ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Xiao’er kang xian capsule added to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in the treatment of children with refractory epilepsy and its influence on serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and cludter of differentiation 19+ (CD19+) levels. Methods A total of 60 children with refractory epilepsy were selected from the pediatric outpatient department and ward of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from February 2021 to June 2023. The study subjects were divided into two groups by numerical random method,with 30 cases in each group. The children with Xiao’er kang xian capsule added to the original treatment were the treatment group and the children without Xiao’er kang xian capsule added to the original treatment were the control group. The frequency, duration, EEG characteristics, adverse reactions and changes in serum NSE and CD19+ levels of the two groups were compared after treatment. Results Self-control before and after treatment in the treatment group: the frequency and duration of seizures were significantly reduced, with statistical difference (P<0.05). EEG discharge index in awake period and sleep period were significantly decreased, with statistical difference (P<0.05). After 6 months of treatment, comparison between the two groups of children: the seizure frequency of children in the treatment group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P=0.03). There was a statistical difference (P<0.05), and the seizure duration in the treatment group was less than that in the control group (P=0.863), the clinical effective rate of treatment group 83.33% was higher than that of control group 63.33% (P=0.08), the effective rate of EEG in treatment group 80% was higher than that of control group 60% (P=0.091), serum NSE and CD19+ in treatment group were lower than that of control group, with no statistical difference (P>0.05). After 12 months of treatment, the frequency and duration of seizures in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The clinical efficacy and effectiveness of treatment group were significantly higher than that of control group (P=0.038). The incidence of adverse reactions in both groups was 16.67% (P>0.05). The effective rate of EEG in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group (P=0.053). Serum NSE and CD19+ in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). ConclusionFor children with refractory epilepsy, the addition of Xiao’er kang xian capsule on the basis of the original treatment has obvious effect low adverse reaction and high safety. NSE and CD19+ can be used as monitoring indicators for the influence of the disease and prognosis evaluation during the treatment of children with epilepsy.
Objective To investigate the compliance of ketogenic diet in children with refractory epilepsy and its correlation with the curative effect, and to provide support and basis for the implementation and improvement of the long-term management of ketogenic diet in this patient population. MethodsA total of 106 children and their families who were followed up on ketogenic diet in the Department of Pediatrics of Fudan University from March 2019 to January 2022 in the Department of Ketogenic Multidisciplinary Treatment (MDT) were selected by convenience sampling method. General data questionnaire and ketogenic compliance questionnaire were used for investigation and follow-up. ResultsThe mean compliance of ketogenic diet in refractory epilepsy children was (13.27±3.68). The compliance scores of ketogenic children with different therapeutic effects and cognitive functions were significantly different. The compliance score was significantly correlated with the therapeutic effect and cognitive level, that is, the higher the therapeutic effect of ketogenic diet in children with higher compliance score, the better the cognitive improvement. ConclusionThe compliance of ketogenic diet in children with refractory epilepsy needs to be further improved. Improving the compliance of ketogenic diet is of great significance for the efficacy of ketogenic diet. Medical staff should actively develop the corresponding intervention program and follow-up management mode to further improve the treatment compliance of children's families, improve the treatment effect and improve the quality of life of children's families.
In the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy in children, surgical treatment has a good clinical effect. However, for children whose surgical site is difficult to determine and who cannot undergo resectional surgery, neuromodulation techniques are one of the treatments that can be considered. At present, new neuromodulation technologies in children mainly include transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, ta-VNS), deep brain stimulation (deep brain stimulation, DBS), reactive nerve stimulation (responsive neurostimulation, RNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation, TDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (transcranial alternating current stimulation, TACS). This article briefly discussed the clinical efficacy and safety of various currently available neuromodulation technologies, so as to provide a reference for the rational selection and application of neuromodulation technologies, and improve the clinical efficacy and quality of life of children with drug-refractory epilepsy.
Objective To observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of pirenpanet in patients with refractory epilepsy treated with add-on therapy. MethodsForty-one patients with medically refractory epilepsy were selected from January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Epilepsy of Jiamusi Central Hospital, among which 25 males and 16 females. The self-control study was conducted before and after the treatment with pirenpanet. The observation period was 1 year, and the clinical efficacy, platelet, liver and kidney function and EEG discharge index were observed at 6 months and 12 months respectively. Changes in seizure frequency after treatment were divided into the following 3 groups: effective control: no seizure; effective: seizures reduced by 50% ~ 99%; Ineffective: < 50% reduction in seizures or exacerbation. Results Among the 41 patients with drug-refractory epilepsy, 8 (8/41, 19.51% P < 0.05) were seizure-free, 17 (17/41, 41.46% P < 0.05) were effective, and the total effective rate was (25/41, 60.98%); Sixteen cases (16/41, 39.02%) were ineffective. There were 31 children in 41 cases (31/41, 75.61%), of which 18 cases (18/31, 58.06%) were effective, 16 cases (16/31, 51.61%) had mental and motor retardation, and 8 cases (8/16, 50%) were effective; There were 10 adults (10/41, 24.39%) and 7 effective patients (7/10, 70%). After one year's treatment, the EEG changes of the patients were observed, and the abnormal discharge of 6 patients was reduced according to the discharge index, 2 patients had no abnormal discharge, and the other patients had no obvious EEG changes. Conclusion Pirenpanet is effective and safe as an add-on therapy for medically refractory epilepsy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with refractory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative epilepsy and to evaluate potential clinical predictors. MethodsA retrospective collection of efficacy data was conducted on 24 patients with intractable MRI-negative epilepsy treated with VNS, who were followed up for more than six months, at Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Beijing Fengtai Hospital from January 2016 to September 2023. Patients were divided into two subgroups based on their response to VNS: responders (≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) and non-responders (<50% reduction in seizure frequency). The relationship between preoperative clinical data and VNS efficacy was further analyzed to identify potential predictors of VNS efficacy. ResultsA total of 24 patients were included, with an average age of (14.26±8.39) years old. Seizure frequency was reduced by more than 50% in 37.5% of patients, and 8.3% of patients achieved seizure-free after VNS treatment. Preoperative seizure frequency and interictal epileptiform discharge type were significantly associated with VNS efficacy (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a monthly seizure frequency of less than 100 and focal interictal epileptiform discharges were independent predictors of VNS efficacy (P<0.05). ConclusionVNS is an effective treatment for patients with refractory MRI-negative epilepsy. Lower monthly seizure frequency and focal interictal epileptiform discharges are potential predictors of VNS efficacy. These findings provide important references for clinicians in selecting and evaluating patients for VNS treatment.
ObjectiveTo understand the relationship between the anatomy and the function of the insula lobe cortex based on the stereo-electro encephalography (SEEG) by direct electric stimulation of the insula cortex performed in the patients who suffered from the refractory epilepsy. MethodsRetrospective review was performed on 12 individuals with refractory epilepsy who were diagnosed in the Department of Functional neurosurgery of RenJi Hospital from December 2013 to September 2015. We studied all the SEEG electrodes implanted in the brain with contacts in the insula cortex. Direct electric stimulation was given to gain the brain mapping of the insula. Results12 consecutive patients with refractory epilepsy were implanted SEEG electrodes into the insula cortex. In all, 176 contacts were in the insula cortex, and 154 were included. The main clinical manifestations obtained by the stimulation were somatosensory abnormalities, laryngeal constriction, dyspnea, nausea, flustered. While somatosensory symptoms were located in the posterior insula, visceral sensory symptoms distribute relatively in the anterior insula, and other symptoms were mainly in the central and anterior part. ConclusionsThe symptoms of the insula present mainly according to the anatomy, but some of them are mixed. In addition, the manifestations of the insula are usually complex and individually.
ObjectiveAnalyze and compare the differences in the efficacy and adverse reactions of various ketogenic diet (KD) in the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children.MethodsSystematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science and the Central Register of Cochrane Controlled Trials, published in English January 2000 Relevant research from January to August 2020. Results: Finally, 11 articles were included and 781 cases were included. Meta-analysis (NMA) method was used to compare 6 classic ketogenic diets (Classic ketogenic diet, CKD), Gradual ketogenic diet initiation (GRAD-KD), and the first modified Atkins diet of 20 g carbohydrates/d (Initial 20 g of carbohydrate/day of modified Atkins diet, IMAD), modified Atkins diet (MAD), low glycemic index diet (LGID) and medium-chain fatty acid diet (Medium-chain triglyceride diet, MCT) Therapeutic effect and adverse reactions of 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsFrom the results of the direct comparative analysis, CKD and MAD showed superior clinical efficacy in 50% seizure reduction at 3 months to CAU, and the difference was statistically significant [OR=10.58, 95%CI (3.47, 32.40), P<0.05; OR=11.31, 95%CI (5.04, 25.38), P<0.05]; the clinical efficacy of 90% seizure reduction at 3 months for MAD was superior to that of CAU with statistical significance [OR=4.95, 95%CI (1.90, 12.88), P<0.05]. The results of further network meta-analysis suggested that for the comparison of 50% seizure reduction at 3 months, IMAD, GRAD-KD, CKD, MAD, and MCT were superior to CAU, and the difference was statistically significant [OR=0.03; 95%CI (0.00, 0.30), P<0.05; OR=0.07; 95%CI (0.01, 0.76), P<0.05; OR=0.11; 95%CI (0.03, 0.35), P<0.05; OR=0.11; 95%CI (0.04, 0.35), P<0.05; OR=0.13; 95%CI (0.03, 0.67), P<0.05; OR=0.11; 95%CI (0.03, 0.35), P<0.05; OR=0.11; 95%CI (0.04, 0.35), P<0.05]. For the comparison of 90% seizure reduction at 3 months, CKD, GRAD-CK, IMAD, MAD, and MCT were superior to CAU, and the differences were statistically significant [OR=0.05; 95%CI (0.00, 0.31), P<0.05; OR=0.22; 95%CI (0.00, 0.39), P<0.05; OR=0.03; 95%CI (0.00, 0.62), P<0.05; OR=0.12; 95%CI (0.01, 0.60), P<0.05; OR=0.09; 95%CI (0.00, 0.91), P<0.05]. It is suggested in the cumulative probability plot that: the optimal clinical regimen for 50% seizure reduction at 3 months was IMAD (Rank1=0.91), the optimal clinical regimen for 50% seizure reduction at 6 months was CKD (Rank1=0.40), the optimal clinical regimen for 50% seizure reduction at 12 months was MCT (Rank1=0.64); the optimal clinical regimen for 90% seizure reduction at 3 months was IMAD (Rank1=0.94), the optimal clinical regimen for 90% seizure reduction at 6 months was LGIT (Rank1=0.44), and the optimal clinical regimen for 90% seizure reduction at 12 months was MCT (Rank1=0.41); the optimal clinical regimen for seizure reduction at 3 months was GRAD-CK (Rank1=0.46), the optimal clinical regimen for seizure reduction at 6 months was LGIT (Rank1=0.58), and the optimal clinical regimen for seizure reduction at 12 months was CKD (Rank1=0.56). It is suggested in the benefit-risk assessment that among the three KDs (CKD, MAD, MCT) with better 50% and 90% seizure reduction at 3 months and 6 months, combining with the incidence of adverse reactions, CKD was the optimal treatment regimen (CF=0.47, CF=0.86); among the two KDs (CKD, MAD) with better seizure reduction at 3 months and 6 months, combining with the incidence of adverse reactions, CKD was the optimal treatment regimen (CF=0.45); among the two KDs (CKD, MCT) with better 50% and 90% seizure reduction at 12 months, combining with the incidence of adverse reactions, CKD was the optimal treatment regimen (CF=0.65).ConclusionsIn this study, IMAD showed the optimal clinical efficacy at 3 months and MCT at 12 months. With stable efficacy and low incidence of adverse reactions in 12 months, CKD was the optimal treatment regimen for children with refractory epilepsy after the comprehensive evaluation.
Objectives To investigate the changes of serum monoamine neurotransmitters and myocardial enzymes in patients with refractory epilepsy (RE), and the possible effects on the cardiovascular system, which would contribute to provide help and guidance to the early warming and prevention to the sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Methods We collected sixty patients with RE who admitted to Neurological department of First Hospital of Jilin University from December 2015 to December 2016. According to the exclusion criteria, we selected thirty-two patients into the study. The study included 21 males and 11 females patients. Epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) were measured in peri-ictal period and the interictal period in the patients. All the data were analyzed by SPSS17.0 statistical software. Results ① Thirty two patients were eligiblefor this study and the maleto female ratio is 21:11; The age ranged from 15 to 85 years old, with the average age of 50.9±17.6 years old. Twelve (37.5%) were older than 60 years old and 20 (62.5%) were under 60 years old. The epilepsy history ranged from 1 year to 14 years, with an average of 3.75±3.12 years; ② Comparing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in peri-ictal period and the interictal period in the patients with RE, we found that the level of EPI and LDH was significantly lower than that in interictal period, while the levels of NE and DA were significantly increased; ③ The results showed that EPI, NE and DA levels in patients under 60 were higher than over 60; ④ Patients were divided into four groups according to the etiology of the disease: idiopathic epilepsy group (10 cases, 31.25%), post-encephalitic epilepsy group (7 cases, 21.88%), post-stroke epilepsy group (9 cases, 28.12%) and epilepsy after brain injury group (6 cases, 18.75%). The results showed that the levels of EPI, NE and DA in the post-strokeepilepsy group were significantly lower than those in the other three groups. The level of CKMB in the idiopathic epilepsy group was higher than that in post-stroke epilepsy and epilepsy induced by brain injury patients. Conclusions RE patients have a higher level of serum NE and DA interictal period, suggesting that seizures may increase sympathetic nervous excitability. The patients under 60 years-old with RE release more catecholamines than young patients, suggesting that the latterwith intractable epilepsy may have higher sympathetic nerve excitability. And it may be associated with the higher incidence of SUDEP in young patients. Post-stroke epilepsyrelease less catecholamine than others, suggesting that the sympathetic nervous excitability is relatively low, and it may have relatively little damage to heart.
ObjectiveIn order to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of adjunctive perampanel in children with refractory epilepsy. MethodsThis study collected medical records of 34 children with refractory epilepsy, who were admitted to Children’s Hospital of Soochow University from January 2020 to January 2021. By comparing the baseline status with the status at 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks of follow-up, the efficacy and adverse reactions of perampanel were evaluated. ResultsThe mean age of the patients treated with perampanel was 8.1±4.1 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1: 1. After the addition of perampanel, the average responder rate at the 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 36th, 48th weeks were 37.5%, 46.7%, 50.0%, 47.4%, 53.8%, 42.9%. The adverse events were reported by 32.4%, and the retention rate was 88.2%. ConclusionsPerampanel has good efficacy, safety and tolerability in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Moreover, personalized treatment and better baseline seizure control may increase the effectiveness and retention rate of perampanel.
Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of flunarizine for refractory epilepsy. Methods Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from the database of PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, and VIP, and the related references were traced to obtain the information. The methodological quality of included RCTs was assessed using Jadad scale and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results A total of eight studies involving 545 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that: based on the conventional therapy, compared with placebo and none-treatment, flunarizine was more effective on adults and children with refractory epilepsy (OR=2.98, 95%CI 1.88 to -4.73; OR=33.75, 95%CI 4.13 to -276.00). Major adverse events of flunarizine were fatigue, dizziness, headache, and weight gain etc. All those symptoms except for the weight gain were observed in the early stage of medication, which might get self-cured or could disappear by constant medication or reducing the dose or symptomatic treatment. Conclusion The present study shows that based on the conventional therapy, flunarizine is effective and safe for refractory epilepsy.