Attitudes toward driver's licenses for people with epilepsy: 2012 versus 2014.

BACKGROUND: We compared knowledge about and attitudes toward epilepsy and the issuing of driver's licenses to people with epilepsy among non-medical students before and after media controversies. METHODS: The survey was performed in 2012 and 2014 using a structured questionnaire. Participants were non-medical students who attended a lecture on neurological diseases in children. The proportion of positive answers to each question in 2012 was compared with that in 2014. In addition, questions regarding attitudes toward driver's licenses were compared according to knowledge about car accidents linked to people with epilepsy. RESULTS: More participants were familiar with epilepsy and had a favorable attitude toward epilepsy in 2014 than in 2012. In contrast, the proportion of participants who knew of car accidents linked to people with epilepsy was reduced in 2014 compared with 2012. The proportion of participants who did not think that severe punishment should be given to people with epilepsy if they caused a car accident decreased in 2014 among those without knowledge of car accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with and attitudes toward epilepsy were improved in 2014, whereas the decrease in proportion of positive answers on punishment among participants unfamiliar with car accidents suggests a latent worsening of public attitudes.

Worsening of attitudes toward epilepsy following less influential media coverage of epilepsy-related car accidents: An infodemiological approach.

To evaluate changes in the attitudes of nonmedical university students toward epilepsy in 2015, the present study compared the results of questionnaire surveys from four different time periods: before media coverage of epilepsy-related car accidents (2008-2010), during a period of abundant media coverage (2011-2012), after media coverage (2013-2014), and after novel media coverage (2015). The nonmedical students that completed the questionnaire were divided into four groups: 2008-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015. The rates of students that had read or heard about epilepsy decreased significantly in 2015 compared with those in 2013-2014. Attitudes toward epilepsy had also worsened in 2015. The rates of students that would not oppose their children playing with or attending school alongside children with epilepsy and those who thought that people with epilepsy should be hired in the same way as other people had decreased significantly in 2015 compared with those in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. Analyses of information-seeking behavior on the Internet showed that the increase in Google search volume and Wikipedia page views was much less in 2015 than in 2011 and 2012. These findings suggest that familiarity with epilepsy had worsened even after media coverage of novel epilepsy-related car accidents. This suggests that media coverage in 2015 was less influential than that in 2011 and 2012.

Sustained improvement of attitudes about epilepsy following a reduction in media coverage of car accidents involving persons with epilepsy.

To evaluate changes in the attitudes of nonmedical students about epilepsy, the present study compared the results of a questionnaire that was completed in three different time periods: before media coverage of car accidents associated with epilepsy, during a period of abundant media coverage about epilepsy-related accidents, and after media coverage of epilepsy-related accidents. The nonmedical students who completed the questionnaire were divided into three groups: Years 08-10 (preaccident era), Years 11-12 (media coverage era), and Years 13-14 (postmedia coverage era). The rates of students who had read or heard about epilepsy and of students who did not think that epilepsy was a mental disorder increased annually throughout the study period. There was an improvement in attitudes about epilepsy after the media coverage era, and this change was not altered even after a decrease in the media coverage of epilepsy-related car accidents. Additionally, the rate of positive answers did not differ between Years 11-12 and Years 13-14. These findings demonstrate that the familiarity with and improved attitudes about epilepsy were sustained even after the media coverage of car accidents involving persons with epilepsy had decreased.

Is attitude toward epilepsy and driving affected by media coverage?

BACKGROUND: The media have recently reported on car accidents related to persons with epilepsy in Japan. We were concerned that sensational media coverage may worsen the attitude toward epilepsy among non-medical persons. We carried out a questionnaire survey among non-medical students in order to evaluate the effects of media on the attitude toward epilepsy and the holding of a driving license in persons with epilepsy. METHODS: The survey was performed using a structured questionnaire. The students were divided into two groups according to knowledge on the recent serious car accidents related to persons with epilepsy. In order to clarify the effects of media coverage, we compared the attitude toward epilepsy and driving in persons with epilepsy between those who knew about the accidents and those who did not. RESULTS: The proportion of students who were familiar with epilepsy was higher in those who knew about the accidents, whereas no significant difference was observed in attitude toward epilepsy. The proportion of students who opposed the idea of persons with epilepsy holding a driving license was not different according to knowledge of the car accidents, whereas that of students who opposed severe punishment of epilepsy patients in the case of a car accident was lower in those who knew about the accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Media coverage did not affect the attitude of the participants toward restriction of driving license in persons with epilepsy, whereas the proportion of participants who object to severe punishment for car accidents in persons with epilepsy was decreased.

A nationwide survey of adenovirus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Adenovirus is a major pathogen causing febrile illness among children. It may also cause acute encephalitis/encephalopathy. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features of adenovirus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy (AdVE) among children in Japan. METHODS: A nationwide survey of children with AdVE was conducted. An initial survey was distributed among pediatricians to obtain information about children with AdVE treated between January 2014 and March 2019. A second survey was used to obtain the clinical information of children with AdVE from hospitals that responded to the initial survey and those identified from a literature search of the reported cases. We collected demographic data and information about symptoms of infection, neurological symptoms, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes. Outcomes were determined using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Score. RESULTS: Clinical information was available for 23 children with a median age of 39 months. Two had preexisting neurological disorders and six had a history of febrile seizures. The outcome was good in 15 patients and poor in eight patients. Serum lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and ammonia levels were higher among children with a poor outcome compared to those with a good outcome. Clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion was the most common type (n = 8), followed by acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (n = 7). CONCLUSION: A prior history of febrile seizures was frequent in children with AdVE. Several different subtypes of acute encephalopathy were seen in children with AdVE, and the outcome was poor in those with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion and hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and ammonia levels on admission were found to correlate with a poor outcome.

Attitude toward epilepsy after media coverage of car accidents related to persons with epilepsy in Japan.

We compared the familiarity with and attitude toward epilepsy among nonmedical students before and after media coverage on car accidents related to persons with epilepsy in Japan. We have annually conducted a questionnaire survey on attitude toward epilepsy since 2008. We divided students into two groups: pre-accident era (years 2008-2010) and post-accident era (years 2011-2012). The rate of students who have read or heard about epilepsy was significantly higher in the post-accident era. Students in the post-accident era answered more frequently that they do not oppose the idea of their kids playing or attending school with children with epilepsy, they think that people with epilepsy should be hired in the same way as other people, and they do not oppose the idea of their children one day marrying a person with epilepsy. The results of our study show that media coverage of car accidents related to persons with epilepsy positively affected familiarity with and attitude toward epilepsy.

Surgery for intractable epilepsy after severe encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion and new onset hippocampal lesion associated with parechovirus.

We describe a case of severe encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion associated with parechovirus, followed by intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), which was improved by epilepsy surgery. A 3-year-old girl was admitted because of fever, consciousness disturbance and generalized tonic clonic seizure. Her seizure lasted for four hours. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) showed a hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Electroencephalogram (EEG) demonstarated continuous diffuse epileptic activity represented by synchronous and rhythmic high-amplitude spikes and waves, which led to the diagnosis of status epilepticus. Her consciousness was improved with fosphenytoin, midazolam and methylprednisolone pulse after 3 days. Seven days later, FLAIR hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum was disappeared; however, a hyperintensity in the right hippocampus was detected. Since the stool examination was positive for parechovirus, her final diagnosis was reversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) associated with parechovirus. At age 8, she experienced epigastric sensation and consciousness disturbance once a week. Based on the scalp EEG and radiological findings, she was diagnosed with intractable right TLE. We performed a right selective amygdalohippocampectomy and anterior temporal disconnection at 10 years of age. One year and 3 months after surgery, she was seizure free. To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe febrile epilepticus status. with RESLES associated with parechovirus, followed by intractable TLE, which was resolved by epilepsy surgery.

Extent of Leptomeningeal Capillary Malformation is Associated With Severity of Epilepsy in Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) often expereince intractable epilepsy and cognitive decline. We hypothesized that the extent of the leptomeningeal capillary malformation (LCM) may correlate with the severity of neurological impairment due to SWS. We tested the hypothesis in a cross-sectional study of seizure severity and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings and a retrospective cohort study for surgical indications related to the extent of the LCM. METHODS: We enrolled 112 patients and classified them according to LCM distribution: (1) bilateral, (2) hemispheric, (3) multilobar, and (4) single lobe. Age at seizure onset, seizure semiology and frequency, and EEG findings were compared. Surgical indications were evaluated for each group by Fisher exact test, and predictors for surgery were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by the SWS-Neurological Score (SWS-NS). RESULTS: The bilateral and hemispheric groups had early seizure onset (4.0 months old and 3.0 months old), frequent seizures (88.9% and 80.6% had more than one per month), focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (88.9% and 74.2%), and status epilepticus (100% and 87.1%). The groups' EEG findings did not differ substantially. Surgical indications were present in 77.8% of the bilateral, 88.1% of the hemispheric, and 46.8% of the multilobar groups. Seizure more than once per month was a predictor of surgical treatment. Seizure subscore improved postoperatively in the hemispheric and multilobar groups. Even after surgical treatment, the bilateral and hemispheric groups exhibited higher SWS-NSs than members of the other groups. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated a strong association between extensive LCM and epilepsy severity. Surgical intervention improved seizure outcome in patients with SWS with large LCMs.

Efficacy and tolerability of high-dose phenobarbital in children with focal seizures.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of children with focal epilepsy treated with oral high-dose phenobarbital. METHODS: We reviewed data on children (aged<15 years) with focal seizures treated with high-dose phenobarbital (>5 mg/kg/day to maintain a target serum level >40 µg/mL) for at least 6 months. Seizure frequency was evaluated after phenobarbital titration, and 1 and 2 years after high-dose phenobarbital treatment commenced. Treatment was judged effective when seizure frequencies fell by ⩾75%. RESULTS: Seven boys and eight girls were treated. The median age at commencement of high-dose phenobarbital therapy was 30 months. The maximal serum phenobarbital level ranged from 36.5 to 62.9 µg/mL. High-dose PB was effective in seven. In two patients, treatment was transiently effective, but seizure frequency later returned to the baseline. High-dose PB was ineffective in six. No significant association between effectiveness and any clinical variable was evident. Drowsiness was recorded in nine patients, but no patient developed a behavioral problem or hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: Oral high-dose phenobarbital was effective in 7 of 15 patients with focal epilepsy and well tolerated. High-dose PB may be useful when surgical treatment is difficult.

Efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin for benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin for seizures in children with benign convulsions and mild gastroenteritis. METHODS: Using the mailing list of the Annual Zao Conference on Pediatric Neurology, we recruited patients who met the following criteria: (1) clinical diagnosis of benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis and (2) treatment with intravenous fosphenytoin. Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis were defined as a condition of (a) seizures associated with gastroenteritis without electrolyte imbalance, hypoglycemia, or dehydration in patients (b) between 6 months and 3 years of age with (c) no preexisting neurological disorders, (d) no impaired consciousness, and (e) a body temperature less than 38.0 °C before and after the seizures. The efficacy of fosphenytoin was categorized as effective when cessation of seizures was achieved. RESULTS: Data from 16 child patients were obtained (median age, 20 months). Seizures were completely controlled after the initial dose of fosphenytoin in 14 of 16 patients. The median loading dose of fosphenytoin was 22.5 mg/kg. In 10 patients, fosphenytoin was administered after other antiepileptic drugs such as diazepam and midazolam were used. Adverse effects of fosphenytoin, excessive sedation, or intravenous fluid incompatibility were not observed in any patients. CONCLUSION: Fosphenytoin is effective and well tolerated among children with benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

Anti-aquaporin 4 antibody-positive acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and neuroimaging features of a young female patient with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies. METHODS: The patient had mild encephalopathy 14 days after influenza vaccination. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an increased cell count and a marked increase in myelin basic protein. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multiple lesions in the juxtacortical white matter. The patient was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. She recovered in 1 month. However, right retrobulbar optic neuritis appeared 2 months after discharge, and serum anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were measured with a cell-based assay. RESULTS: Anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were present in the patient's serum. She was treated with a prolonged course of oral prednisolone. The patient was negative for serum anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies 8 months after the second clinical event, and prednisolone was discontinued 13 months after the second clinical event. Serum anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies remained negative 4 months after the discontinuation of prednisolone. There was no evidence of relapse at 9 months after discontinuation of steroids. CONCLUSIONS: This case will expand the spectrum of anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-related central nervous system disorders. The measurement of anti-aquaporin 4 antibody may be considered in patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and a second clinical event within a short interval.

Efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin for acute encephalopathy in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin (fPHT) for the treatment of seizures in children with acute encephalopathy. METHODS: Using responses from physicians on the Annual Zao Conference on Pediatric Neurology mailing list we chose patients who met the following criteria: clinical diagnosis of acute encephalopathy and use of intravenous fPHT for the treatment of seizures. We divided the patients into two groups: acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) and other encephalopathies. The efficacy of fPHT was considered effective when a cessation of seizures was achieved. RESULTS: Data of 38 children were obtained (median age, 27 months). Eighteen children were categorized into the AESD group and 20 into the other encephalopathies group. fPHT was administered in 48 clinical events. The median loading dose of fPHT was 22.5 mg/kg and was effective in 34 of 48 (71%) events. The rate of events in which fPHT was effective did not differ according to the presence or absence of prior antiepileptic treatment, subtype of acute encephalopathy, or the type of seizures. One patient experienced apnea and oral dyskinesia as adverse effects of fPHT, whereas arrhythmia, hypotension, obvious reduction of consciousness, local irritation, phlebitis and purple grove syndrome were not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: fPHT is effective and well tolerated among children with acute encephalopathy.

Diversity of complement factor B/C2 in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio): three isotypes of B/C2-A expressed in different tissues.

Complement factor B and C2 are two critical proteases for complement activation. Some bony fish have been reported to possess duplicated genes for B/C2, but there is no direct evidence regarding possible functional divergence. Here, we report the isolation of the second and third isotypes of carp B/C2-A, a close relative of other bony fish B reported to date, and designated B/C2-A2 and B/C2-A3. B/C2-A1 (previously reported B/C2-A) and B/C2-A2 share 78% amino acid identity and are synthesized mainly in hepatopancreas. On the other hand, B/C2-A3 showed less (approximately 60%) sequence identity with the other two isotypes. It was expressed mainly in kidney and spleen, and was up-regulated after injection of carp with scleroglucan or sodium alginate, known immunostimulants for fish. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that B/C2-A3 diverged before separation of carp and zebrafish. B/C2-A3 represent a novel B/C2-lineage functioning as an acute phase reactant in cyprinid fish.

Oral mexiletine for lidocaine-responsive neonatal epilepsy.

We report a patient with lidocaine-responsive neonatal epilepsy treated successfully with oral mexiletine. The patient was a male neonate who had seizures since 2days of age. While his seizures were refractory to phenobarbital, lamotrigine, vitamin B6, and midazolam, they were controlled by continuous lidocaine infusion. Oral mexiletine at serum levels of 0.2-0.4µg/ml was used successfully for long-term treatment of his seizures. No delay in psychomotor development was observed at the last follow-up at 20months of age. No mutation was identified in any of four genes: SCN1A, SCN1B, KCNQ2, and KCNQ3. Our patient demonstrates that oral mexiletine can be useful for long-term treatment of patients with lidocaine-responsive epilepsy.