Prevalence of Suicidality in Adolescents With Newly Diagnosed Focal Epilepsy at Diagnosis and Over the Following 36 Months.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals with epilepsy have increased risk of suicidal ideation (SI) and behaviors when compared with the general population. This relationship has remained largely unexplored in adolescents. We investigated the prevalence of suicidality in adolescents with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy within 4 months of treatment initiation and over the following 36 months. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the enrollment and follow-up data from the Human Epilepsy Project, an international, multi-institutional study that enrolled participants between 2012 and 2017. Participants enrolled were 11-17 years of age within 4 months of treatment initiation for focal epilepsy. We used data from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), administered at enrollment and over the 36-month follow-up period, along with data from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 66 adolescent participants were enrolled and completed the C-SSRS. At enrollment, 14 (21%) had any lifetime SI and 5 (8%) had any lifetime suicidal behaviors (SBs). Over the following 36 months, 6 adolescents reported new onset SI and 5 adolescents reported new onset SB. Thus, the lifetime prevalence of SI within this population increased from 21% to 30% (14-20 adolescents), and the lifetime prevalence of SB increased from 8% to 15% (5-10). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of suicidality in adolescents with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy reported in our study is consistent with previous findings of significant suicidality observed in epilepsy. We identify adolescents as an at-risk population at the time of epilepsy diagnosis and in the following years.

Unrecognized Focal Nonmotor Seizures in Adolescents Presenting to Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many adolescents with undiagnosed focal epilepsy seek evaluation in emergency departments (EDs). Accurate history-taking is essential to prompt diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we investigated ED recognition of motor vs nonmotor seizures and its effect on management and treatment of focal epilepsy in adolescents. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of enrollment data from the Human Epilepsy Project (HEP), an international multi-institutional study that collected data from 34 sites between 2012 and 2017. Participants were 12 years or older, neurotypical, and within 4 months of treatment initiation for focal epilepsy. We used HEP enrollment medical records to review participants' initial diagnosis and management. RESULTS: A total of 83 adolescents were enrolled between 12 and 18 years. Fifty-eight (70%) presented to an ED before diagnosis of epilepsy. Although most ED presentations were for motor seizures (n = 52; 90%), many patients had a history of nonmotor seizures (20/52 or 38%). Adolescents with initial nonmotor seizures were less likely to present to EDs (26/44 or 59% vs 32/39 or 82%, p = 0.02), and nonmotor seizures were less likely to be correctly identified (2/6 or 33% vs 42/52 or 81%, p = 0.008). A history of initial nonmotor seizures was not recognized in any adolescent who presented for a first-lifetime motor seizure. As a result, initiation of treatment and admission from the ED was not more likely for these adolescents who met the definition of epilepsy compared with those with no seizure history. This lack of nonmotor seizure history recognition in the ED was greater than that observed in the adult group (0% vs 23%, p = 0.03) and occurred in both pediatric and nonpediatric ED settings. DISCUSSION: Our study supports growing evidence that nonmotor seizures are often undiagnosed, with many individuals coming to attention only after conversion to motor seizures. We found this treatment gap is exacerbated in the adolescent population. Our study highlights a critical need for physicians to inquire about the symptoms of nonmotor seizures, even when the presenting seizure is motor. Future interventions should focus on improving nonmotor seizure recognition for this population in EDs.

Pitfalls of using video-EEG for a trial endpoint in children aged <4 years with focal seizures.

OBJECTIVE: Double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial SP0967 (NCT02477839/2013-000717-20) did not demonstrate superior efficacy of lacosamide versus placebo in patients aged ≥1 month to <4 years with uncontrolled focal seizures, per ≤72 h video-electroencephalogram (video-EEG)-based primary endpoints (reduction in average daily frequency of focal seizures at end-of-maintenance [EOM] versus end-of-baseline [EOB], patients with ≥50% response). This was unexpected because randomized controlled trial SP0969 (NCT01921205) showed efficacy of lacosamide in patients aged ≥4 to <17 years with uncontrolled focal seizures. SP0969's primary endpoint was based on seizure diary instead of video-EEG, an issue with the latter being inter-reader variability. We evaluated inter-reader agreement in video-EEG interpretation in SP0967, which to our knowledge, are the first such data for very young children with focal seizures from a placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Local investigator and central reader agreement in video-EEG interpretation was analyzed post hoc. RESULTS: Analysis included 105 EOB and 98 EOM video-EEGs. Local investigators and central reader showed poor agreement based on ≥2 focal seizures at EOB (Kappa = 0.01), and fair agreement based on ≥2 focal seizures at EOM (Kappa = 0.23). Local investigator and central reader seizure count interpretations varied substantially, particularly for focal seizures, but also primary generalized and unclassified epileptic seizures, at both timepoints. INTERPRETATION: High inter-reader variability and low inter-reader reliability of the interpretation of seizure types and counts prevent confident conclusion regarding the lack of efficacy of lacosamide in this population. We recommend studies in very young children do not employ video-EEGs exclusively for accurate study inclusion or as an efficacy measure.

Severe communication delays are independent of seizure burden and persist despite contemporary treatments in SCN1A+ Dravet syndrome: Insights from the ENVISION natural history study.

OBJECTIVE: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by high seizure burden, treatment-resistant epilepsy, and developmental stagnation. Family members rate communication deficits among the most impactful disease manifestations. We evaluated seizure burden and language/communication development in children with DS. METHODS: ENVISION was a prospective, observational study evaluating children with DS associated with SCN1A pathogenic variants (SCN1A+ DS) enrolled at age ≤5 years. Seizure burden and antiseizure medications were assessed every 3 months and communication and language every 6 months with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition and the parent-reported Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3rd edition. We report data from the first year of observation, including analyses stratified by age at Baseline: 0:6-2:0 years:months (Y:M; youngest), 2:1-3:6 Y:M (middle), and 3:7-5:0 Y:M (oldest). RESULTS: Between December 2020 and March 2023, 58 children with DS enrolled at 16 sites internationally. Median follow-up was 17.5 months (range = .0-24.0), with 54 of 58 (93.1%) followed for at least 6 months and 51 of 58 (87.9%) for 12 months. Monthly countable seizure frequency (MCSF) increased with age (median [minimum-maximum] = 1.0 in the youngest [1.0-70.0] and middle [1.0-242.0] age groups and 4.5 [.0-2647.0] in the oldest age group), and remained high, despite use of currently approved antiseizure medications. Language/communication delays were observed early, and developmental stagnation occurred after age 2 years with both instruments. In predictive modeling, chronologic age was the only significant covariate of seizure frequency (effect size = .52, p = .024). MCSF, number of antiseizure medications, age at first seizure, and convulsive status epilepticus were not predictors of language/communication raw scores. SIGNIFICANCE: In infants and young children with SCN1A+ DS, language/communication delay and stagnation were independent of seizure burden. Our findings emphasize that the optimal therapeutic window to prevent language/communication delay is before 3 years of age.

Call for the use of the ILAE terminology for seizures and epilepsies by health care professionals and regulatory agencies to benefit patients and caregivers.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) introduced a classification for seizure types in 2017 and updated the classification for epilepsy syndromes in 2022. These classifications aim to improve communication among healthcare professionals and help patients better describe their condition. So far, regulatory agencies have used different terminology. This paper stresses the crucial need for consistently adopting ILAE terminology in both regulatory processes and clinical practice. It highlights how language plays a significant role in healthcare communication and how standardized terminology can enhance patient comprehension. The ongoing review of guidelines by regulatory bodies offers a timely opportunity. Aligning regulatory terminologies holds the potential to facilitate discussions on future drug development and harmonize practices across diverse regions, ultimately fostering improved care and research outcomes in epilepsy treatment.

A quality improvement initiative to improve folic acid supplementation counseling for adolescent females with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: We designed a quality improvement (QI) project to improve rates of documented folic acid supplementation counseling for adolescent females with epilepsy, consistent with a quality measure from the American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society. Our SMART aim was to increase the percentage of visits at which folic acid counseling was addressed from our baseline rate of 23% to 50% by July 1, 2020. METHODS: This initiative was conducted in female patients ≥12 years old with epilepsy who were prescribed daily antiseizure medication and were seen by the 13 providers in our Neurology QI Program. Using provider interviews, we undertook a root cause analysis of low counseling rates and identified the following main factors: insufficient time during clinic visit to counsel, lack of provider knowledge, and forgetting to counsel. Countermeasures were designed to address these main root causes and were implemented through iterative plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Interventions included provider education and features within the electronic health record, which were introduced sequentially, culminating in the creation of a best practice advisory (BPA). We performed biweekly chart reviews of visits for applicable patients to establish baseline performance rate and track progress over time. We used a statistical process control p-chart to analyze the outcome measure of documented counseling. As a balancing measure, clinicians were surveyed using the Technology Adoption Model survey to assess acceptance of the BPA. RESULTS: From September 2019 to August 2022, the QI team improved rates of documented folic acid counseling from 23% to 73% through several PDSA cycles. This level of performance has been sustained over time. The most successful and sustainable intervention was the BPA. Provider acceptance of the BPA was overall positive. SIGNIFICANCE: We successfully used QI methodology to improve and sustain our rates of documented folic acid supplementation counseling for adolescent females with epilepsy.

Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Suicidality in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Focal Epilepsy: An Analysis of a Complex Comorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mood, anxiety disorders, and suicidality are more frequent in people with epilepsy than in the general population. Yet, their prevalence and the types of mood and anxiety disorders associated with suicidality at the time of the epilepsy diagnosis are not established. We sought to answer these questions in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy and to assess their association with suicidal ideation and attempts. METHODS: The data were derived from the Human Epilepsy Project study. A total of 347 consecutive adults aged 18-60 years with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy were enrolled within 4 months of starting treatment. The types of mood and anxiety disorders were identified with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, whereas suicidal ideation (lifetime, current, active, and passive) and suicidal attempts (lifetime and current) were established with the Columbia Suicidality Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS). Statistical analyses included the t test, χ2 statistics, and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 151 (43.5%) patients had a psychiatric diagnosis; 134 (38.6%) met the criteria for a mood and/or anxiety disorder, and 75 (21.6%) reported suicidal ideation with or without attempts. Mood (23.6%) and anxiety (27.4%) disorders had comparable prevalence rates, whereas both disorders occurred together in 43 patients (12.4%). Major depressive disorders (MDDs) had a slightly higher prevalence than bipolar disorders (BPDs) (9.5% vs 6.9%, respectively). Explanatory variables of suicidality included MDD, BPD, panic disorders, and agoraphobia, with BPD and panic disorders being the strongest variables, particularly for active suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. DISCUSSION: In patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy, the prevalence of mood, anxiety disorders, and suicidality is higher than in the general population and comparable to those of patients with established epilepsy. Their recognition at the time of the initial epilepsy evaluation is of the essence.

EEG parameters as endpoints in epilepsy clinical trials - An expert panel opinion paper.

INTRODUCTION: The lack of ideal measurement of treatment efficacy is a well acknowledged problem in the epilepsy community, both in clinical care and clinical trials. Whilst still the current gold-standard, self-reported seizure frequency significantly underestimates the true number of seizures and does not account for any other at least equally important outcome parameters, such as neurodevelopment and cognition. With the rise of disease modifying treatments, the need for more reliable endpoints in practice and clinical trials becomes more pressing. In this paper we assembled an expert panel to discuss the nature of these needs, current limitations, and obstacles based on a survey amongst these experts who were queried about the most important issues regarding the use of electroencephalography (EEG) parameters as endpoints in clinical drug and device development. METHODS: A structured survey was sent to a group of experts in the design and conduct of epilepsy trials in adults and children. This was followed by a virtual in-person meeting discussing the results of the trial and identifying a list of most important issues. RESULTS: Six clinical trialists and 5 individuals from pharmaceutical companies returned the survey containing 14 questions, and 8 clinical trialists and 10 pharma-representatives attended the meeting. Three main issues were identified (1) lack of accuracy of seizure diaries due to nocturnal seizures, subtle motor seizures, impairment of consciousness and lack of awareness of the seizure by the patient (2) inter-rater variability of EEG assessment (3) lack of standardization regarding definition(s) of seizures (clinical and electrographic), EEG recording methods and EEG data management. Recommended solutions included (1) validation of EEG parameters as biomarkers and use of wearables (2) development of a manual that describes EEG rating criteria, protocol for validation by > 1 central reader and use of a resolution of disagreements reporting template (3) standardization of EEG recording, data management and reporting. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Current developments in research and technology seem promising to advance the use of EEG parameters as potential endpoints and offer partial solutions to the current needs. However, continuous, focused and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders (academia, industry and regulatory agencies) are needed to formulate guidelines, validate emerging technologies and approve them for use in trials. It is the intent of this opinion "position paper" to stimulate those efforts.

Considerations for determining the efficacy of new antiseizure medications in children age 1 month to younger than 2 years.

OBJECTIVES: Drug treatment for children with epilepsy should, ideally, be governed by evidence from adequate and well-controlled clinical studies. However, these studies are difficult to conduct, and so direct evidence supporting the informed use of specific drugs is often lacking. The Research Roundtable for Epilepsy (RRE) met in 2020 to align on an approach to therapy development for focal seizures in children age 1 month <2 years of age. METHODS: The RRE reviewed the regulatory landscape, epidemiology, seizure semiology, antiseizure medicine pharmacology, and safety issues applicable to this population. RESULTS: After reviewing evidence, the conclusion was that pediatric efficacy trials would be impracticable to conduct but a waiver of the regulatory requirement to conduct any study would lead to an absence of information to guide dosing in a critical population. Review of available data and discussion of RRE attendees led to the conclusion that the requirements for extrapolation of efficacy from older children down to infants from age 1 month to <2 years old appeared to be met. After the RRE, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved brivaracetam for use in children with focal epilepsy above the age of 1 month in August 2021 and lacosamide in October 2021, both based on the principle of extrapolation from data in older children. SIGNIFICANCE: These recommendations should result in more rapid accessibility of antiseizure medications for infants.

A phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of soticlestat as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (ELEKTRA).

OBJECTIVE: Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) are rare treatment-resistant childhood epilepsies classed as developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. ELEKTRA investigated the efficacy and safety of soticlestat (TAK-935) as adjunctive therapy in children with DS or LGS (NCT03650452). METHODS: ELEKTRA was a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of soticlestat (≤300 mg twice daily, weight-adjusted) in children (aged 2-17 years) with DS, demonstrating three or more convulsive seizures/month, or with LGS, demonstrating four or more drop seizures/month at baseline. The 20-week treatment period comprised an 8-week dose-optimization period and a 12-week maintenance period. Efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in seizure frequency versus placebo. Safety assessments included incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS: ELEKTRA enrolled 141 participants; 126 (89%) completed the study. The modified intent-to-treat population included 139 participants who received one or more doses of study drug and had one or more efficacy assessments (DS, n = 51; LGS, n = 88). ELEKTRA achieved its primary endpoint: the combined soticlestat-treated population demonstrated a placebo-adjusted median reduction in seizure frequency of 30.21% during the maintenance period (p = .0008, n = 139). During this period, placebo-adjusted median reductions in convulsive and drop seizure frequencies of 50.00% (p = .0002; patients with DS) and 17.08% (p = .1160; patients with LGS), respectively, were observed. TEAE incidences were similar between the soticlestat (80.3%) and placebo (74.3%) groups and were mostly mild or moderate in severity. Serious TEAEs were reported by 15.5% and 18.6% of participants receiving soticlestat and placebo, respectively. TEAEs reported in soticlestat-treated patients with ≥5% difference from placebo were lethargy and constipation. No deaths were reported. SIGNIFICANCE: Soticlestat treatment resulted in statistically significant, clinically meaningful reductions from baseline in median seizure frequency (combined patient population) and in convulsive seizure frequency (DS cohort). Drop seizure frequency showed a nonstatistically significant numerical reduction in children with LGS. Soticlestat had a safety profile consistent with previous studies.

Safety of Diazepam Nasal Spray in Children and Adolescents With Epilepsy: Results From a Long-Term Phase 3 Safety Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate safety and tolerability of long-term treatment with diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco) for seizure clusters in patients aged six to 17 years. METHODS: The study enrolled patients aged six to 65 years with frequent seizure clusters. Age- and weight-based doses of diazepam nasal spray were administered; second doses were permitted if needed. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS: Of 163 treated patients, 45 (27.6%) were aged six to 11 years and 33 (20.2%) were aged 12 to 17 years. Mean doses per month were 2.1 in the 6 to 11 subgroup and 2.4 in the 12 to 17 subgroup. Of 1634 seizure clusters in pediatric patients, 186 (11.4%) required a second dose of diazepam nasal spray within 24 hours of the first dose. Similar proportions of TEAEs and serious TEAEs were reported in 6 to 11 (91.1%, 40.0%) and 12 to 17 subgroups (81.8%, 30.3%), respectively. No serious TEAEs were considered treatment related, and no patients discontinued because of TEAEs. Treatment-related TEAEs were more frequent in the 12 to 17 subgroup; only epistaxis and somnolence occurred in two or more patients overall. TEAE rates were similar across subgroups that received concomitant clobazam (90.0%), received prior diazepam rectal gel (90.9%), and were administered less than two versus greater than or equal to two doses per month (87.2% for both) of diazepam nasal spray. Most survey respondents (88%) were satisfied or very satisfied with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this long-term safety analysis in pediatric patients with seizure clusters, repeated doses of diazepam nasal spray demonstrated a safety profile consistent across subgroups. These data support the dosing guidelines for diazepam nasal spray according to age and weight for pediatric patients.

Use of second doses of Valtoco® (diazepam nasal spray) across 24 hours after the initial dose for out-of-hospital seizure clusters: Results from a phase 3, open-label, repeat-dose safety study.

OBJECTIVE: An exploratory analysis from a long-term, phase 3, open-label, repeat-dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray for acute treatment of seizure clusters assessed the use of a second dose up to 24 hours after the initial dose and effectiveness in potentially reducing the number of seizures. METHODS: Seizures and doses were recorded in diaries. RESULTS: Of 175 patients enrolled, 163 received ≥1 dose of diazepam nasal spray and were included in the safety population; those patients received a total of 4390 doses for a total of 3853 seizure clusters. Less than half of these patients used a second dose a least once during the study (79 patients [48.5%]), with a total of 485 second doses for seizure clusters (12.6% of all seizure clusters). Among these 79 patients, 33 (41.8%) used only one second dose during the study (range: 1-82). The proportion of seizure clusters treated with a second dose over time was consistently low across 24 h: 0-4 h, 152 (3.9%); 4-6 h, 72 (1.9%); 6-8 h, 39 (1.0%); 8-12 h, 55 (1.4%); 12-16 h, 42 (1.1%); 16-20 h, 42 (1.1%); 20-24 h, 83 (2.2%). Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment-related TEAEs occurring within 1 day of a second dose were low (15.2% and 5.1%, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters lasting up to 24 hours, and little is known about the effectiveness of rescue therapies for that duration. The current labeling of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved outpatient treatments for seizure clusters (rectal diazepam, intranasal midazolam, and diazepam nasal spray) allows for a second dose, if needed, for control. These findings support the safety profile of second doses, and the low use supports the effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray across 24 hours.

Proposal for an updated seizure classification framework in clinical trials.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) seizure classification scheme has been periodically updated to improve its reliability and applicability to clinicians and researchers alike. Here, members of the Epilepsy Study Consortium propose a pragmatic seizure classification, based on the ILAE scheme, designed for use in clinical trials with a focus on outcome measures that have high reliability, broad interpretability across stakeholders, and clinical relevance in the context of the development of novel antiseizure medications. Controversies around the current ILAE classification scheme are discussed in the context of clinical trials, and pragmatic simplifications to the existing scheme are proposed, for intended use by investigators, industry sponsors, and regulatory agencies.

Comparison of Cosyntropin, Vigabatrin, and Combination Therapy in New-Onset Infantile Spasms in a Prospective Randomized Trial.

Objective: In a randomized trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cosyntropin injectable suspension, 1 mg/mL, compared to vigabatrin for infantile spasms syndrome. An additional arm was included to assess the efficacy of combination therapy (cosyntropin and vigabatrin) compared with cosyntropin monotherapy. Methods: Children (2 months to 2 years) with new-onset infantile spasms syndrome and hypsarhythmia were randomized into 3 arms: cosyntropin, vigabatrin, and cosyntropin and vigabatrin combined. Daily seizures and adverse events were recorded, and EEG was repeated at day 14 to assess for resolution of hypsarhythmia. The primary outcome measure was the composite of resolution of hypsarhythmia and absence of clinical spasms at day 14. Fisher exact test was used to compare outcomes. Results: 37 children were enrolled and 34 were included in the final efficacy analysis (1 withdrew prior to treatment and 2 did not return seizure diaries). Resolution of both hypsarhythmia and clinical spasms was achieved in in 9 of 12 participants (75%) treated with cosyntropin, 1/9 (11%) vigabatrin, and 5/13 (38%) cosyntropin and vigabatrin combined. The primary comparison of cosyntropin versus vigabatrin was significant (64% [95% confidence interval 21, 82], P < .01). Adverse events were reported in all 3 treatment arms: 31 (86%) had an adverse event, 7 (19%) had a serious adverse event, and 15 (42%) had an adverse event of special interest with no difference between treatment arms. Significance: This randomized trial was underpowered because of incomplete enrollment, yet it demonstrated that cosyntropin was more effective for short-term outcomes than vigabatrin as initial treatment for infantile spasms.

Antiseizure Medication Withdrawal in Seizure-Free Patients: Practice Advisory Update Summary: Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee.

OBJECTIVE: To update a 1996 American Academy of Neurology practice parameter. METHODS: The authors systematically reviewed literature published from January 1991 to March 2020. RESULTS: The long-term (24-60 months) risk of seizure recurrence is possibly higher among adults who have been seizure-free for 2 years and taper antiseizure medications (ASMs) vs those who do not taper ASMs (15% vs 7% per the 1 Class I article addressing this issue). In pediatric patients, there is probably no significant difference in seizure recurrence between those who begin tapering ASMs after 2 years vs 4 years of seizure freedom, and there is insufficient evidence of significant difference in risk of seizure recurrence between those who taper ASMs after 18 months of seizure freedom and those tapering after 24 months. There is insufficient evidence that the rate of seizure recurrence with ASM withdrawal following epilepsy surgery after 1 year of seizure freedom vs after 4 years is not significantly different than maintaining patients on ASMs. An epileptiform EEG in pediatric patients increases the risk of seizure recurrence. ASM withdrawal possibly does not increase the risk of status epilepticus in adults. In seizure-free adults, ASM weaning possibly does not change quality of life. Withdrawal of ASMs at 25% every 10 days to 2 weeks is probably not significantly different from withdrawal at 25% every 2 months in children who are seizure-free in more than 4 years of follow-up. RECOMMENDATIONS: Fourteen recommendations were developed.

Adjunctive everolimus therapy for tuberous sclerosis complex-associated refractory seizures: Results from the postextension phase of EXIST-3.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is highly prevalent in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus showed higher efficacy than placebo for seizures in the primary analysis of the EXIST-3 study. Here, we present the long-term outcomes of everolimus at the end of the postextension phase (PEP; data cutoff date: October 25, 2017). METHODS: After completion of the extension phase, patients were invited to continue everolimus in the PEP with everolimus (targeted trough concentration = 5-15 ng/ml, investigator-judged). Efficacy assessments included changes in seizure status during the PEP collected at 12-week intervals as parent/caregiver-reported data through a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 361 patients, 343 entered the extension phase and 249 entered the PEP. After 12 weeks in the PEP, 18.9% (46/244) of patients were seizure-free since the last visit of the extension phase and 64.8% (158/244) had a stable/improved seizure status. At 24 weeks, the corresponding percentages were 18.2% (42/231) and 64.5% (149/231). Among 244 patients, the response rate was 32.8% (80/244) during the 12-week maintenance period of the core phase and 63.9% (156/244) at the end of the extension phase. Of the 149 responders at the end of the extension phase, 70.5% were seizure-free or had stable/improved seizure status. Long-term efficacy data showed persistent responses were observed in 183 of 361 patients (50.7%); 63.9% of these patients had a response that lasted at least 48 weeks. The most frequent Grade 3-4 adverse events (≥2% incidence) reported throughout the study were pneumonia, status epilepticus, seizure, stomatitis, neutropenia, and gastroenteritis. Four patients died during the study. SIGNIFICANCE: The final analysis of EXIST-3 demonstrated the sustained efficacy of everolimus as adjunctive therapy in patients with TSC-associated treatment-refractory seizures, with a tolerable safety profile.

Genetic Variation in PADI6-PADI4 on 1p36.13 Is Associated with Common Forms of Human Generalized Epilepsy.

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variation associated with common forms of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (GE) and focal epilepsy (FE). Using a cohort of 2220 patients and 14,448 controls, we searched for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with GE, FE and both forms combined. We did not find any SNPs that reached genome-wide statistical significance (p ≤ 5 × 10-8) when comparing all cases to all controls, and few SNPs of interest comparing FE cases to controls. However, we document multiple linked SNPs in the PADI6-PADI4 genes that reach genome-wide significance and are associated with disease when comparing GE cases alone to controls. PADI genes encode enzymes that deiminate arginine to citrulline in molecular pathways related to epigenetic regulation of histones and autoantibody formation. Although epilepsy genetics and treatment are focused strongly on ion channel and neurotransmitter mechanisms, these results suggest that epigenetic control of gene expression and the formation of autoantibodies may also play roles in epileptogenesis.

Final results from a Phase 3, long-term, open-label, repeat-dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray for seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: A Phase 3 open-label safety study (NCT02721069) evaluated long-term safety of diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco) in patients with epilepsy and frequent seizure clusters. METHODS: Patients were 6-65 years old with diagnosed epilepsy and seizure clusters despite stable antiseizure medications. The treatment period was 12 months, with study visits at Day 30 and every 60 days thereafter, after which patients could elect to continue. Doses were based on age and weight. Seizure and treatment information was recorded in diaries. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), nasal irritation, and olfactory changes were recorded. RESULTS: Of 163 patients in the safety population, 117 (71.8%) completed the study. Duration of exposure was ≥12 months for 81.6% of patients. There was one death (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) and one withdrawal owing to a TEAE (major depression), both considered unlikely to be related to treatment. Diazepam nasal spray was administered 4390 times for 3853 seizure clusters, with 485 clusters treated with a second dose within 24 h; 53.4% of patients had monthly average usage of one to two doses, 41.7% two to five doses, and 4.9% more than five doses. No serious TEAEs were considered to be treatment related. TEAEs possibly or probably related to treatment (n = 30) were most commonly nasal discomfort (6.1%); headache (2.5%); and dysgeusia, epistaxis, and somnolence (1.8% each). Only 13 patients (7.9%) showed nasal irritation, and there were no relevant olfactory changes. The safety profile of diazepam nasal spray was generally similar across subgroups based on age, monthly usage, concomitant benzodiazepine therapy, or seasonal allergy/rhinitis. SIGNIFICANCE: In this large open-label safety study, the safety profile of diazepam nasal spray was consistent with the established profile of rectal diazepam, and the high retention rate supports effectiveness in this population. A second dose was used in only 12.6% of seizure clusters.

Assessing seizure burden in pediatric epilepsy using an electronic medical record-based tool through a common data element approach.

OBJECTIVE: Improvement in epilepsy care requires standardized methods to assess disease severity. We report the results of implementing common data elements (CDEs) to document epilepsy history data in the electronic medical record (EMR) after 12 months of clinical use in outpatient encounters. METHODS: Data regarding seizure frequency were collected during routine clinical encounters using a CDE-based form within our EMR. We extracted CDE data from the EMR and developed measurements for seizure severity and seizure improvement scores. Seizure burden and improvement was evaluated by patient demographic and encounter variables for in-person and telemedicine encounters. RESULTS: We assessed a total of 1696 encounters in 1038 individuals with childhood epilepsies between September 6, 2019 and September 11, 2020 contributed by 32 distinct providers. Childhood absence epilepsy (n = 121), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (n = 86), and Dravet syndrome (n = 42) were the most common epilepsy syndromes. Overall, 43% (737/1696) of individuals had at least monthly seizures, 17% (296/1696) had a least daily seizures, and 18% (311/1696) were seizure-free for >12 months. Quantification of absolute seizure burden and changes in seizure burden over time differed between epilepsy syndromes, including high and persistent seizure burden in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Individuals seen via telemedicine or in-person encounters had comparable seizure frequencies. Individuals identifying as Hispanic/Latino, particularly from postal codes with lower median household incomes, were more likely to have ongoing seizures that worsened over time. SIGNIFICANCE: Standardized documentation of clinical data in childhood epilepsies through CDE can be implemented in routine clinical care at scale and enables assessment of disease burden, including characterization of seizure burden over time. Our data provide insights into heterogeneous patterns of seizure control in common pediatric epilepsy syndromes and will inform future initiatives focusing on patient-centered outcomes in childhood epilepsies, including the impact of telemedicine and health care disparities.

Evaluation of diazepam nasal spray in patients with epilepsy concomitantly using maintenance benzodiazepines: An interim subgroup analysis from a phase 3, long-term, open-label safety study.

OBJECTIVE: Diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco), indicated for acute treatment of frequent seizure activity (seizure clusters) in patients with epilepsy ≥6 years of age, is designed to be a rapid, noninvasive, socially acceptable route of administration. This interim analysis evaluated the safety profile of diazepam nasal spray in patients with and without concomitant use of benzodiazepines, with use of a second dose for a seizure cluster as a proxy for effectiveness. METHODS: A long-term, phase 3, open-label safety study enrolled patients with epilepsy who had seizures despite a stable antiseizure medication regimen. RESULTS: Among 175 patients enrolled by October 31, 2019, a total of 158 were treated with diazepam nasal spray (aged 6-65 years; 53.8% female). Of those, 119 (75.3%) received concomitant benzodiazepines (60, chronic; 59, intermittent); 39 (24.7%) did not. Use of a second dose was similar in patients using chronic concomitant benzodiazepines (second dose in 11.1% [144/1299]) and those with no concomitant benzodiazepines (second dose in 10.3% [41/398]). Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred for 80.0% with chronic use of concomitant benzodiazepines and 61.5% without. Cardiorespiratory depression was not reported, and no serious TEAEs were treatment related. Study retention was high: 83.3% in the chronic benzodiazepine group and 76.9% in the no-benzodiazepine group. Findings were similar in a sub-analysis of patients who were (n = 44) or were not (n = 75) taking clobazam. SIGNIFICANCE: This analysis of patients from a long-term study shows a similar safety profile of diazepam nasal spray in patients with and without concomitant benzodiazepines, and consistent with the established profile for diazepam. Use of a single dose of diazepam nasal spray and high study retention rates suggest the effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray in patients irrespective of chronic daily benzodiazepine use. Results were similar in the clobazam sub-analysis. These results support the safety and effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray in patients with concomitant benzodiazepine use.