Epilepsy and pregnancy. Factors associated with epileptic seizures during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: The management of epilepsy during pregnancy requires optimal seizure control, avoiding the potential teratogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with epilepsy; to analyse the factors associated with seizures during pregnancy; to describe the most commonly used antiseizure drugs in these patients; and to analyse changes in treatment regimens in 2 periods, 2000-2010 and 2011-2018. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with epilepsy who reported their pregnancy between 2000 and 2018. Patients were evaluated in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, after delivery, and at one year. Data were collected on demographic variables, epilepsy, and perinatal and obstetric variables. RESULTS: A total of 101 pregnancies were included. Patients' mean age was 32.6 years; 55.4% had focal epilepsy, 38.6% had generalised epilepsy, and 5.9% had undetermined epilepsy. We recorded 90 live births, 9 miscarriages, and 5 cases of congenital malformations, 4 of which were born to women who received valproate monotherapy. Forty patients (39.6%) presented seizures, with 16 (40%) presenting generalised tonic-clonic seizures. The variables associated with seizures during pregnancy were poor seizure control in the year prior to pregnancy (66.7% vs 15.1%; P < .001), treatment with 2 or more antiseizure drugs (30% vs 14.8%; P < .001), and untreated epilepsy (25% vs 0%; P < .001). Antiseizure medications most widely used in monotherapy were lamotrigine (n = 19; 27.1%), valproate (n = 17; 24.2%), and levetiracetam (n = 12; 17.1%). In the most recent period (2011-2018), we observed a greater proportion of patients receiving monotherapy (81.5%, vs 55.3%), as well as a decrease in the use of carbamazepine (2.3%, vs 23.1%) and valproate (20.5%, vs 30.8%); and a marked increase in the use of levetiracetam (27.3%, vs 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with the presence of seizures during pregnancy were previous poor seizure control, treatment with 2 or more antiseizure drugs, and lack of treatment during pregnancy. The most commonly used drugs were lamotrigine, valproate, and levetiracetam, with an increase in levetiracetam use and a decrease in valproate use being observed in the later period (2011-2018).

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are associated with poor seizure control in patients with epilepsy. / El insomnio y la pobre calidad de sueño se asocian a un mal control de crisis en pacientes con epilepsia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the presence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and to analyse their association with seizure control. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with epilepsy, recruited consecutively between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients were classified as having good seizure control (no seizures in the last 4 weeks) or poor seizure control (at least one seizure in the last 4 weeks). We performed intergroup comparisons for demographic and clinical data, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 [QOLIE-10]). RESULTS: The sample included a total of 123 patients, of whom 31.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS≥10), 50.4% had insomnia (ISI≥10), and 53.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5). According to our multivariate analysis, presence of seizures was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR]=4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-19.2; P=.02), a higher number of antiepileptic drugs (OR=5.87; 95% CI, 1.81-27.1; P<.001), insomnia (OR=1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-9.3; P=.04), and poor sleep quality (OR=2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-10.32; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy. Insomnia and poor sleep quality were associated with poor seizure control. These findings support the hypothesis that sleep disorders constitute a significant comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in patients with poor seizure control.

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are associated with poor seizure control in patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the presence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and to analyse their association with seizure control. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with epilepsy, recruited consecutively between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients were classified as having good seizure control (no seizures in the last 4 weeks) or poor seizure control (at least one seizure in the last 4 weeks). We performed intergroup comparisons for demographic and clinical data, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 [QOLIE-10]). RESULTS: The sample included a total of 123 patients, of whom 31.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 10), 50.4% had insomnia (ISI ≥ 10), and 53.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5). According to our multivariate analysis, presence of seizures was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-19.2; P = .02), a higher number of antiepileptic drugs (OR = 5.87; 95% CI, 1.81-27.1; P < .001), insomnia (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-9.3; P = .04), and poor sleep quality (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-10.32; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy. Insomnia and poor sleep quality were associated with poor seizure control. These findings support the hypothesis that sleep disorders constitute a significant comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in patients with poor seizure control.

Epilepsy and pregnancy. Factors associated with epileptic seizures during pregnancy. / Epilepsia y gestación. Factores asociados con la presencia de crisis en la gestación.

INTRODUCTION: The management of epilepsy during pregnancy requires optimal seizure control, avoiding the potential teratogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with epilepsy; to analyse the factors associated with seizures during pregnancy; to describe the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs in these patients; and to analyse changes in treatment regimens in 2 periods, 2000-2010 and 2011-2018. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with epilepsy who reported their pregnancy between 2000 and 2018. Patients were evaluated in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, after delivery, and at one year. Data were collected on demographic variables, epilepsy, and perinatal and obstetric variables. RESULTS: A total of 101 pregnancies were included. Patients' mean age was 32.6 years; 55.4% had focal epilepsy, 38.6% had generalised epilepsy, and 5.9% had undetermined epilepsy. We recorded 90 live births, 9 miscarriages, and 5 cases of congenital malformations, 4 of which were born to women who received valproate monotherapy. Forty patients (39.6%) presented seizures, with 16 (40%) presenting generalised tonic-clonic seizures. The variables associated with seizures during pregnancy were poor seizure control in the year prior to pregnancy (66.7% vs. 15.1%; P < .001), treatment with 2 or more antiepileptic drugs (30% vs. 14.8%; P < .001), and untreated epilepsy (25% vs. 0%; P < .001). The antiepileptic drugs most widely used in monotherapy were lamotrigine (n = 19; 27.1%), valproate (n = 17; 24.2%), and levetiracetam (n = 12; 17.1%). In the most recent period (2011-2018), we observed a greater proportion patients receiving monotherapy (81.5%, vs. 55.3%), as well as a decrease in the use of carbamazepine (2.3%, vs. 23.1%) and valproate (20.5%, vs. 30.8%); and a marked increase in the use of levetiracetam (27.3%, vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with the presence of seizures during pregnancy were previous poor seizure control, treatment with 2 or more antiepileptic drugs, and lack of treatment during pregnancy. The most commonly used drugs were lamotrigine, valproate, and levetiracetam, with an increase in levetiracetam use and a decrease in valproate use being observed in the later period (2011-2018).

Rufinamide in children and adults in routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the long-term effectiveness of rufinamide in managing Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), other epileptic encephalopathies, and intractable focal epilepsies in adults and children in routine clinical practice. METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective chart review of patients prescribed adjunctive rufinamide at seven Spanish epilepsy centres, with assessments at six and 12 months. RESULTS: We evaluated data from 58 patients (40 male, age range 7-57 years), 25 of whom were diagnosed with LGS, 12 with other epileptic encephalopathies and 21 of whom were diagnosed with focal epilepsies, mainly frontal lobe. The mean daily rufinamide dose was 32.0 mg/kg (range 12.5-66.7 mg/kg) in children and 24.7 mg/kg (range 5.0-47.0 mg/kg) in adults, and the most commonly used concomitant antiepileptic drugs were levetiracetam and valproate. Rufinamide was discontinued in 25 patients (43.1%) during the 1-year follow-up, and the most common reason was lack of effectiveness (n = 12, 20.7% of total). The frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures was significantly reduced from baseline at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.001), both in patients with generalized epilepsies and in patients with focal epilepsies. Significant seizure frequency reduction from baseline was observed at 12 months (P = 0.01) for tonic/atonic seizures and at 6 months (P = 0.001) for focal seizures. Side effects were reported in 21 patients (36.2%): nausea, vomiting and weight loss were most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Rufinamide was well tolerated and was effective in reducing frequency of generalized tonic-clonic, tonic/atonic and focal seizures in both children and adults with severe refractory epilepsies, primarily LGS.

EEG extreme delta brush: An ictal pattern in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

INTRODUCTION: The anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis-associated syndrome includes neuropsychiatric symptoms, impaired consciousness, seizures, autonomic instability, and hypoventilation. The electroencephalographic (EEG) activity throughout the course of the disease has still not been well documented. We reviewed electroclinical data of patients with NMDAr encephalitis to characterize their EEG and its clinical correlation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 16 patients with NMDAr encephalitis from 8 Spanish medical centers, 15 of whom underwent video-EEG in the acute phase. RESULTS: In 15 patients (11 females, median age: 37.4, range: 14-87 years), seizures occurred in 9 (60%) and status epilepticus (SE) in 5 (33.3%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 10 (66.6%), and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) was normal in 3 and abnormal in 12, with positive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (1/15) and herpes simple virus (1/15). An ovarian teratoma was found in 1 patient and other malignancies (small cell lung carcinoma) in 1 patient. The EEG was abnormal in the acute phase in 14/15 (93.3%). Extreme delta brush (EDB) was observed in 5 (33.3%), and the presence of EDB was associated with SE in all cases. Rhythmic delta activity without EDB was observed in 5 (33.3%), while excessive beta activity was present in 4 (26.6%). Extreme delta brush can follow a pattern of well-characterized electroclinical seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Almost invariably, patients with NMDAr encephalitis had abnormal EEG. The presence of EDB, which can follow a pattern of well-characterized electroclinical seizures, in our patients was associated with seizures and SE. These findings suggest that EDB could be an evolutive pattern of an SE in NMDAr encephalitis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Status Epilepticus".

[Surgical treatment of non-malignant tracheoesophageal fistula]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la fístula traqueoesofágica no maligna.

Tracheoesophageal fistula is a complication of endotracheal canulas with pressure balloon during mechanical ventilation, for which treatment is surgical closure. There are approximately 80 reported cases in the world literature. Here we report our experience at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Mexico. We performed surgical treatment of 7 patients (4 males, 3 females, 17 to 65 years of age) with tracheoesophageal fistula from 1991 to 1995, referred from other hospitals. Six had a history of prolonged orotracheal intubation, and the seventh had a traumatic lesion of the neck. Preoperatory management varied from 1 to 8 weeks, with treatment of malnutrition and infections. Esophagus was sutured with polyglactin 000 in two layers, the inner with interrupted, and the superficial with continuous sutures. The area was covered with a muscle strap. In six patients, simple suture of trachea was performed. In the seventh, due to an extensive tracheal defect, we decided to use a second muscle strap to occlude it. Six patients have had a follow up of 15 months to 5 years with satisfactory evolution. One patient died due to abdominal sepsis. We conclude that this technique provides a good prognosis for this disorder.

The effect of positive pressure breathing for altitude protection on intraocular pressure.

BACKGROUND: The effect of positive pressure breathing for altitude protection (PBA) on intraocular pressure was studied; the behavior of intraocular pressure both during and after PBA exposure was of particular interest. METHODS: Seven subjects were exposed to PBA of up to 60 mmHg at ground-level. The subjects were seated, and wore an aircrew helmet (HGU-55/P), oro-facial mask (M8U-20/P), thoracic counterpressure garment (CSU-17/P) and an extended coverage G-suit (ATAGS). Before, during and after each exposure, intraocular pressure was measured using a Tono-Pen XL applanation tonometer. RESULTS: All 7 subjects completed 10 min of PBA at breathing pressures of 30 and 40 mmHg, and 6 subjects completed 10 min at 50 and 60 mmHg. Mean and SEM increases in intraocular pressure, as compared to pre-exposure baseline measurements, were 7.7 +/- 0.6 mmHg at a breathing pressure of 30 mmHg, 12.0 +/- 0.9 mmHg at 40 mmHg, 18.4 +/- 1.3 mmHg at 50 mmHg and 20.0 +/- 0.6 mmHg at 60 mmHg. The difference between each of these increases was significant (p < 0.05), with the exception of that between 50 and 60 mmHg PBA. CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular pressure increases as breathing pressure increases. It is likely that this change in intraocular pressure would provide some protection to the retinal vasculature during PBA. In addition, it is unlikely that the temporary elevation of intraocular pressure following pressure breathing is of medical concern.

Cervical spine trauma: how much more do we learn by routinely using helical CT?

Assessment of suspected cervical spine injuries remains a major debate in trauma care. It is generally accepted that many fractures are missed or incompletely shown at radiography, mainly because of suboptimal studies obtained in obtunded, uncooperative trauma victims. In a series of 88 severely traumatized patients, the authors retrospectively determined the type, distribution, and significance of such missed lesions. This assessment was made by comparing radiographs and helical computed tomographic (CT) scans of the cervical spine and reviewing medical records in these cases. Of the 88 patients, 32 patients had cervical spine fractures (n = 50) that were not revealed or were incompletely demonstrated at radiography. Most missed fractures occurred at the C-1 to C-2 and C-6 to C-7 levels, and most involved the transverse processes and the posterolateral elements of the vertebrae. One-third of the patients with missed fractures had either clinically significant or unstable injuries, as determined on the basis of mechanistic or imaging criteria. Helical CT can depict significant fractures not shown by plain radiography and should be added routinely to the initial screening for cervical spine fractures in polytrauma victims.

Traumatic occlusion of the renal artery: helical CT diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Eight patients with traumatic occlusion of the renal artery were retrospectively reviewed to assess the diagnostic contribution of helical CT and to determine whether the information it provides can replace angiographic data in patient evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of eight patients with renal artery occlusion caused by blunt abdominal trauma. All patients were scanned using a helical protocol that included an 8-mm collimation with a 1:1 pitch and a monophasic IV injection of iodinated contrast material. The timing of the imaging studies, the type of surgical treatment, and the patient outcome were tabulated. Evaluated data included the location of the occlusion as depicted by helical CT and angiography, whether a CT nephrogram was obtained, the presence of a peripheral rim effect, and the nature of associated injuries. RESULTS: Helical CT revealed occlusion of a main renal artery in seven patients and obstruction of a main branch in one patient. In all cases the occlusion occurred within the proximal 2 cm of the renal artery. In five patients, the findings were depicted equally well by helical CT and angiography. In two patients, the helical CT findings were confirmed by surgery and autopsy, respectively. Significant associated injuries were revealed in seven patients. The CT nephrogram was absent in seven patients and partially present in one patient. The peripheral rim effect was seen in six patients. CONCLUSION: Basic contrast-enhanced helical CT can reliably reveal traumatic occlusion of the renal artery and depict the level of obstruction.

Color Doppler sonography in penetrating injuries of the neck.

PURPOSE: To determine whether color Doppler sonography can be a sensitive alternative to screening arteriography for identifying arterial injury in patients with penetrating traumatic neck injuries. METHODS: Fifty-two patients admitted to our trauma center with penetrating neck injuries (gunshot wounds and lacerations) were examined prospectively with color Doppler sonography, and findings were compared with the results of angiography (n = 44), with findings at surgery (n = 4), and with clinical status (n = 4). RESULTS: Color Doppler sonography correctly detected all serious injuries of the carotid arteries (n = 6; 5 diagnosed at angiography and 1 at surgery) and all injuries of the vertebral arteries (n = 4; all diagnosed at angiography). Sonography missed 1 instance of reversible narrowing of the internal and external carotid arteries and did not show 2 normal vertebral arteries. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler sonography was as accurate as angiography in screening clinically stable patients with zone II or III injuries and no signs of active bleeding. Our initial results suggest that in the future, sonography may be used as a screening examination for arterial lesions in patients with penetrating neck injuries.

MR-pathologic comparisons of wallerian degeneration in spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To describe the MR manifestations and temporal course of wallerian degeneration that occurs above and below a spinal cord injury, and to compare the MR findings with postmortem histopathology. METHOD: Twenty-four postmortem spinal cords from patients with cervical (n = 14), thoracic (n = 6), and lumbar (n = 4) cord injuries were studied with axial T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo MR imaging. Injury-to-death intervals varied from 8 days to 23 years. The images were examined for alteration of signal above and below the injury site. Histologic studies of these cords with axon, myelin, and connective tissue stains were performed at levels equivalent to the MR sections. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to glial fibrillary acetic protein was also performed on 19 cords. Pathologic-imaging comparisons were made. RESULTS: MR images showed increased signal intensity in the dorsal columns above the injury level and in the lateral corticospinal tracts below the injury level in all cases in which cord injury had occurred 7 or more weeks before death. In early postinjury survival times (8 days and 12 days) MR findings were normal; histologically there was early wallerian degeneration in only the dorsal columns at 8 days and in both the lateral and dorsal columns at 12 days. MR showed wallerian degeneration in all cases examined at 7 weeks after injury and thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Wallerian degeneration was demonstrated by histology and MR in all specimens in which the injury-to-death interval was greater than 7 weeks. Recognition of wallerian degeneration on MR allows complete analysis of the injury, explains abnormal MR signals at sites remote from the epicenter of the injury, and may be useful in the future in the timing and planning of therapeutic interventions.

Acute spinal subdural hematoma: MR and CT findings with pathologic correlates.

PURPOSE: To determine the MR and CT findings that characterize acute spinal subdural hematoma (ASSH). METHODS: The MR, CT, and clinical findings in three patients with surgically proved ASSH were reviewed and also correlated with the postmortem MR, CT, and cryomicrotome findings in three other patients, two with ASSH and one with an acute spinal epidural hematoma. RESULTS: Imaging findings in ASSH included: (a) hyperdense lesions on plain CT within the dural sac, distinct from the adjacent low-density epidural fat and silhouetted against the lower-density spinal cord and cauda equina, which it compressed; (b) lack of direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures; (c) clumping, loculation, and streaking of blood within the dural sac on both MR and Ct; and (d) an inhomogeneous and variable signal intensity to the ASSH on all MR pulse sequences, but, nevertheless, a striking low signal intensity on T2-weighted spin-echo or T2-weighted gradient-echo to a major part of the ASSH because of deoxyhemoglobin. Plain CT was most helpful in compartmentalizing the hematoma. CONCLUSION: When MR and plain CT are obtained as complementary studies, they provide characteristic findings that allow the prompt diagnosis of ASSH.

Subhepatic collections complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy: percutaneous management.

Ten patients with subhepatic fluid collections complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy were successfully treated by interventional radiological procedures. The series included five abscesses, three hematomas, one biloma, and one serous collection. Abdominal pain or fever developed from 3 to 21 days after the laparoscopic intervention. All patients were asymptomatic 72 h after percutaneous drainage and there were no complications related to the procedure. Subhepatic fluid accumulations are common findings after laparoscopic cholecystectomies and have been considered an unreliable indicator of infection or other postoperative complications. However, the significance of these collections should not be underestimated in symptomatic patients. In such cases we propose diagnostic aspiration and drainage, when necessary, to safely and promptly establish the precise diagnosis and treatment. More serious complications can be avoided by early percutaneous intervention.

Retrocaval ureter: computed tomography and ultrasound appearance.

The computed tomography and sonography appearance of retrocaval ureter is correlated with findings on intravenous urography. Computed tomography is recommended as the imaging procedure of choice to confirm the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter.