Early predictors of refractory epilepsy: a case-control study / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo identify the early predictors of refractory epilepsy (RE). MethodsAll 173 epileptic patients with correct diagnosis and reasonable treatment were enrolled. The 106 patients were classified as drug non-responsive epilepsy (DNR-EP). The remaining 63 patients were classified as drugresponsive epilepsy (DR-EP). With multiple logistic regression, the clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared to identify the early predictors of RE. ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that more than 10 seizures before treatment (OR =4. 46, 95％ CI 1.60-12. 40, P =0. 004),mental retardation at early time ( OR =19. 87, 95％ CI 3. 60-109. 78, P =0. 001 ) and abnormal electroencephalogram(EEG) with epileptiform wave after treatment ( OR =7.57, 95％ CI 2. 54-22. 56,P ＜0. 01 ) were independent predictors of RE.Response to initial therapy was a protective factor of RE (OR=0.05, 95％ CI 0.018-0. 139, P＜0.01). ConclusionPatients who have many seizures before treatment, mental retardation at the early time, epileptiform abnormality in EEG after treatment and who are resistant to initial therapy are likely to develop into refractory epilepsy.