An Analysis of breakthrough seizures and related factors in pediatric epilepsy patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of breakthrough seizures among paediatric patients suffering from epilepsy, and factors related to theprecipitation of these seizures. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1, 2018, to July 1, 2020, at the Combined Military Hospital Lahore and the Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised children of either gender aged 2-12 years diagnosed with any type of epilepsy presenting at the children outpatient department. Diagnosis of epilepsy was established by either a consultant adult neurophysician or a consultant paediatrician. The presence of breakthrough seizures was assessed by obtaining detailed history from the patient and the primary caregiver. Socio-demographic profile, duration of epilepsy and poly-pharmacy were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 450 subjects, 259(57.6%) were boys and 191(42.4%) were girls. The overall mean age was 6.353±4.732 years. The presence of breakthrough seizures was noted in 227(50.4%) subjects. Children with young age, with low family income, and those in need of poly-pharmacy showed significantly higher odds for breakthrough seizures (p<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of breakthrough seizures in epileptic children was high despite the anticonvulsant agents that were previously effective in controlling seizures. Key Words: Breakthrough seizures, Childhood epilepsy, Anticonvulsants, Risk factors. Continuous...

The Frequency and Precipitating Factors for Breakthrough Seizures in Children with Epilepsy

“…Several studies have documented different types of seizure triggers [20,23,28]. We found different triggering factors in our patients, with most presenting with more than one factor suggesting a complex interplay of mechanisms by various factors, consistent with previous studies [20,23].…”

“…Non-compliance with medication came as the second triggering factor in around one-third of the patients. This is similar to many other studies [20,23]. The most common reason for poor compliance was forgetting to take medicine which probably reflects inadequate counseling about strict adherence and maintaining a seizure diary.…”

“…Similarly, Khalid H, et al found that 57.6% of their patients were male, with a mean age of 6.3 ± 4.7 years [23]. In previous studies, low socioeconomic status has been associated with an increased risk of breakthrough seizures [23,24]. However, around two-thirds of our patients belonged…”

“…Additionally, we found that children aged between 5 to 7 years had more chances of having breakthrough seizures than other age groups, which could be due to more prone to infection or other environmental changes. Similarly, Khalid H, et al found that 57.6% of their patients were male, with a mean age of 6.3 ± 4.7 years [23]. In previous studies, low socioeconomic status has been associated with an increased risk of breakthrough seizures [23,24].…”

Poor Seizure Control Among Children Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Uganda – A Retrospective Study

“…8 Various factors have been reported to cause poor seizure control among CWE, including the age of seizure onset, type of seizure, non-compliance to ASMs, sleep deprivation, watching television for long hours, and multiple ASMs. [8][9][10] Information regarding seizure control is lacking in other regions of Uganda, therefore we set out to determine seizure control and describe the associated clinical factors among CWE at Mbarara hospital.…”