Transitioning from paediatric to adult care in epilepsy: A qualitative study of adolescent experiences.

OBJECTIVE: Transition into adulthood and adult medical care is an important step in the life of young people with epilepsy. We aimed to gain a better insight into the lived experience of the transition to adulthood and adult medical care in epilepsy in Sweden, to improve future transitional care. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study with digital focus-group meetings and interviews with young people with epilepsy (16-22 years, n = 37) prior to, or after the transfer to adult care, or their primary caregivers if they had intellectual disability. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the experiences and expectations on the transition to adulthood and adult medical care. RESULTS: The results of the thematic analysis included four key areas during transition to adulthood and adult care for young persons with epilepsy: (I) worries on coming changes and future, (II) transfers are not smooth and adult care is less integrated, (III) epilepsy is part of a bigger picture, and (IV) parental roles change. In those with intellectual disability, parents experienced a stressful process and had to increase their efforts to coordinate all care contacts in adult care. Here, epilepsy was often experienced as a minor part of a more complex disease picture, where neurodevelopmental issues were often the primary concern. SIGNIFICANCE: Transition in epilepsy is often complex due to the large burden of co-occurring disease, specifically intellectual disability and neuropsychiatric diagnoses. Transfer to adult care is experienced as unplanned and participants experience uncertainty, indicating a need for an improved transition process. As effective interventions are known in other chronic diseases, future studies should focus on the evaluation of how these approaches can be feasible and effective in young people with epilepsy.

Caregiver perceptions of the impact of Dravet syndrome on the family, current supports and hopes and fears for the future: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) with onset typically in infancy. Seizures are pharmaco-resistant, and neurodevelopment is compromised in almost all children. There is limited data on the impact of the condition on the family, support needs and hopes and fears in Sweden. METHODS: Interviews were undertaken with the caregivers of 36 of 48 (75%) living children with DS in Sweden focusing on the perceived impact on the family, current supports and hopes and fears for the future. Data from the interviews were analyzed by two raters using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed seven main themes focusing on the perceived negative impact the disease has on caregivers and family functioning. These negative impacts concerned: caregiver sleep (e.g., frequent night waking), siblings (e.g., gets less attention/time), social life (e.g., limited vacations), family finances (e.g., limited career progression), parental health (both mental and physical) and need for constant supervision (e.g., child's need for constant supervision for fear of seizures). Another theme concerned the impact on family relationships. Whilst some caregivers perceived the impact to be negative (e.g., limited time for each other) others felt that having a child with DS lead to stronger relationships and more 'teamwork'. With respect to supports, the caregivers identified a number of areas where they felt the family could access appropriate supports. Themes regarding supports included: support from the wider family and friends, support from DS support groups (online or in-person), support from the child's hospital or disability service and respite care (e.g., child was looked after on weekends or had paid carers in the home). Regarding hopes and fears for the future, responses focused mainly on fears, including concerns about premature death of the child, transition to adult healthcare services and care arrangements for child when parents are dead. Hopes for the future included better treatment for epilepsy and associated neurodevelopmental problems and finding a cure for DS. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of children with DS report that the disease can have a very comprehensive negative impact on caregiver and family functioning. Identifying and providing the supports to ameliorate these negative impacts is vital to optimize caregiver and family wellbeing and quality of life.

Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with Dravet syndrome: A population-based study.

AIM: To identify on a population basis the prevalence of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with Dravet syndrome and factors associated with symptoms of autism and ADHD. METHOD: Forty-one of 48 children with Dravet syndrome living in Sweden, born between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2018 underwent assessment including measures of autism and ADHD. Diagnoses of autism and ADHD were made with respect to DSM-5 criteria. Factors associated with features of autism and ADHD were analysed via regression. RESULTS: Twenty-five of the 41 children fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder and 12 of 37 children considered for an ADHD diagnosis fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for ADHD. Severe intellectual disability was significantly associated with a greater degree of autistic features (p < 0.001) and a DSM-5 diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.029). Younger children had significantly more features of ADHD (p = 0.004) and features of inattention were significantly more common than features of hyperactivity/impulsivity (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Children with Dravet syndrome often have significant features of autism and ADHD, primarily inattentive type. Screening for autism and ADHD should be routine in children with Dravet syndrome.

Clinical effectiveness of the psychological therapy Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy in addition to usual care compared with assessment-enhanced usual care alone: a multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial in the UK.

BACKGROUND: Mental health difficulties are common in children and young people with chronic health conditions, but many of those in need do not access evidence-based psychological treatments. The study aim was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of integrated mental health treatment for children and young people with epilepsy, a common chronic health condition known to be associated with a particularly high rate of co-occurring mental health difficulties. METHODS: We conducted a parallel group, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial of participants aged 3-18 years, attending epilepsy clinics across England and Northern Ireland who met diagnostic criteria for a common mental health disorder. Participants were randomised (1:1; using an independent web-based system) to receive the Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) in addition to usual care, or assessment-enhanced usual care alone (control). Children and young people in both groups received a full diagnostic mental health assessment. MICE was a modular psychological intervention designed to treat common mental health conditions in children and young people using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy and behavioural parenting strategies. Usual care for mental health disorders varied by site but typically included referral to appropriate services. Participants, along with their caregivers, and clinicians were not masked to treatment allocation but statisticians were masked until the point of analysis. The primary outcome, analysed by modified intention-to-treat, was the parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at 6 months post-randomisation. The study is complete and registered with ISRCTN (57823197). FINDINGS: 1401 young people were potentially deemed eligible for study inclusion. Following the exclusion of 531 young people, 870 participants were assessed for eligibility and completed the SDQ, and 480 caregivers provided consent for study inclusion between May 20, 2019, and Jan 31, 2022. Between Aug 28, 2019, and Feb 21, 2022, 334 participants (mean ages 10·5 years [SD 3·6] in the MICE group vs 10·3 [4·0] in control group at baseline) were randomly assigned to an intervention using minimisation balanced by age, primary mental health disorder, diagnosis of intellectual disability, and autistic spectrum disorder at baseline. 168 (50%) of the participants were female and 166 (50%) were male. 166 participants were randomly assigned to the MICE group and 168 were randomly assigned to the control group. At 6 months, the mean SDQ difficulties for the 148 participants in the MICE group was 17·6 (SD 6·3) and 19·6 (6·1) for the 148 participants in the control group. The adjusted effect of MICE was -1·7 (95% CI -2·8 to -0·5; p=0·0040; Cohen's d, 0·3). 14 (8%) patients in the MICE group experienced at least one serious adverse event compared with 24 (14%) in the control group. 68% percent of serious adverse events (50 events) were admission due to seizures. INTERPRETATION: MICE was superior to assessment-enhanced usual care in improving symptoms of emotional and behavioural difficulties in young people with epilepsy and common mental health disorders. The trial therefore shows that mental health comorbidities can be effectively and safely treated by a variety of clinicians, utilising an integrated intervention across ages and in the context of intellectual disability and autism. The evidence from this trial suggests that such a model should be fully embedded in epilepsy services and serves as a model for other chronic health conditions in young people. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and Epilepsy Research UK Endeavour Project Grant.

Accelerometer and Survey Assessed Physical Activity in Children With Epilepsy: A Case-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Anecdotal evidence suggests that children with epilepsy (CWE) are limited in the frequency of their daily physical activity (PA). However, there is limited research utilizing device-based measures of PA. We compared levels of PA and sedentary behavior in CWE (11-15 y) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. METHOD: Participants (n = 60 CWE [25 males, 35 females] and n = 49 controls [25 males, 24 females]) wore a Actigraph accelerometer (GT3X or GT3X+) for 7 consecutive days during waking hours and self-reported their PA and sedentary behaviors. CWE were compared with control children on time spent in different intensities of PA and on self-reported PA and sedentary behavior. Factors associated with PA were analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: CWE spent less time in accelerometer assessed light (189.15 vs 215.01 min/d, P < .05) and vigorous PA (35.14 vs 44.28 min/d, P < .05) on weekdays compared with controls. There were no significant differences between CWE and control participants in accelerometer assessed time spent sedentary or time spent in PA on weekends. Among CWE, older children engaged in more reported sedentary behavior and younger children spent more time in most domains of PA (P < .05). Furthermore, CWE reported less PA than controls (P = .006). Sixteen percent of controls met World Health Organization PA guidelines compared with 10% of CWE. There was a positive relationship between accelerometer assessed PA and quality of life for CWE. CONCLUSION: CWE spent less time in light and moderate to vigorous PA on weekdays. Further research is needed to understand reasons for these differences.

Diagnosis, epilepsy treatment and supports for neurodevelopment in children with Dravet Syndrome: Caregiver reported experiences and needs.

BACKGROUND: Dravet syndrome is a rare infantile onset epilepsy syndrome encompassing treatment resistant epilepsy and neurodevelopmental difficulties. There is limited data regarding caregiver experiences of diagnosis, treatment and supports for the associated neurodevelopmental problems. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of 36/48 children (75% of total population in Sweden) with Dravet syndrome. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Regarding the diagnostic experience, themes were: Delays in diagnostic process, genetic testing not optimal, communication of Dravet syndrome diagnosis and support and information soon after diagnosis. Caregivers felt that delays in diagnosis and testing could have been avoided whilst experiences of communication of diagnosis and support after diagnosis varied. In terms of treatment for seizures, the themes were: Satisfied with treatment, emergency treatment, treatment with antiseizure medications, strategies to control seizures via temperature regulation/avoidance of infections and use of equipment and aids. Caregivers were in the main accepting that seizures in Dravet syndrome are very difficult to treat and that seizure freedom is often an unachievable goal. Many felt frustrated that they were expected to take responsibility with respect to choice of medication. They often employed strategies (e.g., avoidance of physical activity) to reduce seizures or their impact. In terms of supports for neurodevelopmental problems, the themes were: Struggled to access support, lack of integrated healthcare and satisfaction with school. Many caregivers felt that accessing necessary supports for their children and developmental and behavioural needs was a struggle and that the provision of support often lacked integration e.g., lack of collaboration between child's disability service and school. Caregivers also expressed a desire that there would be better knowledge of Dravet syndrome in emergency departments and schools, that care would be better integrated and that there would be more supports for assessment and interventions regarding the associated neurodevelopmental problems. CONCLUSION: The responses of caregivers of children with Dravet syndrome highlight the need for supports from diagnosis for both epilepsy and neurodevelopmental problems. Good examples of provision were identified but parents often felt they lacked support and support often came from providers who lacked knowledge of the syndrome. Collaboration between medical, disability and school services was often lacking.

Caregiver reported behavior, sleep and quality of life in children with Dravet syndrome: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this population-based study was to assess behavior, sleep, and quality of life, and explore factors associated with these in children with Dravet syndrome. METHODS: The Developmental Behavior Checklist, the Insomnia Severity Index, and a global question regarding quality of life from the Epilepsy and Learning Disabilities Quality of Life scale were completed by primary caregivers of 42/48 Swedish children with Dravet syndrome, born 2000-2018. Factors associated with problems with insomnia, behavior and quality of life were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Scores indicating significant behavioral problems were seen in 29/40 (72 %) children, scores indicating moderate or severe clinical insomnia in 18/42 (43 %) and scores indicating poor or very poor quality of life in 7/41 (17 %). On multivariable analysis, autistic symptoms were significantly associated with behavioral problems (p = 0.013), side-effects of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) were associated with insomnia (p = 0.038), whilst insomnia was significantly associated with poor quality of life (p = 0.016). SIGNIFICANCE: Dravet syndrome in children is associated with significant problems with behavior, sleep and quality of life. There is a need to optimize treatment via ASMs and develop and evaluate interventions to treat behavioral and sleep difficulties to optimize outcomes.

Classic ketogenic diet versus further antiseizure medicine in infants with drug-resistant epilepsy (KIWE): a UK, multicentre, open-label, randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many infancy-onset epilepsies have poor prognosis for seizure control and neurodevelopmental outcome. Ketogenic diets can improve seizures in children older than 2 years and adults who are unresponsive to antiseizure medicines. We aimed to establish the efficacy of a classic ketogenic diet at reducing seizure frequency compared with further antiseizure medicine in infants with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: In this phase 4, open-label, multicentre, randomised clinical trial, infants aged 1-24 months with drug-resistant epilepsy (defined as four or more seizures per week and two or more previous antiseizure medications) were recruited from 19 hospitals in the UK. Following a 1-week or 2-week observation period, participants were randomly assigned using a computer-generated schedule, without stratification, to either a classic ketogenic diet or a further antiseizure medication for 8 weeks. Treatment allocation was masked from research nurses involved in patient care, but not from participants. The primary outcome was the median number of seizures per day, recorded during weeks 6-8. All analyses were by modified intention to treat, which included all participants with available data. Participants were followed for up to 12 months. All serious adverse events were recorded. The trial is registered with the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (2013-002195-40). The trial was terminated early before all participants had reached 12 months of follow-up because of slow recruitment and end of funding. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2015, and Sept 30, 2021, 155 infants were assessed for eligibility, of whom 136 met inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned; 75 (55%) were male and 61 (45%) were female. 78 infants were assigned to a ketogenic diet and 58 to antiseizure medication, of whom 61 and 47, respectively, had available data and were included in the modifified intention-to-treat analysis at week 8. The median number of seizures per day during weeks 6-8, accounting for baseline rate and randomised group, was similar between the ketogenic diet group (5 [IQR 1-16]) and antiseizure medication group (3 [IQR 2-11]; IRR 1·33, 95% CI 0·84-2·11). A similar number of infants with at least one serious adverse event was reported in both groups (40 [51%] of 78 participants in the ketogenic diet group and 26 [45%] of 58 participants in the antiseizure medication group). The most common serious adverse events were seizures in both groups. Three infants died during the trial, all of whom were randomly assigned a ketogenic diet: one child (who also had dystonic cerebral palsy) was found not breathing at home; one child died suddenly and unexpectedly at home; and one child went into cardiac arrest during routine surgery under anaesthetic. The deaths were judged unrelated to treatment by local principal investigators and confirmed by the data safety monitoring committee. INTERPRETATION: In this phase 4 trial, a ketogenic diet did not differ in efficacy and tolerability to a further antiseizure medication, and it appears to be safe to use in infants with drug-resistant epilepsy. A ketogenic diet could be a treatment option in infants whose seizures continue despite previously trying two antiseizure medications. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Scoping review and expert-based consensus recommendations for assessment and management of psychogenic non-epileptic (functional) seizures (PNES) in children: A report from the Pediatric Psychiatric Issues Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy.

Limited guidance exists regarding the assessment and management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in children. Our aim was to develop consensus-based recommendations to fill this gap. The members of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Pediatric Psychiatric Issues conducted a scoping review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-SR) standards. This was supplemented with a Delphi process sent to pediatric PNES experts. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. The systematic search identified 77 studies, the majority (55%) of which were retrospective (only one randomized clinical trial). The primary means of PNES identification was video electroencephalography (vEEG) in 84% of studies. Better outcome was associated with access to counseling/psychological intervention. Children with PNES have more frequent psychiatric disorders than controls. The Delphi resulted in 22 recommendations: Assessment-There was consensus on the importance of (1) taking a comprehensive developmental history; (2) obtaining a description of the events; (3) asking about potential stressors; (4) the need to use vEEG if available parent, self, and school reports and video recordings can contribute to a "probable" diagnosis; and (5) that invasive provocation techniques or deceit should not be employed. Management-There was consensus about the (1) need for a professional with expertise in epilepsy to remain involved for a period after PNES diagnosis; (2) provision of appropriate educational materials to the child and caregivers; and (3) that the decision on treatment modality for PNES in children should consider the child's age, cognitive ability, and family factors. Comorbidities-There was consensus that all children with PNES should be screened for mental health and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Recommendations to facilitate the assessment and management of PNES in children were developed. Future directions to fill knowledge gaps were proposed.

Knowledge about, and attitudes towards epilepsy among school staff: A UK-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To survey attitudes towards, and knowledge about, epilepsy among school staff in a defined geographical region in the United Kingdom. METHODS: School staff (n = 160) from 18 schools (56% of eligible schools) where children with epilepsy were currently attending were surveyed. Surveys were developed in collaboration with educational professionals. Questions focussed on attitudes towards, and knowledge about, epilepsy. Factors associated with attitudes and knowledge were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The majority of staff expressed positive attitudes towards the inclusion of children with epilepsy in school, although for most questions there was a significant minority who expressed less positive views. Only 30% of staff agreed that they would feel confident managing a child having a seizure whilst 42% of all staff would be concerned if they had to administer emergency medication. Regarding knowledge, half (50%) of respondents correctly indicated that a child who has a seizure should not always leave the classroom, whilst 54% knew that an ambulance should not always be called every time a child has a seizure. Regarding seizure semiology, almost all respondents (96%) answered 'yes' when asked if seizures could involve convulsions/limb jerking or whole-body convulsions. The vast majority (94%) also identified that seizures could involve 'staring blankly into space'. From a list of eight medical/neurodevelopmental conditions, epilepsy was the condition staff ranked of most concern. Factors independently associated with more positive attitudes and better knowledge included working in a special school as opposed to a mainstream school, having previously witnessed a seizure, and having been in receipt of training on epilepsy (all p < 0.05). Most respondents expressed a desire for more training on seizure management and on the learning and behavioral aspects of epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Whilst attitudes toward children with epilepsy are largely positive, epilepsy was the condition staff were most concerned about. Additionally, attitudes towards seizure management and administration of emergency medication in school are less positive, and knowledge of correct actions in the event of seizures in the classroom is deficient in nearly half of respondents. More positive attitudes and better knowledge were associated with previous experience of witnessing seizures, working in special schools, and having received epilepsy training. School staff in UK schools are likely to benefit from access to training on epilepsy in order to improve attitudes and increase knowledge and confidence towards supporting a child with epilepsy in their classroom.

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems, Associated Factors, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) face a high risk of digestive and respiratory morbidity, but their mental health outcomes have not been investigated. We aimed to identify the prevalence of mental health problems in children with LGEA, associated factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: Twenty-six children with LGEA aged 3-17 were recruited nationwide in Sweden. One of their parents and adolescents aged 11-17 completed information on the child's mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire), generic (PedsQL 4.0) and condition-specific HRQOL (EA-QOL). Parents gave information on current child symptomatology. Mental health level was determined using validated norms; abnormal≥90 percentile/borderline≥80 percentile/normal. Elevated levels were considered borderline/abnormal. Data were analyzed using descriptives, correlation and Mann-Whitney-U test. Significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Twelve children with LGEA aged 3-17 (46%) had elevated scores of ≥1 mental health domain in parent-reports, whereas 2 adolescents (15%) in self-reports. In parent-reports, 31% of the children had elevated levels of peer relationship problems, with associated factors being child sex male (p = 0.037), airway infections (p = 0.002) and disturbed night sleep (p = 0.025). Similarly, 31% showed elevated levels of hyperactivity/inattention, and associated factors were male sex (p = 0.005), asthma (p = 0.028) and disturbed night sleep (p = 0.036). Elevated levels of emotional symptoms, seen in 20%, were related to swallowing difficulties (p = 0.038) and vomiting problems (p = 0.045). Mental health problems correlated negatively with many HRQOL domains (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with LGEA risk mental health difficulties according to parent-reports, especially peer relationship problems and hyperactivity/inattention, with main risk factors being male sex, airway problems and sleep disturbances. This should be considered in follow-up care and research, particularly since their mental health problems may impair HRQOL. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study, LEVEL II.

Perceived impact of epilepsy on sleep: Views of children with epilepsy, parents and school staff.

OBJECTIVE: To gain an understanding of the views of school-aged children with epilepsy, their parents, and school staff regarding the impact of epilepsy on sleep. METHODS: As part of the What I Need in School (WINS) study, school-aged children (n = 18) with 'active epilepsy' (taking Anti-Seizure Medications, ASMs, for epilepsy), their parents (n = 68) and school staff (n = 56) were interviewed or completed bespoke questionnaires. Questions focussed on the potential impact of epilepsy on the child's sleep or tiredness in school and the potential impact of sleep/tiredness on learning and behavior. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of children believed that epilepsy affects their sleep while 65% of parents believed that their child had more difficulties with sleep than other children of their age. Seventy-eight percent of parents believed that their child's difficulties were due to epilepsy and 95% believed that their child's difficulties impacted their learning and behavior. Fifty-four percent of school staff believed that the child with epilepsy they supported was more tired/fatigued than their peers, and 86% of school staff believed that the child's increased tiredness affected their learning/behavior. Parents of children with intellectual disabilitiy were significantly more likely to indicate that they felt that their child had more sleep difficulties than other children (p = 0.016). Regarding the impact on their sleep, participating children felt that epilepsy contributed to difficulties in falling and staying asleep and daytime tiredness. Their parents reported a range of potential sleep difficulties and potential impacts on the child's learning and behavior. Parental reported difficulties included daytime tiredness, difficulty falling and staying asleep, and the impact of nocturnal seizures. In terms of impact, parents felt that sleep difficulties impacted negatively cognition and emotional-behavioral functioning. Additionally, parents reported that ASMs and medication for ADHD can contribute to sleep difficulties. School staff felt that many of the children appeared tired/fatigued during the day and this could lead to less engagement with classroom activities, impact attention and processing speed negatively, and contribute to behavioral and emotional difficulties. CONCLUSION: The majority of children and parents who responded believed that epilepsy affects the child's sleep. Most parents and school staff also believed that the child's sleep difficulties/excess tiredness were due to the child's epilepsy and that the difficulties significantly impacted the child's learning and behavior. There is a need to better understand the role epilepsy plays in sleep difficulties and associated learning and behavioral impairments. There is also a need to develop interventions to reduce the subsequent impact on child learning and behavior.

Supporting Attention in Children with Epilepsy (SPACE): Pilot of a psychoeducational intervention.

PURPOSE: Children with epilepsy are at high risk for impairing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially difficulties with attention. There is limited evidence regarding the use of psychological interventions for children with epilepsy and attention difficulties. We developed and piloted a novel psychoeducational intervention -Supporting Attention in Children with Epilepsy (SPACE). METHODS: Eligible children with epilepsy (8-13 years) and difficulties with attention underwent a comprehensive psychological assessment and took part in a single-arm trial of the SPACE intervention. The first three sessions of SPACE took place in groups of 3-5 children and two psychologists. The final three sessions involved one psychologist meeting the child and parent(s). The child's teacher joined for one of the final three sessions. The first group of participants participated in the intervention in person. Subsequent groups took part online due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Measures of ADHD -inattention symptoms (parent and teacher), executive functioning (child, parent, and teacher), and epilepsy-specific and general Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) (child and parent) were administered before and three months after completing the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-seven children with epilepsy expressed an interest in participating. Sixteen children met eligibility criteria and participated in a single-arm pilot of the intervention. All 16 participants completed the intervention. Pre- and post-intervention data were available for 15 of the 16 children. Improvement in function was noted on all measures and reached statistical significance for child ratings of executive functioning (p = 0.030) and HRQOL (p = 0.043), and parent-rated child HRQOL (p < 0.001). Qualitative feedback regarding content and acceptability was positive. CONCLUSION: A psychoeducational intervention for children with epilepsy and difficulties with attention can lead to improved executive functioning and HRQOL. Such an intervention may be a useful first-line intervention for children with epilepsy at risk for or diagnosed with ADHD and/or be used in combination with pharmacological treatment with children with epilepsy and ADHD. However, more robustly designed studies are needed.

Intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour in children with Dravet syndrome: A population-based study.

AIM: To identify, on a population basis, the prevalence of intellectual disability in children with Dravet syndrome, profiles on a measure of adaptive behaviour, and factors associated with intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. METHOD: Forty-two out of 48 children with Dravet syndrome living in Sweden, born between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2018, underwent assessment of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. Factors associated with level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour were analysed. RESULTS: Eight-six per cent (n = 36) of the children fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for intellectual disability (29% [n = 12] mild intellectual disability, 24% [n = 10] moderate intellectual disability, 33% [n = 14] severe intellectual disability, 0% profound intellectual disability) and 93% (n = 39) had an adaptive behaviour composite more than two standard deviations below the mean. Communication was a significant weakness compared with daily living skills (p < 0.001; mean difference 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.193 to -4.092) and socialization (p = 0.001; mean difference 95% CI 6.511 to -1.775) on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition. The only factors significantly associated with both decreased adaptive behaviour and presence of severe intellectual disability was the presence of increased autistic symptoms and younger age. INTERPRETATION: Children with Dravet syndrome have a very high level of intellectual disability and almost all have significant deficits in adaptive behaviour. Greater deficits in adaptive behaviour and greater severity of intellectual disability are associated with the presence of increased autistic symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment for all affected children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Eighty-six per cent (n = 36) of children with Dravet syndrome fulfilled criteria for intellectual disability. Ninety-three per cent (n = 39) of children with Dravet syndrome had significant deficits in adaptive behaviour. Communication was a significant weakness on a measure of adaptive behaviour. Increased autistic symptoms were associated with greater deficits in cognition/adaptive behaviour. Older age and earlier status epilepticus were associated with decreased adaptive behaviour.

Factor associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autism: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to identify factors significantly associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals and to consider the impact of study quality on findings. Electronic databases were systematically searched on October 2nd, 2020 and records retrieved were limited to those published from 2000 onwards. Study quality was categorised as 'good', 'moderate' or 'weak'. Fifty-three studies were included and in studies where the prevalence of epilepsy was reported (n = 257,892), 18,254 (7%) had co-occurring epilepsy. Intellectual disability/cognitive impairment was the most commonly reported risk factor associated with occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals. The evidence supporting other, potentially relevant factors was weak and inconsistent and requires further evaluation. Only 9/53 studies were considered 'good' quality.

Caregiver reported seizure precipitants and measures to prevent seizures in children with Dravet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this population-based, cross-sectional study was to describe caregiver-reported seizure precipitants, measures taken to prevent seizures and rescue therapies in children with Dravet Syndrome (DS). METHODS: In a population-based study, caregivers of 42/48 Swedish children with DS born between 2000 and 2018 were interviewed. Frequency of precipitants, preventive measures, and rescue therapies were compared between children born 2000-2009 and 2010-2018 and between `severe´ and `less severe´ epilepsy. RESULTS: All children had experienced precipitants. Preventive measures were employed in all. Seizures had been provoked by a median of seven (range 2-11) out of 13 factors. A median of eight (range 1-17) preventive measures out of 19 were reported. The most common precipitants were fever (n=42, 100%), and afebrile infections (n=39/42, 93%). Afebrile infections (p=0.014) and reduced ambient temperature (p=0.006) were more common precipitants in younger children, and bright light in children with severe epilepsy (p=0.013). The most common factors avoided were warm weather (n=35/42, 83%) and physical activity (n=27/42, 64%). It was more common to avoid strong emotions (p=0.035) and reduced temperature (p=0.002) in younger children, and to avoid infections (p=0.024) and crowds (p=0.046) in children with 'severe' epilepsy. Many children (n=28/42, 67%) or their siblings (n=16/34, 47% of individuals with siblings) had stayed home to avoid infections in school/day-care. Use of emergency medicines was more frequent in younger children (p=0.006) and in children with 'severe' epilepsy (p=0.007). SIGNIFICANCE: Caregiver-reported seizure precipitants are common in DS. Caregivers employ a range of measures to avoid seizures, restricting family life.

Impact of epilepsy on learning and behaviour and needed supports: Views of children, parents and school staff.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the views of young people with epilepsy, their parents and school staff regarding the impact of epilepsy on learning and behaviour in school. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of the impact of epilepsy on learning and behaviour and needed supports according to children with epilepsy, their parents and supporting school staff. METHODS: School-aged children (n = 20) with 'active epilepsy' (taking anti-seizure Medications (ASMs) for epilepsy), their parents (n = 68) and school staff (n = 56) were interviewed or completed surveys. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and responses were compared for children attending mainstream and special schools using chi-square analyses. The answers to open questions were answered using thematic analyses. RESULTS: The majority (53%) of children with epilepsy felt that epilepsy affected their learning including aspects such as memory, attention and concentration but also physical and emotional wellbeing including increased tiredness and lowered self-confidence. In addition, children brought up possible negative aspects of taking ASMs including increased irritability and emotional reactivity. The children also mentioned that epilepsy in school was associated with stigma and restrictions. The majority (85%) of parents agreed that epilepsy affects the child's learning/behaviour while more staff agreed that epilepsy affects learning (61%) than behaviour (45%). Most parents agreed that that their child's school provided the appropriate resources to support their child's learning (79%) and 72% agreed that they were satisfied overall with the support their child received at school. However, parents of children attending special schools were more likely to agree that the child's school provided appropriate resources to support their child's learning (p = 0.034) and be satisfied with the support their child received in school (p = 0.02), than parents of children attending mainstream schools. With respect to current or desired supports, analysis of the children's responses indicated that they want access to supportive environments outside the classroom, accommodations in tests/exams and increased support from trusted adults. Parent responses included approaches that promote child wellbeing, environmental accommodations, a high ratio of adult support and a consideration of the child's communication needs. Staff views regarding optimal strategies included a high level of adult support for the child, environmental accommodations, use of multimodal learning, adapting communication and approaches that promote psychological wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children perceived that epilepsy affected their learning and behaviour in school including leading to specific learning difficulties, but also negative impacts on emotional and physical wellbeing. Levels of parental satisfaction with supports were significantly higher in special schools compared with mainstream schools. Children, parents and staff highlighted a number of supports which they felt can support the child with epilepsy's learning but also emotional wellbeing.

Transition to adult care in epilepsy: A systematic review.

The transfer from paediatric to adult care can be a complex process in children with epilepsy. Inadequate care during this phase can affect long-term medical and psychosocial outcomes. The aim of this study was to review studies on transitional care from paediatric to adult healthcare for young persons with epilepsy in order to synthesize evidence for best practice. We undertook a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and employed narrative synthesis. A total of 36 articles were included, of which 11 were interventional studies and 25 observational studies. Study quality was rated as 'good' for only four studies. Interventions included joint or multidisciplinary clinics, education (patient and health professional education) and extended service provision (Saturday clinics, peer-groups). All studies observed a positive effect experienced by the participants, regardless of intervention type. Observational studies showed that transition plans/programmes are asked for but frequently not existing or not adapted to subgroups with intellectual disability or other neurodevelopmental conditions. The results of this systematic review on transitional care in epilepsy suggest that a planned transition process likely enhances medical and psychosocial outcomes for young people with epilepsy, but the body of evidence is limited and there are significant gaps in knowledge of what efficacious transition constitutes. More studies are needed employing qualitative and quantitative methods to further explore the needs of young people with epilepsy and their families but also robust study designs to investigate the impact of interventions on medical and psychosocial outcomes.

Epilepsy surgery for children and adolescents: evidence-based but underused.

Paediatric epilepsy surgery is an increasingly used evidence-based management option with low risks for complications. Developments in neuroimaging techniques and other advanced diagnostics have widened the spectrum of children who could benefit from the procedure, and surgery is now considered a standard management approach for epilepsy. Available data indicate that early surgery improves outcomes. Despite these considerable advances, epilepsy surgery in children is still underused. In this Review, we summarise the indications, patient selection, principles of presurgical investigations, optimal timing, and types of epilepsy surgery. We also examine comprehensive outcomes after surgery, including seizure outcomes, complications, cognition, neurodevelopment, vocational outcome, and health-related quality of life of children and their parents. Successful epilepsy surgery could lead to improvement in all these areas. Children should, therefore, be referred early for evaluation in an appropriately competent centre.