BackgroundDravet syndrome (DS) is currently considered as an epileptic encephalopathy, a condition in which epilepsy causes deterioration or developmental delay but preliminary data suggested that cognitive course may worsen independently from epilepsy. Our objective was to prospectively analyze the neuropsychological features in a large cohort of DS patients and its relationships with epilepsy and SCN1A mutation.Methods81 examinations were performed in 67 patients with typical DS (9m-24y, 15 longitudinally studied) using Brunet-Lezine (developmental/intelligence quotient [DQ/IQ] and DQ sub-scores), Achenbach, Conners, and a semi-quantitative psychomotor score (SQPS). We studied the correlation between DQ/IQ/SQPS and age, epilepsy characteristics, and whether patients presented SCN1A mutation.ResultsDQ/IQ significantly decreased with age (r = −.53, p < .001), from normal before 2y (mean 80, range 64–105) to low after 3y (mean 48, range 30–69), with hyperactivity and attention disorders hampering learning abilities especially up to 6y. However, raw (not age-adjusted) DQ sub-scores increased with age during the first decade, showing that there is no regression. We did not find any significant correlation between DQ/IQ at last evaluation and epilepsy data, i.e. first seizure (age, type, duration, fever), seizures during the course (type, fever sensitivity), status epilepticus (age of onset, number, fever), photosensitivity, and treatment, except for myoclonus and focal seizures which were associated with a lower QD/IQ after 3y. SCN1A mutated patients (n = 58) seemed to exhibit worse psychomotor course than non-mutated ones (n = 9) (severe SQPS in 26% vs 0%), although their epilepsy tended to be less severe (tonic seizures in 12% vs 44% [p = 0.04], first status epilepticus before 6 m in 26% vs 67% [p = .02], mean number of SE 2.5 vs 4.5 [p = .09]). DQ sub-scores were dissociated throughout the whole course: from onset hand-eye coordination was significantly lower than language, posture and sociability (p < .01). Dissociation seemed to be more frequent in mutated than in non-mutated patients (motor SQPS was normal for in 77% vs 44% [p = 0.017] whereas language SQPS was normal for 47% vs 100%).ConclusionsAlthough psychomotor/cognitive delay declines with age, there is no regression. In addition, encephalopathy is not a pure consequence of epilepsy but SCN1A mutation seems to play an additional, direct role.

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SCN1A mutations may alter axonal function, causing motor neuropathy/neuronopathy. This may contribute to gait disturbance and orthopedic misalignment, which is characteristic of patients with Dravet syndrome.

SUMMARYWe aimed to test the efficacy of ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) not satisfactorily controlled by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We included prospectively 15 DS patients aged >3 years with partial response to AEDs including stiripentol. All patients had a seizure diary and clinical examination with Conners and Achenbach scales before KD, at 1 month following onset and every 3 months thereafter. At 1 month, 10 patients (66%) had a decrease of seizure frequency ‡75%. Efficacy was maintained in eight responders at 3 and 6 months and in six responders at 9 months. Five patients (33%) remained on KD over 12 months, and one was seizurefree. In addition to efficacy on seizure frequency, KD was beneficial on behavior disturbances including hyperactivity. This effect was reported in all responders and in a few nonresponders. KD might have a double effect, on seizure control and on hyperactivity and behavior disturbances in patients with DS.

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