Smartphone applications for the management of epilepsy in children and adolescents / Aplicativos de smartphone para o gerenciamento de epilepsia em crianças e adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe how smartphone applications can contribute to the management of epilepsy in children and adolescents. Data source: This is an integrative review conducted on the Medline, PubMed, and SciELO databases, based on the descriptors "epilepsy" and "smartphone." Original studies published between 2017-2023 in Portuguese or English that addressed the research question were included. Theses and dissertations, duplicate studies, literature reviews, and studies that did not answer the research question were excluded. Data synthesis: A total of 178 studies were located, of which six were selected for this review. The sample included 731 participants (631 children and adolescents with epilepsy and 100 caregivers). The applications allow for the collection of seizure frequency; timing and type of crisis; reminders for medication administration; and information about sleep quality. They can store these data for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and users to monitor the progress of the condition. Conclusions: The use of applications in managing seizures in children and adolescents with epilepsy shows promising results by promoting continuous and personalized monitoring. Further studies are needed to optimize beneficial outcomes and overcome challenges.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever como aplicativos de smartphone podem contribuir para o gerenciamento de quadros de epilepsia em crianças e adolescentes. Fontes de dados: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados Medline; PubMed e SciELO, com base nos descritores "epilepsy" e "smartphone". Foram incluídos estudos originais publicados entre 2017-2023 em português ou inglês que respondessem à pergunta de investigação. Teses e dissertações, estudos duplicados, revisões de literatura e estudos que não responderam à questão de pesquisa foram excluídos. Síntese dos dados: Foram localizados 178 estudos, dos quais seis foram selecionados para compor esta revisão. A amostra incluiu 731 participantes (631 infantojuvenis com epilepsia e 100 cuidadores). Os aplicativos permitem a coleta da frequência de convulsões; momento e o tipo de crise; lembretes para a administração de medicamentos; e informações sobre a qualidade do sono, sendo capazes de armazenar esses dados para profissionais da saúde, cuidadores e usuários acompanharem a evolução do quadro. Conclusões: O uso de aplicativos no manejo das convulsões de crianças e adolescentes com epilepsia apresenta resultados promissores ao promoverem um monitoramento contínuo e personalizado. Novos estudos são necessários para otimizar os resultados benéficos e superar desafios.

A study on pharmacist intervention in anti-epileptic drugs at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders since 19th century. Several classes of AEDs are available for epilepsy, many of them are also used for migraines, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and neuropathy. Methods: Total 212 patients participated in an Ambi-directional observational cohort study conducted at Mallige medical center, Bangalore. Reviewed and evaluated both inpatients and outpatients case sheets and the data were entered into Microsoft excel. The data was analysed using version 27 of SPSS and statistical significance was determined by using p value less than 0.05 and Pearson correlation. Results: The result show that among 212 patients 130 were males and 82 females and the major risk factors were hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Levetiracetam and pregabalin were the commonest AED prescribed. Among 109 adverse drug reaction (ADRs) occurred in 82 patients, dizziness, and sedation (20%) were common. Valproate (17.4%) was the main drug causing ADRs and treatment was discontinued in 2 patients due to phenytoin (PHT) toxicity. A total of 90 drug-drug interaction (DDI) was observed using online drug database. Conclusions: This study revealed that monitoring and evaluating the prescription pattern in these patients enables modification in prescribing pattern that improves the patient抯 quality of life and can reduce drug related problems. Clinical pharmacist plays an important role in evaluating the prescribing pattern of drugs based on standard treatment guidelines and rationality of prescriptions.

Teratogenicity of Valproic Acid: Can Reverse its Possible Effects on Testicular Development with Vitamin E? / Teratogenicidad del Ácido Valproico: ¿Se Pueden Revertir sus Posibles Efectos sobre el Desarrollo Testicular con la Vitamina E?

Epilepsy is the chronic non-communicable disease of the nervous system most prevalent in the world. Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most used drugs in the treatment of epilepsy but with various side effects. One of the organs that can be affected is the testis, where it has been seen that men treated with VPA reduce their fertility rates, in addition to causing endocrine disorders by decreasing androgens and gonadotropins. In animal models, it has been shown to reduce the weights of the glands attached to the male reproductive tract, as well as at the testicular level, decreasing sperm concentration and increasing apoptotic cell count. These effects are because VPA increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing damage to macromolecules and affecting all cellular processes sensitive to oxide reduction. Throughout testicular development, in utero, it has been seen that the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, are lower during early embryonic development, as well as vitamin E (VE) is decreased. Therefore, they are not sufficient to reverse the toxic effects of ROS. The objective of this study was to review the use of VPA during pregnancy, its effect on testicular development, and to explore the potential protective role of vitamin E.

La epilepsia es una enfermedad crónica no transmisible que afecta al sistema nervioso más prevalente en el mundo. Dentro de los tratamientos, uno de los fármacos más utilizados es el ácido valproico (AVP), el que ocasiona diversos efectos secundarios. Entre los órganos que se pueden ver afectados se encuentra la gónada masculina, en donde se ha visto que hombres en tratamiento con AVP reducen sus tasas de fecundidad, además de causar trastornos endocrinos disminuyendo andrógenos y gonadotrofinas. En modelos animales, se ha visto que disminuye los pesos de las glándulas anexas al tracto reproductor masculino, como también a nivel testicular, disminuyendo la concentración espermática y aumentando el recuento de células apoptóticas. Estos efectos se deberían a que el AVP aumenta las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS), ocasionando daño en macromoléculas, afectando todos los procesos celulares sensibles a óxido reducción. A lo largo del desarrollo testicular, in utero se ha visto que la expresión de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutasa, catalasa y glutatión peroxidasa, son más bajos durante el desarrollo embrionario temprano, como también la vitamina E (VE) se encuentra disminuida. Por tanto, no resultan suficientes para revertir los efectos tóxicos de las ROS. El objetivo de esta revisión fue asociar el uso de AVP durante la gestación y sus efectos a nivel del desarrollo testicular y describir el potencial rol protector de la VE.

A treatable early onset epileptic encephalopathy: pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency

Pyridox (am) ine 5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPO) deficiency is a rare epileptic encephalopathy condition due to mutations in PNPO gene. It is one of treatable metabolic epilepsies. It is unresponsive to antiseizure medications, but respond to pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), active form of vitamin B6. It is characterized by refractory seizures from newborn or in utero, developmental delay. Based on refractory seizures, age of onset, negative biochemical profile and response to PLP, suspect PNPO deficiency. Next generation sequencing will help in the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and early initiation of PLP will help to cessation of seizures and better neurological outcome. Here we present a case of PNPO deficiency, which is diagnosed early and noticed good response with PLP.

Seizure timing and circadian patterns: a comprehensive bibliographic review / Cronometragem das crises epilépticas e padrões circadianos: uma revisão bibliográfica abrangente

Epilepsy's cyclic nature, increasingly quantified through advancements in continuous electroencephalography (cEEG), reveals robust seizure cycles including circadian, multidien, and circannual rhythms. Understanding these cycles' mechanisms and clinical implications, such as seizure forecasting and optimized treatment timing, is crucial. Despite historical observations, detailed analysis of seizure timing cycles has become feasible only recently, necessitating further research to confirm generalizability and clinical relevance. This paper reviews current literature on circadian rhythms in epilepsy, focusing on temporal seizure patterns and identifying knowledge gaps. A comprehensive review of studies, primarily using PubMed, synthesizes key findings from 20 studies on the temporal dynamics of epileptic activity. Research shows consistent circadian rhythms in seizure activity, with distinct daily peaks. Seizures often follow daily patterns, termed "seizure rush hours," with specific seizure types linked to particular times and influenced by sleep-wake cycles. These findings underscore the importance of understanding temporal patterns in epilepsy. Understanding these rhythms can enhance seizure prediction, diagnosis, and personalized treatment strategies. The significant role of biological rhythms suggests that tailored treatments based on individual circadian profiles could improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving these influences and validate findings across diverse cohorts.

A natureza cíclica da epilepsia, cada vez mais quantificada por meio dos avanços na eletroencefalografia contínua (cEEG), revela ciclos de crises epilépticas (CE) robustos, incluindo ritmos circadianos, multidiários e circanuais. Compreender os mecanismos e as implicações clínicas desses ciclos, como a previsão de CE e a otimização do momento do tratamento, é crucial. Apesar das observações históricas, a análise detalhada dos ciclos de tempo das CE tornou-se viável apenas recentemente, exigindo mais pesquisas para confirmar a generalização e a relevância clínica. Este artigo revisa a literatura atual sobre ritmos circadianos na epilepsia, focando nos padrões temporais das CE e identificando lacunas no conhecimento. Uma revisão abrangente dos estudos, principalmente utilizando o PubMed, sintetiza os principais achados de 20 estudos sobre a dinâmica temporal da atividade epiléptica. A pesquisa mostra ritmos circadianos consistentes na atividade das CE, com picos diários distintos. As CE frequentemente seguem padrões diários, denominados "horários de pico das convulsões" ("seizure rush hours"), com tipos específicos de CE vinculados a determinados horários e influenciados pelos ciclos sono-vigília. Esses achados destacam a importância de entender os padrões temporais na epilepsia. Compreender esses ritmos pode melhorar a previsão, o diagnóstico e as estratégias de tratamento personalizado das CE. O papel significativo dos ritmos biológicos sugere que tratamentos personalizados com base nos perfis circadianos individuais podem melhorar os resultados e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Mais pesquisas são essenciais para elucidar os mecanismos que impulsionam essas influências e validar os achados em diversas coortes.

Understanding the enigma of neurobehavior in children with epilepsy and the need for mandatory screening: a prospective case control study

Background: In epilepsy management, control of seizures is the prime objective and reduction in seizure frequency is the main goal for successful treatment. There is a high prevalence of neurobehavioral problem. Hence, there is a need to screen, and intervene. Aim was to identify the neurobehavioral profile and the impact on children with epilepsyMethods: After IRB clearance, 100 consecutive school-aged children 4-17 years with normal IQ attending epilepsy clinic were enrolled as cases, and 102 age, gender and socio-economic status-matched children without epilepsy were chosen as controls. The strength and difficulties questionnaire are administered to both groups. It addresses five domains: emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems which contribute to the total difficulties score, and fifth dimension prosocial behaviour.Results: Among the children with epilepsy, emotional issues were observed in 41%, conduct issues in 67%, hyperactivity behaviour in 54%, and peer problems in 64% while pro-social behaviour was only 27%, and total difficulty score was 60%, which was statistically significant with p<0.001 in all domains when compared to control. The impact of the disease was 73%, home environment was affected in 67%, classroom learning 45%, 28% in leisure activities, and 10% in friendship, which was statistically significant with p<0.001 in all domains when compared to control. Conclusions: We have identified emotional, conduct, hyperactivity and peer problems having significant impact on children with epilepsy. Hence a screening in various behavioural domains helps in early identification and prompt intervention of neurobehavior.

Utilization of KINDL R Scale to assess HRQOL among Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy: A Prospective Interventional Study

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal brain electrical activity leading to recurrent seizures, affects approximately 1% of the Indian population, with higher prevalence in rural (1.9%) compared to urban (0.6%) settings. This interventional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital aimed to assess HRQOL among pediatric epilepsy patients using KINDL R questionnaires. Baseline data was collected from 110 pediatric patients, with two follow-up assessments conducted after interventions were implemented post the first follow-up. HRQOL was evaluated across three age groups: 3-6 years, 7-13 years, and 14-17 years. The study enrolled 110 patients and collected baseline data. Two follow-up assessments were conducted, and interventions were provided after the first follow-up. Following the intervention, HRQOL revealed positive changes in different age groups: 3-6 years (score changed from 17.37 + 2.31 to 20.79 + 4.10), 7-13 years (score changed from 53.29 + 3.96 to 58.88 + 5.68), and 14-17 years (score changed from 63.35 + 6.18 to 74.70 + 8.10). This study concludes that positive impact of pharmacist interventions on HRQOL among pediatric epilepsy patients. The findings underscore the effectiveness of pharmacist involvement in enhancing medication management and overall well-being. Further research could explore long-term effects and optimal strategies for improving HRQOL.

Manejo quirúrgico en el estado epiléptico superrefractario / Surgical management in Super-refractory epilepticus status

Resumen Introducción: El estado epiléptico refractario (EER) constituye una emergencia médica grave, donde la crisis no cede a pesar del tratamiento farmacológico convencional. Se describe como estado epiléptico superrefractario (EESR) la continua presencia de episodios con una duración de 24 horas o más. Este reporte de caso detalla la complejidad en el manejo y explora un enfoque multidisciplinario. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 32 años con antecedente de epilepsia focal secundaria a traumatismo craneoencefálico en la niñez, quien ingresó en contexto de EESR, el cual recibió coma barbitúrico, plasmaféresis y dieta cetogénica. En los exámenes, la resonancia magnética reveló una lesión en la región frontotemporal insular derecha; en la tomografía por emisión de positrones se observaron zonas de hipermetabolismo y en el videoelectroencefalograma una continua actividad epileptiforme. Se optó por la cirugía paliativa, logrando la resolución exitosa del EESR y una clasificación Engels IA a los 14 meses. Discusión: El EESR es un evento neurológico crítico con pronóstico reservado y opciones terapéuticas desafiantes. Se describen opciones terapéuticas desde anticonvulsivantes, inmunoterapia y cirugía, donde el abordaje quirúrgico emerge como una opción eficaz, especialmente en casos con lesiones estructurales. La identificación temprana y la terapia adecuada son vitales para prevenir complicaciones. Conclusiones: El EESR representa un desafío crítico con alta carga de morbimortalidad, sin embargo, la cirugía de epilepsia muestra promisorios resultados en el contexto de causa cerebral estructural, responsable de la actividad epileptiforme. Se destaca la importancia de la identificación temprana y el manejo quirúrgico paliativo como opción viable, mejorando la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Abstract Introduction: Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE) is a serious medical emergency where the seizure does not subside despite conventional pharmacological treatment. The continuous presence of episodes lasting 24 hours or more is described as super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). This case report details the complex in teraphy management and explores a multidisciplinary approach. Case presentation: A 32-year-old male with a history of focal epilepsy secondary to head trauma in childhood. Enters emergency with a RSE episode. Barbiturate coma, plasmapheresis and ketogenic diet were administered. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a lesion in the right fronto-temporo-insular cortex, areas of hypermetabolism on Positron Emission Tomography and continuous epileptiform activity on video-electroencephalogram. Palliative surgery was chosen, achieving successful resolution of the SRSE and Engel Scale IA classification at 14 months of follow up. Discussion: The SRSE is a critical neurological event with a guarded prognosis and complex therapeutic options. Therapeutic options are described from anticonvulsants, immunotherapy and surgery. The surgical approach emerges as an effective option, especially in cases with structural injuries. Early identification and appropriate therapy are vital to prevent complications. Conclusions: SRSE represents a critical challenge with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. However, epilepsy surgery shows promising results in the context of the structural brain cause responsible for epileptiform activity. The importance of early identification and palliative surgical management as a viable option is highlighted, improving the quality of life of patients.

Psychosocial correlates of depression in paediatric patients with epilepsy in a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Background: Seizures are the most common paediatric neurological disorder with most children suffering at least one seizure before the age 16yr. The psychosocial comorbidities which adversely affect quality of life especially depression, are often neglected. This study sorts to highlight the psychosocial correlates of depression among these children. Methods: Recruitment was in a paediatric neurology clinic in a tertiary-level hospital. Children were eligible for recruitment if aged 9-18 and had a diagnosis of epilepsy as confirmed by a neurologist, in care for a period of more than 3 months, and parents gave consent. Children who met the study inclusion criteria were subjected to a two- stage interview process using CES and DICA-1V tools, designed to screen and confirm depression. These instruments have previously been validated on a Nigerian population. The study was cross section and descriptive, with psychometric evaluation p-values<0.05, statistically significant. Results: A total of 400 children were offered participation, and 380 were recruited, among them, 117 (30.8%) met the clinical criteria for major depression with 40 (10%) of them in need of urgent medical attention. Males were more depressed, p=0.000, OR: 0.861, respondents aged 9-11yr showed a strong association with depression p=0.001, OR: 1.911. Living arrangements of patients, p=0.001, OR: 0.632, family size (siblings), p=0.004, marital status of mothers, p=0.001, OR: 2.373, turned out significant with mothers’ marital status showing a strong association. Duration of illness and frequency of seizures, showed a very strong association with depression p=0.023, OR:1.203, and p=0.001, OR:1.411 respectively. Conclusions: The study highlights a strong association between effects of epilepsy and psychosocial wellbeing of children and the high risk posed by unstable family settings on children’s health.

Síndrome de Miller-Dieker: reporte de dos casos / Miller-Dieker Syndrome: Two Cases Report

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Miller-Dieker cuenta con un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante y pertenece al grupo de trastornos de la migración neuronal. Se caracteriza por la presencia de lisencefalia de tipo 1, retraso global del desarrollo, microcefalia, epilepsia y dismorfismos faciales dados por mutaciones en el cromosoma 17p13. El síndrome de Miller-Dieker es una enfermedad extremadamente rara con prevalencia de 1 caso por cada 100,000 recién nacidos vivos. Presentación de casos: Nosotros presentamos dos casos de síndrome de Miller-Dieker en los que datos de la exploración física y del interrogatorio fueron pistas que permitieron una fuerte sospecha diagnóstica y que a su vez el diagnóstico definitivo mediante FISH permitió brindar un adecuado manejo con la finalidad de mejorar el pronóstico a largo plazo. Conclusión: Se debe tener una alta sospecha diagnóstica mediante la exploración física dirigida a identificar alteraciones en pacientes con epilepsia de difícil control, ya que permite guiar el diagnóstico etiológico y con ello brindar un adecuado tratamiento.

Abstract Introduction: Miller-Dieker syndrome has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and belongs to the group of neuronal migration disorders. It is characterized by the presence of type 1 lissencephaly, global development delay, microcephaly, epilepsy and facial dysmorphisms caused by mutations in chromosome 17p13. Miller-Dieker syndrome is an extremely rare disease with a prevalence of 1 case per 100,000 live births. Case presentation: We present two cases of Miller-Dieker syndrome in which data from the physical examination and questioning were clues that allowed a strong diagnostic suspicion and that, in turn, the definitive diagnosis by means of FISH allowed us to provide adequate management in order to improve the long-term prognosis. Conclusion: A high diagnostic suspicion must be achieved through physical examination aimed at identifying alterations in patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy, since it allows guiding the etiological diagnosis and thereby providing adequate treatment.

Los cambios climáticos: ¿pueden afectar en epilepsia? Revisión del tema con presentación de 2 casos clínicos / Climate change: can it affect epilepsy? Review of the topic with presentation of 2 clinical cases

Muchas enfermedades neurológicas son condiciones crónicas complejas influenciadas en muchos niveles por cambios en el medio ambiente. El cambio climático (CC) se refiere a la gama más amplia de cambios locales, regionales y globales en los patrones climáticos promedio, impulsados principalmente, en los últimos 100 años, por actividades antropogénicas. Diversas variables climáticas se asocian con una mayor frecuencia de convulsiones en personas con epilepsia. Es probable que los riesgos se vean modificados por muchos factores, que van desde la variación genética individual y la función del canal dependiente de la temperatura, hasta la calidad de la vivienda y las cadenas de suministro globales. Los diferentes tipos de epilepsia parecen tener una distinta susceptibilidad a las influencias estacionales. El aumento de la temperatura corporal, ya sea en el contexto de la fiebre o no, tiene un papel crítico en el umbral convulsivo. Es probable que los vínculos entre el cambio climático y la epilepsia sean multifactoriales, complejos y, a menudo, indirectos, lo que dificulta las predicciones. Actualmente necesitamos más datos sobre los posibles riesgos en enfermedades; entre ellas la epilepsia. Se presentan 2 casos clínicos que refieren cambios en la frecuencia de sus crisis en relación a las altas temperaturas registradas.

Many neurological diseases are complex chronic conditions influenced on many levels by changes in the environment. Climate change refers to the widest range of local, regional, and global changes in average weather patterns, driven primarily, over the past 100 years, by anthropogenic activities. Various climatic variables are associated with an increased frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy. Risks are likely to be modified by many factors, ranging from individual genetic variation and temperature-dependent channel function, to housing quality and global supply chains. Different types of epilepsy appear to have different susceptibility to seasonal influences. Increased body temperature, whether in the context of fever or not, plays a critical role in the seizure threshold. The links between climate change and epilepsy are likely to be multifactorial, complex, and often indirect, making predictions difficult. We currently need more data on the possible risks of disease; among them epilepsy. We present 2 clinical cases that refer to changes in the frequency of their seizures in relation to the high temperatures recorded.

Influencing factors of phenobarbital treatment effect in rural epilepsy patients in Hubei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the main factors influencing the management effect of rural epilepsy prevention and control projects in Hubei Province, and to provide reference for further improving the management effect. Methods According to the phenobarbital treatment and management plan of the rural epilepsy project, the target population was screened and reviewed, and patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the project management. Regular follow-up visits, free drug treatment, health education and other measures were carried out, and all relevant information was collected and integrated into the survey data. After the data was reviewed level by level, SPSS20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020, among patients treated and managed with phenobarbital in 6 project counties, 1430 patients were treated and managed for more than 1 year, of whom 1119 (78.25%) had no seizures or had more than 75% reduction in the number of seizures during the observation period. Compared with other age groups, the age group of 65 years and above had the highest markedly effective/effective ratio (95.77%). From the point of follow-up, the markedly effective/effective ratio of 5 years and above was the highest (91.51%). Compared with those who received no treatment prior to enrollment and those who received regular treatment, the patients receiving informal treatment had the lowest markedly effective/effective ratio (82.43%). 1213 cases (84.83%) had good compliance during the observation period, of whom 1062 cases (87.55%) had a reduction in the number of seizures by more than 50% compared with that before treatment. Univariate analysis showed that the age of patients, the length of follow-up, the treatment status before enrollment, the average daily dose of phenobarbital and the compliance of patients all had an impact on the management effect, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the markedly effective/effective rate of patients in the age group of 65 years and above was 6.749 times that of the younger age group. Receiving informal treatment prior to enrollment was a risk factor for difficult-to-control epilepsy. The markedly effective/effective rate of patients receiving informal treatment was 0.29 times that of patients never receiving treatment. Good compliance was a protective factor for epilepsy control, and the markedly effective/effective rate of patients with good compliance was 2.058 times that of patients with poor compliance. Conclusion The epilepsy prevention and management project in rural areas has a significant effect on seizure control. Early treatment, standardized treatment, and improvement of treatment compliance are effective ways to improve the management effect of epilepsy patients.

Establishment and comparison of 2 mouse models of kainic acid induced epilepsy / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To investigate and analyze the behavioral and pathological differences in early-stage mouse models of epilepsy established by 2 different administration routes for kainic acid(KA),intracerebroventricular(ICV)injection and intraperitoneal(IP)injection.Methods A total of 100 male C57BL/6N wild-type(WT)mice(20～22 g)were randomly divided into ICV+normal saline(NS)control group(n=10),ICV+KA model group(n=40),IP+NS control group(n=10)and IP+KA model group(n=40).The ICV+KA model group was given 600 nL of KA(0.5 mg/mL)via ICV injection,and the IP+KA model group was injected with different dose of KA(25 mg/kg).Two control groups were administered equal volumes of NS via corresponding routes.After 3 d of modeling,the evaluation of behavioristics,molecular biology(including Western blotting),and neuropathological assessments(including FJB staining,TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence staining)were performed.Results No epileptic seizures were observed in both 2 control groups,while exhibited seizures were observed in both model groups.The mortality rates of the IP+KA group and the ICV+KA group were 47.50%and 65.00%respectively,while the success rates of modeling were 80.00%and 60.00%respectively.Compared with the IP+KA group,the ICV+KA group showed a significant increase in success rate and a significant reduction in mortality rate.FJB and TUNEL staining results showed that,compared with the IP+KA group,the severity of neurodegeneration and apoptotic changes in the hippocampus of the ICV+KA group were more significant(P＜0.05).Compared with the IP+KA group,there was also a significant difference in the expression of apoptotic proteins in the hippocampus of the ICV+KA group(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence results showed that the astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus and cortex of the ICV+KA and IP+KA groups were significantly activated compared with the control groups(P＜0.05),but the activation of glial cells in the hippocampus and cortex of the ICV+KA group was stronger than that of the IP+KA model group(P＜0.05)and the activation levels in the ICV+KA group were higher than in the IP+KA model group(P＜0.01).Moreover,expression levels of GFAP and Iba-1 proteins in the hippocampus and cortex were higher in the ICV+KA group than the IP+KA group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Two routes of KA administration are effective in construct epilepsy models.The mice with ICV administration route show a higher success rate and lower mortality rate,and more significant neuropathological damage and glial cell activation.

Analysis on the medication characteristics and compatibility law of ancient prescriptions in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy based on visual network analysis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To analyze the medication characteristics of ancient prescriptions for pediatric epilepsy (PE) through data mining; To summarize the compatibility law; To provide a reference for the treatment selection of Chinese materia medica and the development of patent drugs related to PE in clinic.Methods:Those with definite composition, dosage and efficacy for the treatment of PE was screened from the data of TCM prescription designed by Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Excel 2013 was used to analyze the frequency of Chinese materia medica and its flavor and meridian tropism in the included prescriptions. The arules package in R 3.6.3 was used for association analysis based on Apriori algorithm. The sankey package and ggraph package of R 3.6.3 were used to draw the network diagram of the property, taste, meridian tropism and association rules of high-frequency Chinese medicine, so as to realize data visualization.Results:A total of 360 ancient prescriptions for the treatment of PE were included, and the dosage form was mainly pills. Most of the prescriptions were composed of 1 to 10 kinds of Chinese materia medica, with a total of 192 (53.33%, 192/360) prescriptions. 152 kinds of Chinese materia medica were included. The most commonly used types of Chinese materia medica were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Moschus, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Gastrodiae Rhizoma, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. The properties of high-frequency Chinese materia medica (frequency≥30) were characterized by warm and mild, and the tastes were mainly pungent, bitter and sweet, and the meridians were mainly spleen and liver meridians. Through Apriori association analysis, the commonly used combination drugs were Bovis Calculus-Moschus, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Poria and Saposheikovize Radix-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Similarly, the commonly used triple drugs included Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Bombyx Batryticatus, Poria-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Moschus-Bovis Calculus-Realgar.Conclusions:The ancient prescriptions for the treatment of PE is mainly composed of wind-calming, resuscitation and tonifying drug. The core prescription ideas of the ancient prescriptions are as follows: dispelling phlegm and dispelling wind, warming the meridian and dispelling yang, resuscitating and relieving spasms, clearing heat and reducing depression, and tonifying qi and blood.

Suggestions for revision of the epilepsy items in the military disability appraisal norms / 解放军医学杂志

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease,has the characteristics of recurrent attacks and long-term treatment,thus bringing great pressure to patients and their families.Therefore,it is particularly important to do a good job of disability assessment.In recent years,with the development of the discipline,academic organizations such as the International League Against Epilepsy(ILAE)and China Association Against Epilepsy(CAAE)have successively updated the definition and diagnostic criteria of epilepsy and seizures.However,some items of epilepsy in the current Criteria for Disability Rating of Military Personnel(Trial)issued by People's Liberation Army(PLA)in 2011 can no longer meet the latest guidelines at home and abroad.Therefore,we suggest that the items related to epilepsy in the Criteria for Disability Rating of Military Personnel(Trial)should be revised to ensure that the disability evaluation being completed fairly and successfully.

Analysis of treatment gap of convulsive epilepsy patients in rural areas of Jiangsu Province / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To explore the treatment gap and influencing factors of convulsive epilepsy in rural areas of Jiangsu Province.Methods The clinical data of 7836 rural convulsive epilepsy patients screened from 2005 to 2020 were statistically analyzed,and the treatment status,treatment gap and related influencing factors of epilepsy patients were analyzed.Results A total of 7836 patients with convulsive epilepsy were enrolled in this study.The treatment gap for convulsive epilepsy in rural areas of Jiangsu Province was 69.05%.There was no significant difference in the treatment gap between different genders(P＞0.05).There were statistically significant differences in the treatment gap between age(χ2 = 12.196,P =0.007),age of onset(χ2 =58.658,P＜0.001),disease duration(χ2 =65.430,P＜0.001),seizure frequency(χ2 =171.276,P＜0.001),and hospitalization level(χ2 = 122.076,P＜0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the older the age of onset was,the shorter the course of the disease was,the more frequent the seizures was,and the greater the treatment gap in patients with epilepsy was(all P＜0.05).Patients aged 45-59 years(P =0.012)and treated in municipal and county hospitals(P＜0.001)were more likely to receive regular anti-epileptic treatment.Conclusions There is a significant treatment gap for convulsive epilepsy patients in rural areas of Jiangsu Province.This may be due to insufficient awareness of epilepsy and the underdevelopment of primary healthcare institutions.

Clinical features of Menkes disease(report of one case) / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of Menkes disease(MD)caused by ATP7A gene mutation.Methods Clinical data of one MD patient was retrospectively analyzed,and the literature on the MD cases was reviewed.Results The patient was a 7-month-old male.The initial symptoms were epilepsy,feeding difficulties and psychomotor retardation,followed by distinctive facial appearance,hair abnormality,pectus excavatum and hypotonia.Biochemical tests revealed reduced serum ceruloplasmin and copper.Brain MRI showed diffuse cerebral atrophy,cerebral dysplasia and subdural effusion.Genetic testing showed that there was a new hemizygous mutation c.2916+2(IVS14)T＞C in the ATP7A gene splicing site on the X chromosome,which verified that the mother was a heterozygous carrier with a normal phenotype.Conclusions MD often starts in infancy and childhood.MD may involve multi-system such as the nervous system and connective tissues,and should be diagnosed with genetic testing.

Research progress on the effect of new anti-seizure medications on cognitive function / 临床神经病学杂志

Epilepsy is a kind of brain dysfunction syndrome characterized by paroxysmal,transient,repetitive and rigid characteristics caused by abnormal discharge of highly synchronized neurons in the brain.Epilepsy is often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction.At present,anti-seizure medications are the most important methods of clinical treatment.Most of the traditional anti-seizure medications can cause cognitive dysfunction,and the influence of new anti-seizure medications on cognitive function is not completely clear.This paper reviews the influence of new anti-seizure medications on cognitive function and the possible related mechanisms of action based on relevant literature at home and abroad.It is expected that clinicians should pay attention to cognitive function in the process of diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy,and help clinicians realize the influence of anti-seizure medications on cognitive function,and rationally choose anti-seizure medications for patients.

Abnormal changes of white matter structure in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with sleep disorders based on diffusion kurtosis imaging / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the microstructural changes of temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)in patients with sleep disorders based on diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI).Methods This research prospectively included 38 TLE patients(case group)and 20 healthy controls(HC)(HC group).Participants used sleep questionnaires to evaluate their sleep status.All TLE patients were divided into groups with and without sleep disorders according to the diagnostic criteria and scale scores of sleep disorders.The mean kurtosis(MK),mean diffusivity(MD),and fractional anisotropy(FA)of the relevant region of interest(ROI)were measured by DKI sequence.The differences of sleep quality scores and DKI parameters between groups were further compared via independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance.Results The Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS),Athens insomnia scale(AIS),and Pittsburgh sleep qual-ity index(PSQI)scores of TLE patients with sleep disorders were significantly higher than those of HC group(P＜0.05).The FA and MK values in TLE patients were significantly lower than those in HC group,while the MD value of TLE patients were substan-tially higher than that of HC group(P＜0.05).The values of MK and FA in left TLE patients with sleep disorders were significantly lower than those of without sleep disorders(P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference in MD value between the two groups(P＞0.05).MK value of right TLE patients with sleep disor-ders was significantly lower than that of without sleep disorders(P＜0.05),however,there were no significant differences in MD and FA values between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Quantitative DKI analysis revealed differences in DKI parameters in TLE patients combined with sleep disorders,inferring a specific white matter fiber damage in this group and providing imaging data to support the personalized treatment and prognostic assessment of these patients.

Risk factors of depression and anxiety in epilepsy patients and their relationship with quality of life / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the risk factors of depression and anxiety in adult patients with epilepsy and their relationship with quality of life.Methods From May 2022 to January 2023,patients diagnosed with epilepsy(aged≥18 years)in the department of neurology of our hospital were collected.General demographic data and disease-related information were recorded.Quality of life,depression and anxiety scales were measured in all patients.SPSS26.0 software was used for multiple linear regression analysis,multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis,rank sum test,Pearson correlation analysis,etc.Results Among the 111 patients,49.5%had depression and 43.2%had anxiety.Depression score and anxiety score were correlated with attack type,attack frequency,quality of life and right temporal lobe,and there was a significant negative correlation between life quality score and anxiety and depression score(P<0.01).Seizure frequency,seizure type and right temporal lobe were common risk factors for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy(P<0.05).Conclusion Epileptic depression and anxiety were affected by seizure frequency and seizure type,and this bad mood further affected the quality of life of patients.No clear link has been found between the lateralization of seizures and the presence of depression and anxiety states,and further research is needed.