In Childhood Epilepsy
ABSTRACT
Background: Epilepsy is considered as one of the most common serious neurological conditions. Despite this, the incidence and prevalence figures varied considerably in different studies. This is mainly due to differences in inclusion criteria, classification, diagnosis and case ascertainment methods.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify the most important causes of refractory epilepsy in children at Zagagzig University Hospitals.
Methods: A total of 120 patients with drug resistant epilepsy were recruited from Outpatient clinics, Zagazig University hospitals. Full history taking,Thorough general and neurological examination was done for patients.Some investigations were done including,(EEG,CT,MRI brain),Also some scales were applicated as Liverpool and haugue scale score.
Results: The present study was carried out on 120 child epileptic children. Their ages ranged from 2 to 18 years including 74 males (61.7%) and 46 females (38.3%). 80 patients had generalized seizures( 66.6), 9 patients had partial seizures (7.5%). About 44.2% of patients were on polytherapy while 55.8% were on monotherapy with 48.4% on levetiracetam ,34.1% on Valproate,10% on Phenytoin,20% on Carbamazepine, 7.5% on Lamotrigine,7.5% on oxcarbazepine and 3.3% on Ethosuximide.
Conclusion: The diagnostic process of epilepsy in children should include a differentiation workup from other frequently occurring non-epileptic paroxysmal disorders of childhood. Accurate diagnosis ,good choice of antiepileptics with appropriate dose and combinations (when indicated), and follow up of patients using estimation of serum level of AEDs (if available and indicated) can help better control of epilepsy.
KEYWORDS: : Epilepsy, Predictors, Drug, Treatment Failure