Use of Health-Related Apps and Telehealth in Adults with Epilepsy in Germany: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: Telehealth can improve the treatment of chronic disorders, such as epilepsy. Telehealth prevalence and use increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, familiarity with and use of telehealth and health-related mobile applications (apps) by persons with epilepsy remain unknown. Methods: We investigated telehealth use, demographics, and clinical variables within the multicenter Epi2020 cross-sectional study. Between October and December 2020, adults with epilepsy completed a validated questionnaire, including individual questions regarding knowledge and use of apps and telehealth. Results: Of 476 included individuals (58.2% women; mean age 40.2 ± 15.4 years), 41.6% reported using health-related apps. Health apps were used more frequently (pedometer 32.1%, exercise app 17.6%) than medical apps (health insurance 15.1%, menstrual apps 12.2%) or apps designed for epilepsy (medication reminders 10.3%, seizure calendars 4.6%). Few used seizure detectors (i.e., apps as medical devices 1.9%) or mobile health devices (fitness bracelet 11.3%). A majority (60.9%) had heard the term telehealth, 78.6% of whom had a positive view. However, only 28.6% had a concrete idea of telehealth, and only 16.6% reported personal experience with telehealth. A majority (55%) would attend a teleconsultation follow-up, and 41.2% would in a medical emergency. Data privacy and availability were considered equally important by 50.8%, 21.8% considered data privacy more important, and 20.2% considered data availability more important. Current health-related app use was independently associated with younger age (p = 0.003), higher education (p < 0.001), and subjective COVID-19-related challenges (p = 0.002). Persistent seizure occurrence (vs. seizure freedom ≥12 months) did not affect willingness to use teleconsultations on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Despite positive telehealth views, few persons with epilepsy in Germany are familiar with specific apps or services. Socioeconomic factors influence telehealth use more than baseline epilepsy characteristics. Telehealth education and services should target socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to reduce the digital care gap. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022024; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1252-5331).

Multicenter, cross-sectional study of the costs of illness and cost-driving factors in adult patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to quantify epilepsy-related costs of illness (COI) in Germany and identify cost-driving factors. METHODS: COI were calculated among adults with epilepsy of different etiologies and severities. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine any epilepsy-related and sociodemographic factors that serve as cost-driving factors. RESULTS: In total, 486 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.5 ± 15.5 years (range = 18-83 years, 58.2% women). Mean 3-month COI were estimated at €4911, €2782, and €2598 for focal, genetic generalized, and unclassified epilepsy, respectively. The mean COI for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE; €7850) were higher than those for patients with non-DRE (€4720), patients with occasional seizures (€3596), or patients with seizures in remission for >1 year (€2409). Identified cost-driving factors for total COI included relevant disability (unstandardized regression coefficient b = €2218), poorer education (b = €2114), living alone (b = €2612), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385). Younger age groups of 18-24 years (b = -€2945) and 25-34 years (b = -€1418) were found to have lower overall expenditures. A relevant disability (b = €441), DRE (b = €1253), frequent seizures (b = €735), and the need for specialized daycare (b = €749) were associated with higher direct COI, and poorer education (b = €1969), living alone (b = €2612), the presence of a relevant disability (b = €1809), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385) were associated with higher indirect COI. SIGNIFICANCE: This analysis provides up-to-date COI data for use in further health economics analyses, highlighting the high economic impacts associated with disease severity, disability, and disease-related loss of productivity among adult patients with epilepsy. The identified cost drivers could be used as therapeutic and socioeconomic targets for future cost-containment strategies.

Trends in resource utilization and cost of illness in patients with active epilepsy in Germany from 2003 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to calculate epilepsy-related direct, indirect, and total costs in adult patients with active epilepsy (ongoing unprovoked seizures) in Germany and to analyze cost components and dynamics compared to previous studies from 2003, 2008, and 2013. This analysis was part of the Epi2020 study. METHODS: Direct and indirect costs related to epilepsy were calculated with a multicenter survey using an established and validated questionnaire with a bottom-up design and human capital approach over a 3-month period in late 2020. Epilepsy-specific costs in the German health care sector from 2003, 2008, and 2013 were corrected for inflation to allow for a valid comparison. RESULTS: Data on the disease-specific costs for 253 patients in 2020 were analyzed. The mean total costs were calculated at €5551 (±€5805, median = €2611, range = €274-€21 667) per 3 months, comprising mean direct costs of €1861 (±€1905, median = €1276, range = €327-€13 158) and mean indirect costs of €3690 (±€5298, median = €0, range = €0-€11 925). The main direct cost components were hospitalization (42.4%), antiseizure medication (42.2%), and outpatient care (6.2%). Productivity losses due to early retirement (53.6%), part-time work or unemployment (30.8%), and seizure-related off-days (15.6%) were the main reasons for indirect costs. However, compared to 2013, there was no significant increase of direct costs (-10.0%), and indirect costs significantly increased (p < .028, +35.1%), resulting in a significant increase in total epilepsy-related costs (p < .047, +20.2%). Compared to the 2013 study population, a significant increase of cost of illness could be observed (p = .047). SIGNIFICANCE: The present study shows that disease-related costs in adult patients with active epilepsy increased from 2013 to 2020. As direct costs have remained constant, this increase is attributable to an increase in indirect costs. These findings highlight the impact of productivity loss caused by early retirement, unemployment, working time reduction, and seizure-related days off.

Gender differences in concerns about planning to have children and child-rearing among patients with epilepsy: A prospective, multicenter study with 477 patients from Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the concerns and worries about planning to have children and being a parent as a person with epilepsy and investigate gender differences in these perceptions. METHODS: The Epi2020 study was a large multicenter study focusing on different healthcare aspects of adult patients with epilepsy in Germany. In addition to basic clinical and demographic characteristics, patients were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their plan to have children, if they had children, and concerns about their children's health. Data were analyzed to detect differences between men and women with epilepsy according to age group. RESULTS: In total, 477 patients with epilepsy with a mean age of 40.5 years (SD = 15.5, range: 18-83 years) participated in this study; 280 (58.7%) were female and 197 (41.3%) were male. Both women and men frequently reported concerns and worries about having children: In the age group below 45 years of age, 72.5% of women and 58.2% of men described being worried to some extent that their children may also suffer from epilepsy (p = .006). Furthermore, 67.3% of women and 54.2% of men below the age of 45 years reported being worried that their children may be disabled (p = .003). Women were more likely to have family members who are reluctant to support their desire to have children (p = .048). CONCLUSION: Women with epilepsy of childbearing age are significantly more likely to report major concerns that their children might be disabled or also have epilepsy than men with epilepsy and, therefore, express more concerns about choosing to have a child. However, men also report frequent concerns and worries, and this should be addressed not only on request but should be included in the provision of general information on epilepsy.

Trends in antiseizure medication prescription patterns among all adults, women, and older adults with epilepsy: A German longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: The prescription patterns of antiseizure medication (ASM) are subject to new scientific evidence and sociodemographic and practical aspects. This study analyzed trends in ASM prescription patterns among all adults with epilepsy, with special consideration for women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and older adult (≥65 years old) patients. METHODS: Data from four questionnaire-based cohort studies, conducted in 2008, 2013, 2016, and 2020, were analyzed for ASM prescription frequencies and common mono- and dual therapy regimens. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Overall, the individual prescription patterns among 1,642 adult patients with epilepsy were analyzed. A significant increase in the prescription frequency of third-generation ASMs, from 59.3% to 84.2% (p = 0.004), was accompanied by a decrease in the frequency of first- and second-generation ASMs (5.4% to 2.1% and 34.9% to 12.6%, respectively). This trend was accompanied by a significant decrease in the use of enzyme-inducing ASMs, from 23.9% to 4.6% (p = 0.004). Among frequently prescribed ASMs, prescriptions of carbamazepine (18.6% to 3.1%, p = 0.004) and valproate (15.4% to 8.7%, p = 0.004) decreased, whereas prescriptions of levetiracetam (18.0% up to 32.4%, p = 0.004) increased significantly. The prescription frequency of lamotrigine remained largely constant at approximately 20% (p = 0.859). Among WOCBP, the prescription frequencies of carbamazepine (11.4% to 2.0%, p = 0.004) and valproate (16.1% to 6.1%, p = 0.004) decreased significantly. Levetiracetam monotherapy prescriptions increased significantly (6.6% to 30.4%, p = 0.004) for WOCBP, whereas lamotrigine prescriptions remained consistent (37.7% to 44.9%, p = 0.911). Among older adult patients, a significant decrease in carbamazepine prescriptions (30.1% to 7.8%, p = 0.025) was the only relevant change in ASM regimens between 2008 and 2020. In patients with genetic generalized epilepsies, levetiracetam was frequently used as an off-label monotherapy (25.0% to 35.3%). CONCLUSION: These results show a clear trend toward the use of newer and less interacting third-generation ASMs, with lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and lacosamide representing the current ASMs of choice, displacing valproate and carbamazepine over the last decade. In WOCBP, prescription patterns shifted to minimize teratogenic effects, whereas, among older adults, the decrease in carbamazepine use may reflect the avoidance of hyponatremia risks and attempts to reduce the interaction potential with other drugs and ASMs. Levetiracetam is frequently used off-label as a monotherapy in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy.

Probing the relevance of the hippocampus for conflict-induced memory improvement.

The hippocampus plays a key role for episodic memory. In addition, a small but growing number of studies has shown that it also contributes to the resolution of response conflicts. It is less clear how these two functions are related, and how they are affected by hippocampal lesions in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Previous studies suggested that conflict stimuli might be better remembered, but whether the hippocampus is critical for supporting this interaction between conflict processing and memory formation is unknown. Here, we tested 19 patients with MTLE due to hippocampal sclerosis and 19 matched healthy controls. Participants performed a face-word Stroop task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) followed by a recognition task for the faces. We tested whether memory performance and activity in brain regions implicated in long-term memory were modulated by conflict during encoding, and whether this differed between MTLE patients and controls. In controls, we largely replicated previous findings of improved memory for conflict stimuli. While MTLE patients showed response time slowing during conflict trials as well, they did not exhibit a memory benefit. In controls, neural activity of conflict resolution and memory encoding interacted within a hippocampal region of interest. Here, left hippocampal recruitment was less efficient for memory performance in incongruent trials than in congruent trials, suggesting an intrahippocampal competition for limited resources. They also showed an involvement of precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex during conflict resolution. Both effects were not observed in MTLE patients, where activation of the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex instead predicted later memory. Further research is needed to find out whether our findings reflect widespread functional reorganization of the episodic memory network due to hippocampal dysfunction.

Determinants of cognition in autoimmune limbic encephalitis-A retrospective cohort study.

Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) is the most common type of autoimmune encephalitis (AIE). Subacute memory disturbance, temporal lobe seizures, and psychiatric symptoms are clinical hallmarks of the disease. However, little is known on the factors contributing to cognitive functioning in ALE. Hence, we here investigate major determinants of cognitive functioning in ALE. In a retrospective analysis of 102 patients with ALE, we first compared verbal learning capacity, nonverbal learning capacity, and attentional and executive functioning by absence or presence of different types of neural autoantibodies (AABs). Subsequently we established three linear regression models including 63, 38, and 61 patients, respectively to investigate how cognitive functioning in these domains may depend on common markers of ALE such as intrathecal inflammation, blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-barrier function, mesiotemporal epileptiform discharges and slowing, determined by electroencephalography (EEG) and structural mesiotemporal changes, measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also accounted for possible effects of cancer- and immunotherapy and other centrally effective medication. There was no effect of AAB status on cognitive functioning. Although the regression models could not predict verbal and nonverbal learning capacity, structural mesiotemporal neural network alterations on T2-/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-signal-weighted MRI and mesiotemporal epileptiform discharges or slowing on EEG exerted a significant impact on memory functions. In contrast, the regression model significantly predicted attentional and executive functioning with CSF white blood cell count and centrally effective medication being significant determinants. In this cohort, cognitive functioning in ALE does not depend on the AAB status. Common markers of ALE cannot predict memory functioning that only partially depends on structural and functional alterations of mesiotemporal neural networks. Common markers of ALE significantly predict attentional and executive functioning that is significantly related to centrally effective medication and CSF white blood cell count, which may point toward inflammation affecting brain regions beyond the limbic system.

Long-term efficacy, tolerability, and retention of brivaracetam in epilepsy treatment: A longitudinal multicenter study with up to 5 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term efficacy, retention, and tolerability of add-on brivaracetam (BRV) in clinical practice. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study recruited all patients who initiated BRV between February and November 2016, with observation until February 2021. RESULTS: Long-term data for 262 patients (mean age = 40 years, range = 5-81 years, 129 men) were analyzed, including 227 (87%) diagnosed with focal epilepsy, 19 (7%) with genetic generalized epilepsy, and 16 (6%) with other or unclassified epilepsy syndromes. Only 26 (10%) patients had never received levetiracetam (LEV), whereas 133 (50.8%) were switched from LEV. The length of BRV exposure ranged from 1 day to 5 years, with a median retention time of 1.6 years, resulting in a total BRV exposure time of 6829 months (569 years). The retention rate was 61.1% at 12 months, with a reported efficacy of 33.1% (79/239; 50% responder rate, 23 patients lost-to-follow-up), including 10.9% reported as seizure-free. The retention rate for the entire study period was 50.8%, and at last follow-up, 133 patients were receiving BRV at a mean dose of 222 ± 104 mg (median = 200, range = 25-400), including 52 (39.1%) who exceeded the recommended upper dose of 200 mg. Fewer concomitant antiseizure medications and switching from LEV to BRV correlated with better short-term responses, but no investigated parameters correlated with positive long-term outcomes. BRV was discontinued in 63 (24%) patients due to insufficient efficacy, in 29 (11%) for psychobehavioral adverse events, in 25 (10%) for other adverse events, and in 24 (9%) for other reasons. SIGNIFICANCE: BRV showed a clinically useful 50% responder rate of 33% at 12 months and overall retention of >50%, despite 90% of included patients having previous LEV exposure. BRV was well tolerated; however, psychobehavioral adverse events occurred in one out of 10 patients. Although we identified short-term response and retention predictors, we could not identify significant predictors for long-term outcomes.

Disorders of sleep in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease).

INTRODUCTION: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a progressive, X-linked lower motor neuron disorder exclusively affecting men. Since knowledge on sleep disorders in SBMA is scarce compared to other motoneuron diseases, this retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate sleep and sleep-related breathing in patients with SBMA. METHODS: In 23 non-ventilated patients with SBMA (median age 52 years), clinical disease characteristics, forced vital capacity and diagnostic polysomnographies were retrospectively evaluated. In 16 patients, overnight transcutaneous capnometry was available. Twenty-three male control subjects with chronic insomnia were matched for age and body mass index. RESULTS: In patients with SBMA obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA, apnoea-hypopnoea index/AHI > 5/h) was more frequent than in control subjects (14/23 or 61% vs. 6/23 or 26%, p = 0.02), and median AHI was significantly higher in patients (9.0/h vs. 3.4/h, p < 0.01). Among SBMA patients, the AHI was not related to age or body mass index. Alveolar hypoventilation as reflected by nocturnal hypercapnia was found in 3/16 patients. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia was present in 44% of SBMA patients but only in 4% of controls (p < 0.01). During REM and non-REM sleep, no behavioural abnormalities were observed in either group. Periodic limb movements in sleep (index > 15/h) were frequent in SBMA patients but rarely disrupted sleep. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SBMA, sleep-disordered breathing may comprise both OSA and nocturnal hypoventilation. REM sleep without atonia may also be found, but its clinical significance remains unclear. In patients complaining of sleep-related symptoms, cardiorespiratory polysomnography and transcutaneous capnometry are recommended.

Reduced hippocampal recruitment during response conflict resolution in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Recent evidence suggests that the human hippocampus (HC) is not only involved in the processing of motivationally relevant approach-avoidance conflicts but is also engaged in the resolution of more general response conflicts as measured in the Stroop paradigm. Here we investigated whether neural activity in the HC is necessary for successful response conflict resolution. We compared hippocampal recruitment during an auditory Stroop paradigm in 20 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis and 20 age-matched healthy controls using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We analyzed hippocampal activation and behavioral performance in conflict trials relative to non-conflict trials. Moreover, functional connectivity (FC) analyses with left and right HCs as seeds were performed. Subjects' regional gray matter volumes were analyzed based on high-resolution T2-weighted MRI scans. The current study replicated previous results showing increased activation in left HC during the processing of conflict trials in healthy subjects. By contrast, MTLE patients showed higher behavioral costs of response conflict resolution and reduced conflict-related HC activation. In patients with left MTLE, left HC activation was predictive of faster conflict-related response times (RTs). By contrast, right HC activation was related to RT slowing, suggestive of a maladaptive compensation attempt in MTLE patients. Our results provide evidence that left hippocampal activation is required for the successful resolution of response conflicts.

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid immune cell profiles in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy of different etiologies.

Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated epilepsy, but also in epilepsy of other etiology such as hippocampal sclerosis. This study aimed to characterize immune cell signatures in the peripheral blood (PB) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) of different etiologies. We retrospectively evaluated CSF routine parameters and immune cell profiles using flow cytometry in a cohort of 51 patients and 45 age-matched controls with functional disorders. Groups were comprised of patients with nonlesional TLE (n = 26), TLE due to hippocampal sclerosis (n = 14), or limbic encephalitis with antibodies against the 65-kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65-LE; n = 11). TLE patients showed increased proportions of human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR)-expressing CD4+ T lymphocytes in the CSF. Furthermore, they were characterized by a shift in monocyte subsets toward immature CD14low CD16+ cells in the PB and blood/CSF-barrier dysfunction. Whereas TLE patients in general showed similar immune cell profiles, patients with GAD65-LE differed from other TLE patients by increased proportions of HLA-DR-expressing CD8+ T lymphocytes and type 2/3 oligoclonal bands. These findings point to a role of innate and adaptive immunity in TLE. CSF parameters may help to discriminate epilepsy patients from controls and different forms of TLE from each other.

Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Strength and Diaphragm Ultrasound: Normative Values, Theoretical Considerations, and Practical Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Reference values derived from existing diaphragm ultrasound protocols are inconsistent, and the association between sonographic measures of diaphragm function and volitional tests of respiratory muscle strength is still ambiguous. OBJECTIVE: To propose a standardized and comprehensive protocol for diaphragm ultrasound in order to determine lower limits of normal (LLN) for both diaphragm excursion and thickness in healthy subjects and to explore the association between volitional tests of respiratory muscle strength and diaphragm ultrasound parameters. METHODS: Seventy healthy adult subjects (25 men, 45 women; age 34 ± 13 years) underwent spirometric lung function testing, determination of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure along with ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm excursion and thickness during tidal breathing, deep breathing, and maximum voluntary sniff. Excursion data were collected for amplitude and velocity of diaphragm displacement. Diaphragm thickness was measured in the zone of apposition at total lung capacity (TLC) and functional residual capacity (FRC). All participants underwent invasive measurement of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) during different voluntary breathing maneuvers. RESULTS: Ultrasound data were successfully obtained in all participants (procedure duration 12 ± 3 min). LLNs (defined as the 5th percentile) for diaphragm excursion were as follows: (a) during tidal breathing: 1.2 cm (males; M) and 1.2 cm (females; F) for amplitude, and 0.8 cm/s (M) and 0.8 cm/s (F) for velocity, (b) during maximum voluntary sniff: 2.0 cm (M) and 1.5 cm (F) for amplitude, and 6.7 (M) cm/s and 5.2 cm/s (F) for velocity, and (c) at TLC: 7.9 cm (M) and 6.4 cm (F) for amplitude. LLN for diaphragm thickness was 0.17 cm (M) and 0.15 cm (F) at FRC, and 0.46 cm (M) and 0.35 cm (F) at TLC. Values for males were consistently higher than for females, independent of age. LLN for diaphragmatic thickening ratio was 2.2 with no difference between genders. LLN for invasively measured Pdi during different breathing maneuvers are presented. Voluntary Pdi showed only weak correlation with both diaphragm excursion velocity and amplitude during forced inspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragm ultrasound is an easy-to-perform and reproducible diagnostic tool for noninvasive assessment of diaphragm excursion and thickness. It supplements but does not replace respiratory muscle strength testing.

Use of brivaracetam in genetic generalized epilepsies and for acute, intravenous treatment of absence status epilepticus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness, retention, and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) in genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE) in clinical practice. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study recruiting all patients that started BRV in 2016 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients (mean age = 29.8, range = 9-90 years, 41 female [67%]) were treated with BRV. They were difficult to control, with 2.4 failed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the past, taking 1.9 AEDs on average at baseline. The length of exposure to BRV ranged from 7 days to 24 months, with a mean retention time of 7.9 months, resulting in a total exposure time to BRV of 483 months. The retention rate was 82% at 3 months and 69% at 6 months. Efficacy at 3 months was 36% (50% responder rate), with 25% seizure-free for 3 months. Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy showed a responder rate of 60%, with 40% being free of any seizures. Long-term 50% responder rate was present in 17 patients (28%; 11 seizure-free [18%]) for >6 months and in 14 patients (23%; 10 seizure-free [16%]) for >12 months. Treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in 26% of the patients, with the most common being somnolence, ataxia, and psychobehavioral adverse events. Use of intravenous BRV with bolus injection of 200-300 mg in two females with absence status epilepticus was well tolerated, but did not result in cessation of status epilepticus. SIGNIFICANCE: Use of BRV in GGE is well tolerated, and 50% responder rates are similar to those observed in the regulatory trials for focal epilepsies. An immediate switch from levetiracetam (LEV) to BRV at a ratio of 15:1 is feasible. The occurrence of psychobehavioral adverse events seems less prominent than under LEV, and a switch to BRV can be considered in patients with LEV-induced adverse events.

Predictors for and use of rescue medication in adults with epilepsy: A multicentre cross-sectional study from Germany.

BACKGROUND: Seizure clusters, prolonged seizures, and status epilepticus are life-threatening neurological emergencies leading to irreversible neuronal damage. Benzodiazepines are current evidence-based rescue therapy options; however, recent investigations indicated the prescription of mainly unsuitable benzodiazepines and inappropriate use of rescue medication. OBJECTIVE: To examine current use, satisfaction, and adverse events concerning rescue medication in patients with epilepsy in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at epilepsy centres in Frankfurt am Main, Greifswald, Marburg, and Münster between 10/2020 and 12/2020. Patients with an epilepsy diagnosis were assessed based on a questionnaire examining a 12-month period. RESULTS: In total, 486 patients (mean age: 40.5, range 18-83, 58.2 % female) participated in this study, of which 125 (25.7 %) reported the use of rescue medication. The most frequently prescribed rescue medications were lorazepam tablets (56.8 %, n = 71 out of 125), buccal midazolam (19.2 %, n = 24), and rectal diazepam (10.4 %, n = 13). Seizures continuing for over several minutes (43.2 %, n = 54), seizure clusters (28.0 %, n = 35), and epileptic auras (28.0 %, n = 35) were named as indications, while 28.0 % (n = 35) stated they administered the rescue medication for every seizure. Of those continuing to have seizures, 46.0 % did not receive rescue medication. On average, rescue medication prescription occurred 7.1 years (SD 12.7, range 0-66) after an epilepsy diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Unsuitable oral benzodiazepines remain widely prescribed for epilepsy patients as rescue medication. Patients also reported inappropriate use of medication. A substantial proportion of patients who were not seizure-free did not receive rescue medication prescriptions. Offering each patient at risk for prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures an individual rescue treatment with instructions on using it may decrease mortality and morbidity and increase quality of life. .

Determinants of quality of life in adults with epilepsy: a multicenter, cross-sectional study from Germany.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of quality of life (QoL) has become an important indicator for chronic neurological diseases. While these conditions often limit personal independence and autonomy, they are also associated with treatment-related problems and reduced life expectancy. Epilepsy has a tremendous impact on the QoL of patients and their families, which is often underestimated by practitioners. The aim of this work was to identify relevant factors affecting QoL in adults with epilepsy. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted at four specialized epilepsy centers in Germany. Patients diagnosed with epilepsy completed a standardized questionnaire focusing on QoL and aspects of healthcare in epilepsy. Univariate regression analyses and pairwise comparisons were performed to identify variables of decreased QoL represented by the overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) score. The variables were then considered in a multivariate regression analysis after multicollinearity analysis. RESULTS: Complete datasets for the QOLIE-31 were available for 476 patients (279 [58.6%] female, 197 [41.4%] male, mean age 40.3 years [range 18-83 years]). Multivariate regression analysis revealed significant associations between low QoL and a high score on the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LAEP; beta=-0.28, p < 0.001), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - depression subscale (HADS-D; beta=-0.27, p < 0.001), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy (NDDI-E; beta=-0.19, p < 0.001), revised Epilepsy Stigma Scale (beta=-0.09, p = 0.027), or Seizure Worry Scale (beta=-0.18, p < 0.001) and high seizure frequency (beta = 0.14, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy patients had reduced QoL, with a variety of associated factors. In addition to disease severity, as measured by seizure frequency, the patient's tolerability of anti-seizure medications and the presence of depression, stigma, and worry about new seizures were strongly associated with poor QoL. Diagnosed comorbid depression was underrepresented in the cohort; therefore, therapeutic decisions should always consider individual psychobehavioral and disease-specific aspects. Signs of drug-related adverse events, depression, fear, or stigmatization should be actively sought to ensure that patients receive personalized and optimized treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022024; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1252-5331).

Bilaterality of temporal EEG findings in limbic encephalitis compared to other mesiotemporal epilepsies - A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The current diagnostic criteria for autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) stress bilaterality of temporal MRI and EEG findings. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine whether bilaterality is indeed more common in LE than in other mesiotemporal epilepsies. METHODS: We compared EEG findings mostly from long-term EEG monitoring in patients with LE (n=59), hippocampal sclerosis (HS, n=44), and mesiotemporal tumors (n=24). RESULTS: Bilateral temporal EEG findings including temporal slowing, interictal epileptiform discharges (IED), and seizures were equally frequent with 37% in LE, 32% in HS, and 17% in tumor patients. Bilateral independent temporal seizures were infrequent with 3%, 9%, and 0%, respectively. Patients with seropositive LE more often showed an EEG without IED or seizure patterns than patients with seronegative LE (n=37) with a higher proportion of unilateral temporal findings. Patients with immunotherapy naïve LE (n=40) showed a higher proportion of bilateral temporal IED or slowing in comparison with tumor patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that unilateral or absent temporal EEG findings are common in LE and should not discourage this differential diagnosis.

Persistent knowledge gaps between 2005 and 2020 in women with epilepsy: Comparison of multicenter studies from Germany.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that can affect patients of all ages. Women with epilepsy (WWE) require access to specific counseling and information regarding issues related to contraception, pregnancy, and hormonal effects on seizure control and bone mineral density. This study investigated the knowledge among WWE regarding their condition, and whether epilepsy-specific knowledge has improved over the last 15 years. METHODS: A total of 280 WWE aged 18 to 82 years participated in this multicenter, questionnaire-based study. The study was conducted at four epilepsy centers in Germany, between October 2020 and December 2020. Sociodemographic and epilepsy-specific data for participating women were analyzed and compared with the results of a similar survey performed in 2003-2005 among 365 WWE in Germany. RESULTS: The questionnaire-based survey revealed considerable knowledge deficits without significant improvements over the last 15 years, particularly among those with less education and with regards to information on the more pronounced effects of epilepsy in older WWE (>50 years), including interactions with menopause and osteoporosis. In WWE ≤29 years, a significant increase in the knowledge score was observed in 2020 compared with this age group in 2005 (mean 7.42 vs. 6.5, p = .036). Mothers frequently reported epilepsy-related concerns regarding childrearing, particularly of seizures scaring their child and the need to rely on other people. CONCLUSION: WWE continue to demonstrate inadequate epilepsy-related knowledge. Despite increasing information availability and the aspiration toward better awareness among medical professionals, overall knowledge has not increased sufficiently compared with the levels observed in recent studies.

Neuropsychological Performance in Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis: Evidence from an Immunotherapy-Naïve Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) is characterized by memory impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and epileptic seizures. Though, the neuropsychological profile of ALE is not yet well defined. However, there is some evidence that neuropsychological impairments might exceed those related to the limbic system and that different autoantibodies (AABs) are associated with distinguishable pattern of neuropsychological impairments. We provide a comprehensive presentation of neuropsychological performance of ALE in an immune therapy-naïve sample. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 69 immunotherapy-naïve ALE-patients (26 seropositive-[8 LGI1-, 4 CASPR2-, 2 GABAB-R-, 3 Hu-, 4 GAD65-, 2 Ma2-, 2 unknown antigen, and 1 Yo-AABs] and 43 seronegative patients, mean age 56.0 years [21.9-78.2], mean disease duration 88 weeks [0-572]). Neuropsychological evaluations comprised of the domains memory, attention, praxis, executive functions, language, social cognition, and psychological symptoms. We compared these functions between seronegative -, seropositive patients with AABs against intracellular neural antigens and seropositive patients with AABs against surface membrane neural antigens. RESULTS: No effect of AAB group on neuropsychological performance could be detected. Overall, ALE predominantly presents with deficits in long-term memory and memory recognition, autobiographical-episodic memory loss, impairment of emotion recognition, and depressed mood. Furthermore, deficits in praxis of pantomimes and imitations, visuo-construction, and flexibility may occur. CONCLUSION: ALE shows a wide spectrum of neuropsychological impairments, which might exceed the limbic system, with no evidence of differences between AAB groups. Neuropsychological assessment for diagnosing ALE should include long-term memory, memory recognition, autobiographical-episodic memory, emotion recognition, and a detailed investigation of depression.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and care of adults with epilepsy in Germany.

BACKGROUND: To mitigate the potential consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on public life, the German Federal Government and Ministry of Health enacted a strict lockdown protocol on March 16, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health status and the supply of medical care and medications for people with epilepsy (PWE) in Germany. METHODS: The Epi2020 study was a large, multicenter study focused on different healthcare aspects of adults with epilepsy. In addition to clinical and demographic characteristics, patients were asked to answer a questionnaire on the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between March and May 2020. Furthermore, the population-based number of epilepsy-related admissions in Hessen was evaluated for the January-June periods of 2017-2020 to detect pandemic-related changes. RESULTS: During the first wave of the pandemic, 41.6% of PWE reported a negative impact on their mental health, while only a minority reported worsening of their seizure situation. Mental and physical health were significantly more negatively affected in women than men with epilepsy and in PWE without regular employment. Moreover, difficulties in ensuring the supply of sanitary products (25.8%) and antiseizure medications (ASMs; 19.9%) affected PWE during the first lockdown; no significant difference regarding these impacts between men and women or between people with and without employment was observed. The number of epilepsy-related admissions decreased significantly during the first wave. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides an overview of the general and medical care of epilepsy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. PWE in our cohort frequently reported psychosocial distress during the first wave of the pandemic, with significant adverse effects on mental and physical health. Women and people without permanent jobs especially reported distress due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the mental health burden and barriers to accessing medication and medical services, as self-reported by patients and verified in population-based data on hospital admissions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00022024. Registered October 2, 2020, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00022024.

Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in seizures and epilepsy with and without autoimmune-associated disease.

Patients with seizures and epilepsy routinely undergo multiple diagnostic tests, which may include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. This review aims to outline different CSF parameters and their alterations in seizures or epilepsy. We then discuss the utility of CSF analysis in seizure patients in different clinical settings in depth. Some routine CSF parameters are frequently altered after seizures, but are not specific such as CSF protein and lactate. Pleocytosis and CSF specific oligoclonal bands are rare and should be considered as signs of infectious or immune mediated seizures and epilepsy. Markers of neuronal damage show conflicting results, and are as yet not established in clinical practice. Parameters of neuronal degeneration and more specific immune parameters are less well studied, and are areas of further research. CSF analysis in new-onset seizures or status epilepticus serves well in the differential diagnosis of seizure etiology. Here, considerations should include autoimmune-associated seizures. CSF findings in these disorders are a special focus of this review and are summarized in a comprehensive overview. Until now, CSF analysis has not yielded clinically helpful biomarkers for refractory epilepsy or for assessment of neuronal damage which is a subject of further studies.