Nickels, Katherine C

Abstract Objective To assess the localization and lateralization values of ictal emotional features and ictal defensive behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). Methods Children and young adults with FLE were identified from a single institution's epilepsy surgery database. Two epileptologists determined by consensus the presence of ictal emotional features (positive‐ smile, laughter, humming, singing; negative‐ fear, crying, anger, disgust, contempt, sadness) and ictal defensive behaviors (freezing with a fearful facial expression, shielding the face with hands, burying the face in a pillow, or exhibiting hyperkinetic motor behaviors like attempting to escape from bed or resisting restraint) in each patient's first video EEG (vEEG). Historic seizure semiology and vEEG reports were compared with the consensus vEEG analysis. Longitudinal changes in ictal emotional features were defined by the emergence or resolution of ictal emotional features between historic seizure semiology and re‐review of presurgical vEEG analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the seizure lateralization (left vs. right) and sublobar localization (precentral, medial, lateral, extensive) based on surgical extent. Results Twenty‐three FLE patients were included (female 39%; mean age at vEEG analysis: 11.28 years, range 1.75–20.17). The inter‐rater reliability was very good for both ictal emotional features ( κ = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.59–1) and ictal defensive behaviors ( κ = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.79–1). Ictal emotional features were observed in 10 patients (43.4%), with negative emotions present in 70% (7/10) of these cases. vEEG reports lacked documentation of ictal emotional features in two patients. Although ictal emotional features showed no statistical correlation by sublobar regions, ictal defensive behaviors were consistently seen in medial compared to lateral FLE (100% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.004). Longitudinal changes in ictal emotional features were observed in 8 (34.7%) patients. Significance Ictal emotional features were common in pediatric and young adult FLE patients and were mainly negative. Ictal defensive behaviors were more likely associated with medial FLE. Longitudinal changes in ictal emotional features occurred in about a third of pediatric and young adult patients with FLE. Plain Language Summary This study examined emotional features and defensive behaviors during seizures in children and young adults with FLE. Negative emotions were commonly seen during seizures. Ictal defensive behaviors were more frequently observed in patients with medial FLE, and recognizing these signs could help clinicians localize the seizures. Changes in emotional features were seen over time in about one‐third of children and young adult patients.

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug‐resistance, lifelong seizures, and significant comorbidities including intellectual and motor impairment. Receiving a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome is challenging for parents/caregivers, and little research has focused on how the diagnosis should be given. A Delphi consensus process was undertaken to determine key aspects for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to consider when communicating a Dravet syndrome diagnosis to parents/caregivers. Methods Following a literature search and steering committee review, 34 statements relating to the first diagnosis consultation were independent‐ and anonymously voted on (from 1, totally inappropriate, to 9, totally appropriate) by an international group of expert child neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, nurses, and patient advisory group (PAG) representatives. The statements were divided into five chapters: (i) communication during the first diagnosis consultation, (ii) information to be delivered during the first diagnosis consultation, (iii) points to be reiterated at the end of the first diagnosis consultation, (iv) information to be delivered at subsequent consultations, and (v) communication around genetic testing. Statements receiving ≥ 75% of the votes with a score of ≥7 and/or with a median score of ≥8 were considered consensual. Results The statements were evaluated by 44 HCPs and PAG representatives in the first round of voting; 29 statements obtained strong consensus, 3 received good consensus, and 2 did not reach consensus. The committee reformulated and resubmitted 4 statements for evaluation (42/44 voters): 3 obtained strong consensus and 1 remained not consensual. The final consensual recommendations include guidance on consultation setting, key disease aspects to convey, how to discuss genetic testing results, disease evolution, and the risk of SUDEP, among other topics. Significance It is hoped that this international Delphi consensus will facilitate a better‐structured initial diagnosis consultation and offer further support for parents/caregivers at this challenging time of learning about Dravet syndrome. Plain Language Summary Diagnosis of Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of childhood‐onset epilepsy, is often challenging to give to parents. This international study developed guidance and recommendations to help healthcare professionals better structure and personalize this disclosure. By following this advice, doctors can provide more tailored support to families, improving their understanding and management of the condition.

The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) recently published their updated guidelines for specialized epilepsy centers. The first NAEC guidelines provided basic expectations for in-patient care, with the goal of makingan accurate diagnosis and choose the best intervention- medical or surgical. With the 2001 report, the emphasis was for epilepsy centers to be able to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. The NAEC 2010 guidelines further delineated the essential elements of level 3 and 4 specialized epilepsy centers.The goal of the 2023 guidelines is not only to provide optimal standards of care, but also to “elevate evidence-based science into standard practice.”4 Therefore, these are the first NAEC guidelines that are solely funded by NAEC and also the first founded on an evidence-informed, consensus-based process. The 2023 guidelines now include 52 recommendations across the following domains: Inpatient Services/EMU, Surgery, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Outpatient Services. The guidelines provide us with the recommendations when creating new centers or ways to improve our current centers. Well- documented guidelines such as these provide us with support when seeking additional financial and personnel resources. Put simply, these guidelines have provided us with the recipe for ideal comprehensive epilepsy care for PWE.

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to evaluate the long‐term safety and effectiveness of fenfluramine in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS).MethodsEligible patients with LGS who completed a 14‐week phase 3 randomized clinical trial enrolled in an open‐label extension (OLE; NCT03355209). All patients were initially started on .2 mg/kg/day fenfluramine and after 1 month were titrated by effectiveness and tolerability, which were assessed at 3‐month intervals. The protocol‐specified treatment duration was 12 months, but COVID‐19‐related delays resulted in 142 patients completing their final visit after 12 months.ResultsAs of October 19, 2020, 247 patients were enrolled in the OLE. Mean age was 14.3 ± 7.6 years (79 [32%] adults) and median fenfluramine treatment duration was 364 days; 88.3% of patients received 2–4 concomitant antiseizure medications. Median percentage change in monthly drop seizure frequency was −28.6% over the entire OLE (n = 241) and −50.5% at Month 15 (n = 142,p < .0001); 75 of 241 patients (31.1%) experienced ≥50% reduction in drop seizure frequency. Median percentage change in nondrop seizure frequency was −45.9% (n = 192,p = .0038). Generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) and tonic seizures were most responsive to treatment, with median reductions over the entire OLE of 48.8% (p < .0001,n = 106) and 35.8% (p < .0001,n = 186), respectively. A total of 37.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 31.4%–44.1%,n = 237) of investigators and 35.2% of caregivers (95% CI = 29.1%–41.8%,n = 230) rated patients as Much Improved/Very Much Improved on the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale. The most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events were decreased appetite (16.2%) and fatigue (13.4%). No cases of valvular heart disease (VHD) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were observed.SignificancePatients with LGS experienced sustained reductions in drop seizure frequency on fenfluramine treatment, with a particularly robust reduction in frequency of GTCS, the key risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Fenfluramine was generally well tolerated; VHD or PAH was not observed long‐term. Fenfluramine may provide an important long‐term treatment option for LGS.

AbstractObjectiveInfants with focal‐onset epilepsy are an understudied population, requiring additional evaluation for clinical assessment and prognostication. Our goal was to characterize the etiology and natural history of infantile‐onset focal epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all infants (0–24 months) with onset of focal epilepsy while resident in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between 1980 and 2018, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project Database. We assessed the impact of etiology on both seizure and neurodevelopmental outcome, and mortality.ResultsOf 686 children with epilepsy onset <18 years, 125 (18.2%) presented with focal‐onset seizures in infancy. Median follow‐up for this group was 10.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6.2, 19.3). Etiology was identified in 65.6% (structural N = 62, genetic N = 13, both structural and genetic N = 3, metabolic N = 4). Of 107 patients followed >2 years, 38 (35.5%) developed drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). DRE was more likely with younger age at onset, known etiology, and presence of epileptic spasms. Sixty‐eight (63.0% of those with follow‐up) were developmentally delayed at last follow‐up, and known etiology, DRE, and presence of epileptic spasms were significantly associated with delay (p < .001 for all). Fifteen patients (12.0%) died at a median age of 7.1 years (IQR 1.7, 21.7), but only one death was seizure related (suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy [SUDEP]). Of 20 infants with normal development at onset and no known etiology with >2 years follow‐up, none developed DRE, all were seizure‐free at last follow‐up (95% off antiseizure medications [ASMs]), and all remained developmentally normal.SignificanceInfantile‐onset focal epilepsy accounts for 18% of all epilepsy in childhood, is frequently due to known etiologies, and has a high rate of DRE. However, developmentally normal infants without a known cause appear to have a very favorable course.

Objective: In a randomized trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cosyntropin injectable suspension, 1 mg/mL, compared to vigabatrin for infantile spasms syndrome. An additional arm was included to assess the efficacy of combination therapy (cosyntropin and vigabatrin) compared with cosyntropin monotherapy. Methods: Children (2 months to 2 years) with new-onset infantile spasms syndrome and hypsarhythmia were randomized into 3 arms: cosyntropin, vigabatrin, and cosyntropin and vigabatrin combined. Daily seizures and adverse events were recorded, and EEG was repeated at day 14 to assess for resolution of hypsarhythmia. The primary outcome measure was the composite of resolution of hypsarhythmia and absence of clinical spasms at day 14. Fisher exact test was used to compare outcomes. Results: 37 children were enrolled and 34 were included in the final efficacy analysis (1 withdrew prior to treatment and 2 did not return seizure diaries). Resolution of both hypsarhythmia and clinical spasms was achieved in in 9 of 12 participants (75%) treated with cosyntropin, 1/9 (11%) vigabatrin, and 5/13 (38%) cosyntropin and vigabatrin combined. The primary comparison of cosyntropin versus vigabatrin was significant (64% [95% confidence interval 21, 82], P < .01). Adverse events were reported in all 3 treatment arms: 31 (86%) had an adverse event, 7 (19%) had a serious adverse event, and 15 (42%) had an adverse event of special interest with no difference between treatment arms. Significance: This randomized trial was underpowered because of incomplete enrollment, yet it demonstrated that cosyntropin was more effective for short-term outcomes than vigabatrin as initial treatment for infantile spasms.

Introduction This study was designed to assess current recommendations from child neurologists and epileptologists on masking for school-age children with epilepsy. Methods A 7-item survey was created and sent out to members of the Child Neurology Society and Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium in August of 2021 to assess current practice and provider recommendations on masking. Results One hundred four individuals participated with representation from all regions of the United States. Masking was recommended by 95.1%, with 63.4% (n = 66) noting exception of those with severe intellectual disability, autism, and behavioral problems. Of those who write exemption letters, 54% write these <5% of the time. Only 3% reported potential adverse events associated with masking. Conclusion Nearly all respondents recommended masking for school-age children with epilepsy. Potential risks of masking and adverse events were low. Improved guidance on masking is needed to ensure academic success of our patients with epilepsy.

AbstractObjectiveEpilepsy with myoclonic‐atonic seizures (EMAS) is a rare childhood onset epileptic encephalopathy. There is no clear consensus for recommended treatments, and pharmacoresistance is common. To better assess the clinical phenotype, most effective treatment, and determinants of cognitive and seizure outcomes, three major pediatric epilepsy centers combined data, creating the largest cohort of patients with EMAS ever studied to date.MethodsAuthors performed a retrospective chart review of patients with EMAS who received care at the authors’ institutions.ResultsA total of 166 children were identified. Global developmental delay (>1 domain) was present in 2% of children at onset and 49% during the course of the disease. Afebrile seizures occurred after the age of 2 years in 88%, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures in 60%, and drop attack or myoclonic seizures in 30%. At onset, electroencephalography (EEG) found 28% normal, background slowing in 20%, and epileptiform discharges or seizures in 69%. Subsequent EEG found slowing in 62% and discharges or seizures in 90%. Response (>50% seizure reduction) to the first three antiseizure drugs (ASDs) was 26% (levetiracetam, 17%; valproic acid, 31%; other ASDs combined, 26%). Diet therapy was used as a second or third therapy in 19% and ultimately used in 57%; response was 79%, significantly greater than the first three ASDs (P = .005, χ2). Seizure freedom occurred in 57% and was less likely in the case of persistent global developmental delays (P < .001), seizure recorded on subsequent EEGs (P = .027), and failure to respond to diet therapy (P = .005). Development was normal in 47%, and 12% had delays in one domain, which was less likely in the case of global developmental delay after epilepsy onset (P < .001) and failure to achieve seizure freedom (P < .001).SignificanceThis large cohort of children with EMAS clarifies areas of variability in practice. Diet therapy is by far the most effective treatment; failure to respond was associated with failure to attain seizure freedom. This therapy should be used early in the treatment in EMAS. This study also identified a bidirectional link between cognitive and seizure outcomes.

Circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic have mandated a change to standard management of infantile spasms. On April 6, 2020, the Child Neurology Society issued an online statement of immediate recommendations to streamline diagnosis and treatment of infantile spasms with utilization of telemedicine, outpatient studies, and selection of first-line oral therapies as initial treatment. The rationale for the recommendations and specific guidance including follow-up assessment are provided in this manuscript. These recommendations are indicated as enduring if intended to outlast the pandemic, and limited if intended only for the pandemic health care crisis but may be applicable to future disruptions of health care delivery.