A quality of care assessment for women of childbearing potential with epilepsy in Bhutan: An observational study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: In lower-middle income countries such as Bhutan, the treatment gap for epilepsy is over 50% as compared to a treatment gap of less than 10% in high-income countries. We aim to analyze the quality of epilepsy care for women of childbearing potential in Bhutan using the Quality Indicators in Epilepsy Treatment (QUIET) tool, and to assess the usefulness of the tool's section for women with active epilepsy (WWE) in the Bhutanese setting. METHODS: A prospective convenience cohort was enrolled in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Wangdue, Kingdom of Bhutan, in 2022. Bhutanese women of childbearing potential at the time of enrollment (18-44 years old) were evaluated for the diagnosis of active epilepsy and underwent a structured survey-based interview with Bhutanese staff. Participants were surveyed on their epilepsy, pregnancy, and antiseizure medicine (ASM) histories. The clinical history and quality of epilepsy care of adult WWE were assessed using a section of the QUIET tool for women, an instrument originally developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to analyze the quality of epilepsy care for American adults. RESULTS: There were 82 Bhutanese WWE of childbearing potential, with mean age of 30.6 years at enrollment (range 18-44, standard deviation (SD) 6.6) and mean age of 20.3 years at epilepsy diagnosis (range 3-40, SD 8.0)). 39 % (n = 32) had a high school or above level of education, and 42 % (n = 34) were employed. 35 % (n = 29) reported a seizure within the prior week, and 88 % (n = 72) reported a seizure within the prior year. 49 % (n = 40) of participants experienced > 100 lifetime seizures. All but one participant took antiseizure medications (ASMs). At enrollment, participants presently took no (n = 1), one (n = 3), two (n = 37), three (n = 25), four (n = 11), or over five (n = 5) ASMs. The most common ASMs taken were levetiracetam (n = 40), phenytoin (n = 27), carbamazepine (n = 23), phenobarbital (n = 22), and sodium valproate (n = 20). 61 % of all WWE took folic acid. Of the 40 previously pregnant WWE, eight (20 %) took folic acid during any time of their pregnancy. 35 % (n = 29) used betel nut (doma, quid) and 53 % (n = 21) of pregnant WWE used betel nut during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on data about WWE participants' ASM, supplement, and substance use, our study identified the high use of first generation ASMs (including valproate), frequently in polytherapy, and betel nut use as treatment gaps in women of childbearing potential age with active epilepsy in Bhutan. To address these gaps for locations such as Bhutan, we propose modifications to the QUIET tool's "Chronic Epilepsy Care for Women" section.

Treatment of tardive dyskinesia with clonazepam: A case report.

Clonazepam has some evidence in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. It can be used as an alternative treatment option in situations where vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors are not available or when it is not feasible to use them.

Challenges in epilepsy diagnosis and management in a low-resource setting: An experience from Bhutan.

Epilepsy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low- and middle-income countries. People with epilepsy (PWE) face difficulties in access to healthcare, appropriate diagnostic tests and anti-seizure medications (ASM). Bhutan is one such country in the Himalayas that has reported doubling of the prevalence of epilepsy from 155.7 per 100,000 population in 2017 to 312.4 in 2021. The country has one centre for electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging for a population of 0.7 million and does not have any neurologists as of 2023. There are 16 ASMs registered in the country but only selected medications are available at the primary level hospitals (phenobarbital, phenytoin and diazepam). There are challenges in the availability of these medicines all time round the year in all levels of hospitals. Neurosurgical treatment options are limited by the lack of adequate pre-surgical evaluation facilities and lack of trained human resources. The majority of PWE have reported facing societal stigma with significant impact on the overall quality of life. It is important to screen for psychiatric comorbidities and provide psychological support wherever possible. There is a need for a comprehensive national guideline that will cater to the needs of PWE and their caregivers within the resources available in the country. A special focus on the institutional and human resource capacity development for the study and care of epilepsy is recommended.

Bipolar affective disorder in a patient with Fahr's disease: The first recorded case in Bhutan.

Fahr's disease is a rare neurological disease that typically presents with neurological manifestations such as movement disorders. In a first recorded patient with Fahr's disease in Bhutan, psychiatric diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder with current episode of severe depression was made, which is also a known manifestation of Fahr's disease. Diagnosing a first case of Fahr's disease is important for Bhutan because, though, it is a rare disease and it emphasizes the importance of recognizing other rare causes of psychiatric illness to tailor the treatment to the individual.

Mean Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water Sources of a Municipality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Fluoride is essential for the growth and development of teeth and bone. Excess or less fluoride consumption can have harmful effects on our bodies. Fluoride level of 0.5-1.5 mg/l is said to be optimized according to the World Health Organization. The level of fluoride varies among the different geographical regions and water sources. It is essential to find out the fluoride content of various water sources used for drinking purposes. The aim of this study was to find the mean concentration of fluoride in drinking water sources of a municipality. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a Municipality. The study was conducted from 1 December 2021 to 30 December 2021 after receiving ethical approval from the Ethical Review Board (Reference number: 1134). Water samples were collected and the fluoride content was estimated using 2-parasulfophenylazo-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-napthalene-disulfonate colorimetric method. The data collected from the laboratory were calculated and presented in the form of a table. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: The mean value of fluoride content in 160 collected water samples was 0.369±0.275 mg/l (0.33-0.41, 95% Confidence Interval). Among the different wards, the fluoride content was 0.708±0.27 mg/l in ward number 12 followed by a fluoride content of 0.57±0.19 mg/l in ward number 5. Conclusions: In this study, the mean fluoride levels were lower when compared with similar studies conducted in similar settings. The levels were lower than that recommended by the World Health Organization. The various controlled methods of fluoridation have to be quickly initiated. Other means of fluoride consumption, like the use of fluoridated toothpaste, has to be recommended. Keywords: dental caries; drinking water; fluoride.