only one country in each of the first two groups. This work highlights the need to develop structured environments for schooling for SWE in the MENA region.

Association of Human Leukocyte Antigen Alleles with Carbamazepine- or Lamotrigine-Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in an Iranian Population: A Case-control Study.

Background: Genetic diversity in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles across populations is a significant risk factor for drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), e.g., carbamazepine (CBZ)- and lamotrigine (LTG)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of different HLA alleles in Iranian patients with CBZ- and LTG-induced SJS/TEN. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from 2011 to 2018 at various hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). A total of 31 patients receiving anticonvulsant drugs (CZB or LTG) were recruited and divided into two groups. The drug-induced group (n=14) included hospitalized patients due to CBZ- or LTG-induced SJS/TEN. The drug-tolerant group (n=17) included individuals receiving CBZ or LTG for at least three months with no adverse effects. In addition, 46 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. The frequency of HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles in patients with CZB- or LTG-induced SJS/TEN was investigated. HLA typing was performed using the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method. The Chi square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine a potential association between SJS/TEN and HLA alleles. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CBZ- or LTG-induced SJS/TEN was not significantly associated with HLA alleles. However, HLA-DRB1*01 showed a significantly higher frequency in patients with CBZ-induced SJS/TEN than the CBZ-tolerant patients (30% vs. 9%, P=0.07). Conclusion: Overall, no significant association was found between CBZ- or LTG-induced SJS/TEN and HLA alleles. Further large-scale studies are required to substantiate our findings.

Nano-delivery systems as a promising therapeutic potential for epilepsy: Current status and future perspectives.

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder caused by aberrant neuronal electrical activity. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the first line of treatment for people with epilepsy (PWE). However, their effectiveness may be limited by their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), among many other potential underpinnings for drug resistance in epilepsy. Therefore, there is a need to overcome this issue and, hopefully, improve the effectiveness of ASMs. Recently, synthetic nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have received attention for improving the effectiveness of ASMs due to their ability to cross the BBB. Furthermore, exosomes have emerged as a promising generation of drug delivery systems because of their potential benefits over synthetic nanoparticles. In this narrative review, we focus on various synthetic nanoparticles that have been studied to deliver ASMs. Furthermore, the benefits and limitations of each nano-delivery system have been discussed. Finally, we discuss exosomes as potentially promising delivery tools for treating epilepsy.

Is Shunt Location a Risk Factor for the Development of De Novo Post-shunt Seizures?

Background: While ventriculo-extracranial shunting procedures have been the standard treatment option for hydrocephalus for a long time, their long-term morbidity, including the development of post-shunt de Novo seizures, should be taken into account. This study aimed to investigate the rate and risk factors of the occurrence of de Novo post-shunt seizures in patients with hydrocephalus. Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal study, all patients with hydrocephalus who had ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion from 2014 to 2017 at Namazi Hospital, (Shiraz, Iran) were studied. Phone calls were made to all patients to obtain their postoperative seizure outcome and other data (e.g., sex, age at surgery, shunt insertion location, history of seizures before surgery, history of seizures after surgery, any other type of brain surgery, and the etiology of their hydrocephalus). The Pearson Chi Square was used for the analysis of binary variable (e.g., sex) differences, and the t test for the analysis of differences in the means of numerical variables (e.g., age). Bonferroni correction tests were also utilized. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 114 patients were included in the study. Overall, 68 (60%) patients had a frontal location of shunt insertion and 46 (40%) had a parietal site. Twenty-four (21%) patients reported experiencing de Novo post-shunt seizures, 15 of which had a frontal location and nine a parietal location for shunt insertion (P=0.824). Conclusion: De Novo post-shunt seizures are common occurrences. However, shunt location is not a significant risk factor for the development of de Novo post-shunt seizures.

Vasovagal syncope treated as epilepsy for 16 years.

The differentiation of vasovagal syncope and epileptic seizure is sometimes problematic, since vasovagal syncope may mimic epileptic seizures in many ways. The present report describes a patient who had been diagnosed and treated as having epilepsy with medically-refractory seizures for 16 years. Often, unlike epileptic seizures, tonic-clonic convulsions and postictal confusion are uncommon features of vasovagal syncope, but these may occur. Our patient was subjected to subcutaneous injection of one ml normal saline, which caused asystole leading to hypoxia and consequently a typical tonic-clonic convulsion. This patient was proved to have vasovagal syncope. The findings in the present case suggest that the possibility of vasovagal syncope should always be taken into consideration when evaluating patients with medically-refractory or unusual pattern of seizures. In such a circumstance, simultaneous video-electroencephalogram/electocardiogram monitoring may help achieve the correct diagnosis.

The Neurological Manifestations of H1N1 Influenza Infection; Diagnostic Challenges and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization declared pandemic phase of human infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) in April 2009. There are very few reports about the neurological complications of H1N1 virus infection in the literature. Occasionally, these complications are severe and even fatal in some individuals. The aims of this study were to report neurological complaints and/or complications associated with H1N1 virus infection. METHODS: The medical files of all patients with H1N1 influenza infection admitted to a specified hospital in the city of , from October through November 2009 were reviewed. More information about the patients were obtained by phone calls to the patients or their care givers. All patients had confirmed H1N1 virus infection with real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with H1N1 infection were studied. Twenty-three patients had neurological signs and/or symptoms. Mild neurological complaints may be reported in up to 42% of patients infected by H1N1 virus. Severe neurological complications occurred in 9% of the patients. The most common neurological manifestations were headache, numbness and paresthesia, drowsiness and coma. One patient had a Guillain-Barre syndrome-like illness, and died in a few days. Another patient had focal status epilepticus and encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The H1N1 infection seems to have been quite mild with a self-limited course in much of the world, yet there appears to be a subset, which is severely affected. We recommend performing diagnostic tests for H1N1influenza virus in all patients with respiratory illness and neurological signs/symptoms. We also recommend initiating treatment with appropriate antiviral drugs as soon as possible in those with any significant neurological presentation accompanied with respiratory illness and flu-like symptoms.

Burnout among Healthcare Providers of COVID-19; a Systematic Review of Epidemiology and Recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: In the current systematic review, we intended to systematically review the epidemiology of burnout and the strategies and recommendations to prevent or reduce it among healthcare providers (HCPs) of COVID-19 wards, so that policymakers can make more appropriate decisions. METHODS: MEDLINE (accessed from PubMed), Science Direct, and Scopus electronic databases were systematically searched in English from December 01, 2019 to August 15, 2020, using MESH terms and related keywords. After reading the title and the abstract, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the studies were evaluated by authors, independently, and the quality of the studies was determined. Then, the data were extracted and reported. RESULTS: 12 studies were included. Five studies investigated the risks factors associated with burnout; none could establish a causal relationship because of their methodology. No study examined any intervention to prevent or reduce burnout, and the provided recommendations were based on the authors' experiences and opinions. None of the studies followed up the participants, and all assessments were done according to the participants' self-reporting and declaration. Assessing burnout in the HCPs working in the frontline wards was performed in four studies; others evaluated burnout among all HCPs working in the regular and frontline wards. CONCLUSION: Paying attention to the mental health issues, reducing the workload of HCPs through adjusting their work shifts, reducing job-related stressors, and creating a healthy work environment may prevent or reduce the burnout.

The initial impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on epilepsy research.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of many practices throughout the world. Through necessity to minimize spread and provide clinical care to those with severe disease, focus has been on limiting face-to-face contact. Research in many areas has been put on hold. We sought to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on epilepsy research from international basic science and clinical researchers. Responses to five questions were solicited through a convenience sample by direct email and through postings on the ILAE social media accounts and an ILAE online platform (utilizing Slack). Information was collected from 15 respondents in 11 countries by email or via Zoom interviews between May 19, 2020, and June 4, 2020. Several themes emerged including a move to virtual working, project delays with laboratory work halted and clinical work reduced, funding concerns, a worry about false data with regard to COVID research and concern about research time lost. However, a number of positive outcomes were highlighted, not least the efficiency of online working and other adaptations that could be sustained in the future.

Risk Factors Associated with Long COVID Syndrome: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Recently, people have recognized the post-acute phase symptoms of the COVID-19. We investigated the long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19, (Long COVID Syndrome), and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. All the consecutive adult patients referred to the healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province from 19 February 2020 until 20 November 2020 were included. All the patients had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. In a phone call to the patients, at least three months after their discharge from the hospital, we obtained their current information. The IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0) was used. Pearson Chi square, Fisher's exact test, t test, and binary logistic regression analysis model were employed. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In total, 4,681 patients were studied, 2915 of whom (62.3%) reported symptoms. The most common symptoms of long COVID syndrome were fatigue, exercise intolerance, walking intolerance, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Women were more likely to experience long-term COVID syndrome than men (Odds Ratio: 1,268; 95% Confidence Interval: 1,122-1,432; P=0.0001), which was significant. Presentation with respiratory problems at the onset of illness was also significantly associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 1.425; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.177-1.724; P=0.0001). A shorter length of hospital stay was inversely associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 0.953; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.941-0.965; P=0.0001). Conclusion: Long COVID syndrome is a frequent and disabling condition and has significant associations with sex (female), respiratory symptoms at the onset, and the severity of the illness.

Antinuclear antibodies in children with epilepsy treated by carbamazepine.

PURPOSE: An increased prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) has been reported among patients with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ANAs in children with epilepsy who were taking carbamazepine as monotherapy. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive study at Motahary outpatient Clinic, Shiraz, Iran. All patients with epilepsy between the ages 3-18 years, taking carbamazepine as monotherapy, were studied and blood samples were obtained for ANA and other tests. RESULTS: Totally, 58 patients (38 boys and 20 girls) were studied. The mean age of the patients was 11.5+/-2.6 years. The mean duration of carbamazepine therapy before ANA measurement was 14+/-6 months. ANA was positive in only one patient. ANA had a speckled pattern and titer of 1:80 dilution in that patient. It was negative in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ANA is not considerable among children with epilepsy treated by carbamazepine. Moreover, this inconsiderable rate of positive ANA seems to have no clinical implications. Therefore, it seems that there is no need to be concerned of this side-effect of carbamazepine in children, unless clinically indicated.

Lateralized hippocampal oscillations underlie distinct aspects of human spatial memory and navigation.

The hippocampus plays a vital role in various aspects of cognition including both memory and spatial navigation. To understand electrophysiologically how the hippocampus supports these processes, we recorded intracranial electroencephalographic activity from 46 neurosurgical patients as they performed a spatial memory task. We measure signals from multiple brain regions, including both left and right hippocampi, and we use spectral analysis to identify oscillatory patterns related to memory encoding and navigation. We show that in the left but not right hippocampus, the amplitude of oscillations in the 1-3-Hz "low theta" band increases when viewing subsequently remembered object-location pairs. In contrast, in the right but not left hippocampus, low-theta activity increases during periods of navigation. The frequencies of these hippocampal signals are slower than task-related signals in the neocortex. These results suggest that the human brain includes multiple lateralized oscillatory networks that support different aspects of cognition.

Potentiation of anti-epileptic drugs effectiveness by pyronaridine in refractory epilepsy.

One of the major neurobiological mechanisms proposed in drug resistant epilepsy is removal of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) from the epileptogenic tissue through excessive expression of multi-drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). P-gp, the encoded product of the human multi-drug resistance-1 (MDR-1; ABCB1) gene, is of particular clinical relevance in the emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR), which may play an important role in preventing treatment response of some tumors and infectious diseases to chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. It has been shown that MDR-1 is over-expressed in brain tissue (hippocampal neurons) in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. For direct evidence that drug transporters such as P-gp are responsible for drug resistance, an experiment can be conducted to determine whether seizure control is improved when P-gp inhibitors are administered in addition to existing AEDs in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. In comparison with first and second-generation of P-gp inhibitors, third-generation inhibitors such as pyronaridine (PND) have advantages, such as higher potency and specificity for P-gp, lack of non-specific cytotoxicity, relatively long duration of action with reversibility, and good oral bioavailability. We suggest that a pilot study be conducted to determine whether adding of PND to existing AEDs decreases seizure frequency in patients with drug resistant epilepsy, and should this show promise, that a double-blind randomized controlled trial be designed to test the efficacy of PND.

Atlas of Electroencephalography, 3rd Edition.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the recording of the electrical activity of the brain. EEG is a reliable test to assess cerebral function. It aids in diagnosis, classification, and management of patients with epilepsy. It also has practical uses in conditions other than epilepsy. Moreover, it is harmless and inexpensive. EEG is an important tool for evaluating patients with epilepsy. It may help classify the syndrome, identify the likely source of focal seizures, and confirm a diagnosis of status epilepticus. EEG is therefore helpful when selecting appropriate antiepileptic drugs for patients with epilepsy, is valuable for diagnosis and management of status epilepticus as well as predicting the prognosis in epilepsy syndromes, and, is finally useful when localizing an area for resection in surgery candidates. In addition, despite advances in neuroimaging, EEG remains a valuable tool in the evaluation of stuporous and comatose patients. A systematic approach is essential for EEG interpretation, and when combined with good clinical judgment, it will improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and may improve therapeutic outcomes. This EEG atlas is designed as a practical guide for neurology residents, neurologists, and epileptologists, so that they may appropriately identify normal and abnormal findings, while reading an EEG. By reading and reviewing the relevant chapter of this well-organized atlas, that includes many EEG images, the reader will also learn how to report an EEG finding. We hope that this atlas fills an unmet need, and leads to improved patient care.

The experience with 113 patients with Kawasaki disease in Fars Province, Iran.

This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, cardiac involvements and laboratory findings of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Fars Province, Iran from January 1991 to December 2002. One hundred and thirteen patients with KD were confirmed. This syndrome occurred mostly in males (ratio=2.1:1). The most commonly affected age group was one to five years old. There was no secondary case in families, none of the patients were related and recurrence of disease was seen in only one patient. Prolonged fever and thrombocytosis were significant risk factors for developing coronary artery disease (p<0.05, respectively). Among the 10 patients with cardiac involvement, seven patients had dilated coronary arteries (>4 mm) and three patients had aneurysm of coronary artery in their first echocardiography. It has been suggested that a high index of clinical suspicion of KD could improve diagnosis and implementation of preventive treatment.

Epilepsy and consanguinity in Shiraz, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The importance of consanguinity and its association with epilepsy has been suggested in some studies, but in one study the risk contributed to consanguinity for childhood epilepsy was not significanta. In the present study, there was an attempt to determine if consanguinity has any important association with epilepsy. METHODS: All the epileptic children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years, who had been referred to Motahary Clinic in Shiraz, Iran, during a six-month period, were included in this cross-sectional study. The percentage of consanguinity in parents of the epileptic patients was compared to a sample of the general population in the same geographical area. RESULTS: In total, 181 unrelated epileptic children were included in this study. The mean age of these children was 7+/-4.6 years. The male/female ratio in these patients was 1.29. Overall, 61(33.7%) of the parents were first cousins (OR=2.264, 95%-CI: 1.618-3.169 in comparison to the general population), 37 (20.4%) were second cousins (OR=3.557, 95%-CI: 2.389-5.296), and 83 (45.9%) were not related. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of consanguinity in parents of the epileptic patients was significantly higher in comparison to a sample of the general population (OR=2.612, 95%-CI: 1.929-3.536, P<0.0001) which signifies the importance of consanguinity as a potential risk factor for epilepsy. In this regard, more education and awareness of young individuals about the increased risk of epilepsy after familial marriages (at least by 2.2 folds), as well as pre-marriage counseling for couples who have a family history of epilepsy are necessary as an effective preventive program.