Laux, Linda

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is the prototypic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by drug‐resistant seizures, developmental slowing, and many other morbidities. Detailed characterization of behavioral phenotypes and social–emotional skill development are limited. Methods We prospectively assessed behavioral and social–emotional problems in the ENVISION natural history study (NCT04537832) of children with DS associated with SCN1A pathogenic variants ( SCN1A + DS) enrolled at <5 years of age. Assessments every 3 months for up to 2 years included the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Brief Infant‐Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS‐3). Results Fifty‐eight children with DS enrolled at 16 sites worldwide. Problematic behaviors—inattention, aggressive or oppositional behaviors, and withdrawn and autistic behaviors—began before age 3 years, became more evident with age, and were clinically significant in many children by age 3–4 years. CBCL Total, Externalizing, and Internalizing Problems T‐scores rose by approximately 3 points per year, and BITSEA Problem scale scores increased by 2.3 points annually ( p = .002). SDQ Hyperactivity scores worsened over time ( p = .013), whereas emotional difficulties remained stable. VABS‐3 Socialization domain scores, which were already more than 1 SD below the normative mean at baseline, decreased further, particularly in younger participants. Correlation analyses showed that poorer communication abilities were associated with increased problematic behaviors ( R = −.55 for CBCL Total Problems and VABS‐3 Communication scores). Mixed‐effects modeling identified age as the strongest predictor of worsening behavioral outcomes. Significance We found that behavioral and social–emotional problems are inherent components of DS that present in toddlerhood and worsen throughout early childhood. This highlights the need to diagnose and manage these issues early. Targeted therapy may alleviate the wide‐ranging morbidities that are intrinsic to DS, including the social–emotional and behavior problems that frequently emerge.

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with a high seizure burden and mortality risk. Stiripentol, one of the first DS‐specific therapies, received FDA approval in 2018 but its real‐world use and impact post‐approval in the USA remain insufficiently characterized. The STIRUS study aimed to assess treatment patterns, clinical efficacy, and quality of life outcomes associated with stiripentol in a contemporary US cohort. Methods STIRUS was a retrospective, multicenter chart review of 98 DS patients who initiated stiripentol after FDA approval and were treated for at least 3 months. Data were collected from 10 USA epilepsy centers on seizure types and frequency, status epilepticus (SE), rescue medication use, emergency room visits, and quality of life, at baseline and during the first and final 3 months on stiripentol. Changes over time were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. Results Initiation of stiripentol was associated with a significant reduction in bilateral convulsive seizure frequency (OR = 2.16, p < 0.006) and a nearly 50% decrease in SE episodes (OR = 2.9, p < 0.003). Importantly, there was a marked decline in rescue medication use and seizure‐related hospital visits: the proportion of patients requiring no rescue medications increased from 23% to over 53%, and those needing frequent emergency interventions dropped from 39% at baseline to 14% during the final 3 months. Quality of life improved in more than half of patients and caregivers. Significance The STIRUS study supports the real‐world efficacy of stiripentol in reducing seizure burden and healthcare utilization in DS. Despite its demonstrated benefits and approval for use in infants, stiripentol remains underutilized and often introduced late in the treatment course. Early and broader adoption may help improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in this vulnerable population. Plain Language Summary The STIRUS study found that stiripentol, an anti‐seizure medication specifically approved for Dravet Syndrome, helped reduce seizures and hospital visits for children living with this severe form of epilepsy. Patients had fewer convulsive seizures, needed fewer rescue medicines, and reported better quality of life. Despite these benefits, stiripentol is still not widely used and often started too late in treatment, suggesting earlier use could further improve outcomes.

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug‐resistant seizures and developmental slowing. Although cognitive and executive function deficits have been described, their early trajectory is not well understood. Methods The prospective ENVISION natural history study (NCT04537832) assessed cognitive, executive, and adaptive function in children younger than 5 years of age with SCN1A + DS every 6 months for up to 2 years using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (BSID‐III), Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th Edition (WPPSI‐IV), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS‐3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version (BRIEF‐P), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Results Fifty‐eight children were enrolled, with 47% younger than age 2 years. At least 80% of children did not achieve age‐appropriate milestones. Mean BSID‐III Cognitive raw scores increased minimally, with age‐equivalent gains of only 3 months over 1.5 years. Mean Cognitive Composite scores declined significantly by Month 12 (from 81.6 to 72.2; change: –11.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −15.3 to −6.8), signaling a widening gap compared with neurotypical development. Executive function worsened, with mean BRIEF‐P Global Executive Composite T‐scores increasing by 3.2 points/year. For some participants, scores were 5 standard deviations (SD) above the normative mean, reflecting abilities profoundly below age expectations (bottom .00003% of the population). Adaptive functioning worsened, with mean VABS‐3 Adaptive Behavior Composite decreasing from 78.7 to 68.1 over 1.5 years (change: –9.0, 95% CI: −11.9 to −6.1) and greater decline among children <2 years at enrollment, with scores decreasing by ~15 points (1 SD). Over half of children >3 years could not remove clothing independently; and when placed on a toilet, 48% could not use it. Significance Infants and young children with SCN1A + DS show significant and progressive developmental slowing across several domains, highlighting urgent need for therapies to mitigate the devastating impact on individuals and families.

The 2023 American Epilepsy Society Annual Course “It’s About Time” addressed timing in epilepsy evaluation and treatment with respect to health disparity and vulnerable populations and diagnostic, clinical, and epilepsy surgery evaluation. This comprehensive course included topics on gaps in epilepsy care and optimization of behavioral health for patients with epilepsy. The summary details current knowledge in areas of seizure forecasting and epileptogenesis. Intricacies and controversies over timing were discussed for treatment of nonconvulsive seizures and ictal-interictal patterns, acute symptomatic seizures, neuromodulation versus surgery, and epilepsy surgery in status epilepticus. Timing regarding clinical care in autoimmune-associated epilepsy, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, and dietary therapy were examined. Additionally, salient topics on using novel biomarkers and collaboration with neuropsychological outcomes were also tackled in this all-encompassing lecture series.

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by high seizure burden, treatment‐resistant epilepsy, and developmental stagnation. Family members rate communication deficits among the most impactful disease manifestations. We evaluated seizure burden and language/communication development in children with DS. Methods ENVISION was a prospective, observational study evaluating children with DS associated with SCN1A pathogenic variants ( SCN1A + DS) enrolled at age ≤5 years. Seizure burden and antiseizure medications were assessed every 3 months and communication and language every 6 months with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition and the parent‐reported Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3rd edition. We report data from the first year of observation, including analyses stratified by age at Baseline: 0:6–2:0 years:months (Y:M; youngest), 2:1–3:6 Y:M (middle), and 3:7–5:0 Y:M (oldest). Results Between December 2020 and March 2023, 58 children with DS enrolled at 16 sites internationally. Median follow‐up was 17.5 months (range = .0–24.0), with 54 of 58 (93.1%) followed for at least 6 months and 51 of 58 (87.9%) for 12 months. Monthly countable seizure frequency (MCSF) increased with age (median [minimum–maximum] = 1.0 in the youngest [1.0–70.0] and middle [1.0–242.0] age groups and 4.5 [.0–2647.0] in the oldest age group), and remained high, despite use of currently approved antiseizure medications. Language/communication delays were observed early, and developmental stagnation occurred after age 2 years with both instruments. In predictive modeling, chronologic age was the only significant covariate of seizure frequency (effect size = .52, p = .024). MCSF, number of antiseizure medications, age at first seizure, and convulsive status epilepticus were not predictors of language/communication raw scores. Significance In infants and young children with SCN1A + DS, language/communication delay and stagnation were independent of seizure burden. Our findings emphasize that the optimal therapeutic window to prevent language/communication delay is before 3 years of age.

AbstractObjectiveVaccination against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is a primary tool to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, vaccination is a common seizure trigger in individuals with Dravet syndrome (DS). Information surrounding COVID‐19 vaccine side effects in patients with DS would aid caregivers and providers in decisions for and management of COVID‐19 vaccination.MethodsA survey was emailed to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation's Family Network and posted to the Dravet Parent & Caregiver Support Group on Facebook between May and August 2021. Deidentified information obtained included demographics and vaccination status for individuals with DS. Vaccine type, side effects, preventative measures, and changes in seizure activity following COVID‐19 vaccination were recorded. For unvaccinated individuals, caregivers were asked about intent to vaccinate and reasons for their decision.ResultsOf 278 survey responses, 120 represented vaccinated individuals with DS (median age = 19.5 years), with 50% reporting no side effects from COVID‐19 vaccination. Increased seizures following COVID‐19 vaccination were reported in 16 individuals, but none had status epilepticus. Of the 158 individuals who had not received a COVID‐19 vaccination, 37 were older than 12 years (i.e., eligible at time of study), and only six of these caregivers indicated intent to seek vaccination. The remaining 121 responses were caregivers to children younger than 12 years, 60 of whom indicated they would not seek COVID‐19 vaccination when their child with DS became eligible. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy were fear of increased seizure activity and concerns about vaccine safety.SignificanceThese results indicate COVID‐19 vaccination is well tolerated by individuals with DS. One main reason for vaccine hesitancy was fear of increased seizure activity, which occurred in only 13% of vaccinated individuals, and none had status epilepticus. This study provides critical and reassuring insights for caregivers and health care providers making decisions about the safety of COVID‐19 vaccinations for individuals with DS.

Summary Purpose To review the efficacy and tolerability of stiripentol in the treatment of U . S . children with D ravet syndrome. Methods U . S . clinicians who had prescribed stiripentol for two or more children with D ravet syndrome between March 2005 and 2012 were contacted to request participation in this retrospective study. Data collected included overall seizure frequency, frequency of prolonged seizures, and use of rescue medications and emergency room ( ER )/hospital visits in the year preceding stiripentol initiation, and with stiripentol therapy. We separately assessed efficacy in the following treatment groups: g roup A , stiripentol without clobazam or valproate; g roup B , stiripentol with clobazam but without valproate; g roup C , stiripentol with valproate but without clobazam; and g roup D , stiripentol with clobazam and valproate. In addition, adverse effects were recorded. Key Findings Thirteen of 16 clinicians contacted for study participated and provided data on 82 children. Stiripentol was initiated a median of 6.0 years after seizure onset and 1.2 years after diagnosis of D ravet syndrome. Compared to baseline, overall seizure frequency was reduced in 2/6 in g roup A , 28/35 in g roup B , 8/14 in g roup C , and 30/48 in g roup D . All children with prolonged seizure frequency greater than quarterly during the baseline period experienced a reduction in this frequency on the various treatment arms with stiripentol. Similarly, 2/4 patients in g roup A , 25/25 in g roup B , 5/10 in g roup C , and 26/33 in g roup D experienced reduction in frequency of rescue medication use and 1/1 in g roup A , 12/12 in g roup B , 3/5 in g roup C , and 18/19 in group D had reduction in frequency of ER /hospital visits. Adverse effects were reported in 38, most commonly sedation and reduced appetite. Four patients (5%) discontinued stiripentol for adverse effects and two (2%) for lack of efficacy. Significance Stiripentol is an effective and well‐tolerated therapy that markedly reduced frequency of prolonged seizures in D ravet syndrome.