Consensus Guideline on the Management of Epilepsy in Egypt: A National Delphi Consensus Study.

OBJECTIVE: In epilepsy, early diagnosis, accurate determination of epilepsy type, proper selection of antiseizure medication, and monitoring are all essential. However, despite recent therapeutic advances and conceptual reconsiderations in the classification and management of epilepsy, serious gaps are still encountered in day-to-day practice in Egypt as well as several other resource-limited countries. Premature mortality, poor quality of life, socio-economic burden, cognitive problems, poor treatment outcomes, and comorbidities are major challenges that require urgent actions to be implemented at all levels. In recognition of this, a group of Egyptian epilepsy experts met through a series of consecutive meetings to specify the main concepts concerning the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, with the ultimate goal of establishing a nationwide Egyptian consensus. METHODS: The consensus was developed through a modified Delphi methodology. A thorough review of the most recent relevant literature and international guidelines was performed to evaluate their applicability to the Egyptian situation. Afterward, several remote and live rounds were scheduled to reach a final agreement for all listed statements. RESULTS: Of 278 statements reviewed in the first round, 256 achieved ≥80% agreement. Live discussion and refinement of the 22 statements that did not reach consensus during the first round took place, followed by final live voting then consensus was achieved for all remaining statements. SIGNIFICANCE: With the implementation of these unified recommendations, we believe this will bring about substantial improvements in both the quality of care and treatment outcomes for persons with epilepsy in Egypt. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This work represents the efforts of a group of medical experts to reach an agreement on the best medical practice related to people with epilepsy based on previously published recommendations while taking into consideration applicable options in resource-limited countries. The publication of this document is expected to minimize many malpractice issues and pave the way for better healthcare services on both individual and governmental levels.

The correlation between the frequent intake of dietary migraine triggers and increased clinical features of migraine (analytical cross-sectional study from Egypt).

Despite the high prevalence of primary headaches, the role of food in modifying clinical characteristics among migraine patients is often overlooked. The aim is to detect the correlation between adopting unhealthy dietary habits and migraine severity and identify foods that have a greater chance of triggering specific subtypes of migraine. The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted at Kasralainy Hospital, Cairo University, headache clinic at Alexandria University Hospital, and Al-Azhar University Hospitals from January to June 2020. We included 124 patients fulfilling the ICHD-3 criteria for migraine. A full clinical profile for migraine headaches was reported using a headache sheet applied to the Al-Azhar University headache unit. A nutritionist obtained data collected about dietary habits using many reliable scales and questionnaires such as food frequently sheets questionnaire. Logistic regression and Pearson correlation coefficients have been used to identify foods that are more likely to be associated with increased clinical features of migraine. Our participants reported that the fried meat, fried chicken, processed meats, fava beans, falafel, aged cheese "Pottery salted cheese" and "Rummy cheese", salted-full fatty cheese "Damietta cheese", citrus fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks, nuts, pickles, chocolate, canned foods, sauces, ice cream, smoked herring, in addition to the stored food in the refrigerator for many days were significantly associated with the diagnosis of chronic migraine CM compared to episodic migraine (EM). Margarine, pickles, and smoked herring were significantly associated with the diagnosis of migraine with aura (MA) compared to migraine without aura (MO). Adopting unhealthy eating habits was a more prevalent dietary consumption pattern among people with chronic migraines compared to those with episodic migraine.

Patterns and predictors of sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: Available data about sexual-related problems among Egyptian women with epilepsy (WWE) are scarce. Hence, this work aimed to study the pattern and predictors of sexual dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian WWE. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, sexually active WWE and age and years of marriage-matched healthy controls were included. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function in both groups. RESULTS: In the patient group (n = 142), the median age was 33 (28-39), whereas the median age of the control group (n = 142) was 33.5 (28-36). Women with epilepsy had significantly lower desire, arousal, pain, and FSFI-total scores than the control group (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.023, 0.008, respectively). There was a significant difference between the FSFI-total score of women on polytherapy and those on monotherapy (P = 0.042), as well as between those on enzyme-inducing ASMs and those on ASMs that did not affect P450 (P = 0.032). Seizure frequency in the last three months was negatively correlated with scores of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction (P 0.047, 0.02, 0.009, 0.013, 0.046, respectively). By multiple backward linear regression models, age, and seizure frequency were the significant predictors of the FSFI-total score (B -0.219, -0.33, respectively). CONCLUSION: The pattern of sexual dysfunction among Egyptian WWE is characterized by reduced sexual desire, arousal deficits, and sexual-related pain. Seizure frequency, epilepsy duration, enzyme-inducing medications, and multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) may adversely affect WWE's sexual health. The only factor that could predict higher sexual dysfunction in WWE was higher seizure frequency.

Cost-effectiveness of HARNESS-MRI protocol in focal drug-resistant epilepsy in a limited-resources country: An Egyptian study.

OBJECTIVES: The international league against epilepsy (ILAE) recommended the harmonized neuroimaging of epilepsy structural sequences (HARNESS-MRI) to improve the detection of epileptogenic lesions in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The application of this protocol is still limited in low-resource countries, mainly due to apparent high costs. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HARNESS-MRI protocol in Egypt and highlighted our experience. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with focal DRE at Cairo University epilepsy clinic underwent both conventional MRI (c-MRI) and HARNESS-MRI. Electro-clinical data were collected and analyzed. After the radiologists' initial diagnosis, a multidisciplinary team re-evaluated the MRI. Lesion detection rate and cost for detecting an extra lesion by HARNESS-MRI protocol were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 230 patients with focal DRE (146, 62% males and 91, 38% females), with a mean age of 20.5 years. Epileptogenic lesions detected by c-MRI and HARNESS-MRI before and after the board meeting were 40, 106, and 131 lesions, respectively (P < 0.001). Sixty-nine percent of the lesions detected by HARNESS-MRI were missed on c-MRI; most commonly were mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and Malformations of cortical development (MCDs). Thirty-seven MTS and 32 MCDs were detected with HARNESS-MRI, compared to only 6 and 3, respectively, detected on c-MRI (P < 0.001). HARNESS-MR protocol is more cost-effective than c-MRI in detecting MRI lesions; it can save about 42$ for detecting an extra lesion in MRI. CONCLUSION: The HARNESS-MRI protocol was cost-effective and highly recommended even in limited-resource countries for patients with focal DRE.

Resective epilepsy surgery in a limited-resource settings: A cohort from a multi-disciplinary epilepsy team in a developing country.

Background: Multidisciplinary pre-surgical evaluation is vital for epilepsy surgery decision and outcomes. Resective epilepsy surgery with assisted monitoring is currently a standard treatment for focal drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). In resource-limited countries, lack of epilepsy surgery center is a huge challenge. We presented and illustrated how to create a multidisciplinary protocol with resource-limited settings in a developing country and epilepsy surgery outcome using brain mapping and monitoring techniques for ensuring satisfactory resection. Methods: We created multicentric incomplete but complementary units covering all epilepsy-related sub-specialties and covering a wide geographical area in our country. Then, we conducted a prospective and multicentric study with low resource settings on patients with focal DRE, who underwent resective epilepsy surgery and were followed up for at least 12 months and were evaluated for postoperative seizure outcome and complications if present. Preoperative comprehensive clinical, neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and radiological evaluations were performed by multidisciplinary epilepsy team. Intraoperative brain mapping including awake craniotomy and direct stimulation techniques, neurophysiological monitoring, and electrocorticography was carried out during surgical resection. Results: The study included 47 patients (18 females and 29 males) with mean age 20.4 ± 10.02 years. Twenty-two (46.8%) patients were temporal epilepsy while 25 (53.2%) were extra-temporal epilepsy. The epilepsy surgery outcome at the last follow up was Engel Class I (seizure free) in 35 (74.5%), Class II (almost seizure free) in 8 (17%), Class III (worthwhile improvement) in 3 (6.4%), and Class IV (no worthwhile improvement) in 1 patient (2.1%). Conclusion: With low resource settings and lack of single fully equipped epilepsy center, favorable outcomes after resective surgery in patients with focal DRE could be achieved using careful presurgical multidisciplinary selection, especially with using intraoperative brain mapping and electrocorticography techniques.

Clinical, radiological and electrophysiological predictors for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Background: Epilepsy is the third chronic brain illness worldwide. About a third of the epileptic patients will be drug resistant. Early identification of these patients is critical for appropriate treatment selection and prevention of the devastating consequences of recurrent seizures. The objective of this study aims to detect clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological predictors for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Results: One hundred fifty-five patients were included in this study, divided into a well-controlled epilepsy group (103 patients) and a drug-resistant group (52 patients). Both groups were compared regarding clinical, electrophysiological, and neuro-radiological data. Younger age at onset, history of delayed milestones, history of perinatal insult (especially hypoxia), mental retardation, neurological deficits, depression, status epilepticus (SE), complex febrile seizures, focal seizure to bilateral tonic-clonic convulsion as well as multiple seizures and high seizure frequency (daily) at onset, poor response to first anti-seizure drug (ASD), structural and metabolic etiology, abnormal brain imaging, and slow background and multifocal epileptiform discharges in EEG were significant risk factors for the development of drug-resistant epilepsy. Conclusion: MRI abnormalities are the most significant predictor for drug-resistant epilepsy. Drug-resistant epilepsy is associated with clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological risk factors that can be used to diagnose drug-resistant patients early and choose the best treatment option and time.

Factors associated with the use of anesthetic drug infusion in patients with status epilepticus and their relation to outcome: a prospective study.

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most dreadful neurological emergencies; unfortunately, studies targeting SE are still inadequate. This study aims to identify factors associated with the use of CIVAD in patients presenting with status epilepticus and detect those impact the clinical outcome. A prospective study involving 144 episodes of SE in 144 patients. Patients were categorized according to whether or not they received CIVAD. Subjects underwent clinical assessment, brain imaging, and EEG. The consciousness level was assessed using the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and the Full outline of responsiveness (FOUR) scale. SE severity score (STESS) and Epidemiology-based mortality score (EMSE) were used as scales for outcome prediction. Continuous IV anesthetic drug infusion was initiated in 36% of patients (+ CIVAD). Such groups showed a significantly worse initial level of consciousness (< 0.001), an unstable course of seizure evolution (0.009), and all of them showed abnormal EEG patterns. A significantly higher number of patients (+ CIVAD) developed complications (< 0.001), had higher outcome prediction scores (< 0.001), and mortality rates (< 0.001) compared to those who did not need CIVAD (- CIVAD). Mortality was associated with acute symptomatic etiology and higher total doses of propofol. Among the study population, mortality among patients who received CIVAD was associated with acute symptomatic SE and prolonged propofol infusion rather than any clinical parameters or predictor scores.

The effect of ketogenic diet escalation in adolescents and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Ketogenic diet (KD) is an accepted and effective treatment modality in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Different versions of ketogenic diets have been studied, however, the effect of ratio escalation in adolescence and adults has not been previously investigated. METHODS: The current open-labeled interventional study was conducted on 80 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy DRE, 40 patients (intervention group) were exposed to dietary intervention besides their regular antiseizure medication (ASM) and compared to 40 control patients. The intervention group received Ketogenic diet in 2:1 ratio for 1 month then were divided into 2 subgroups, group A1 continued the 2:1 ratio for another 2 months while group A2 escalated to 3:1 dietary regimen. Socio-demographic, anthropometric measurements, epilepsy clinical parameters, and laboratory tests were recorded in addition to safety and tolerability documentation. The response rate was recorded after 1month and 3month. RESULTS: Significant decrease in seizure frequency and severity were detected in Group A1 and A2 patients compared to controls after the 3 month period of intervention with significant improvement of quality of life scores in both subgroups. Both subgroups also showed comparable results regarding their response rate to KD. Better acceptance of diet taste were reported by subgroup A1 with a significantly higher lipid profile detected in subgroup A2. CONCLUSION: KD has a beneficial effect as adjunctive treatment in adolescents and adults with DRE. Escalation from 2:1 to 3:1 ratio is associated with less compliance rather than better response in patients with DRE.

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures in Patients With Epilepsy: A Comparative Study With Patients With Pure Epilepsy.

ABSTRACT: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent management challenges, especially if associated with epilepsy. We aimed to evaluate patients with mixed epilepsy (true and PNES) and compare them with pure epilepsy to identify predictors of psychogenic seizures. This study included 40 patients with pure epilepsy and 40 patients with mixed epilepsy matched in age and sex. Patients underwent neurological assessment, semistructured psychiatric clinical interview, and video electroencephalogram monitoring. We found that unemployment, divorce, and seizure frequency were higher in mixed epilepsy, as well as history of family dysfunction, child adversity, and depressive and dissociative disorders. Both groups were similar regarding family history for seizures and personality dysfunction scores. Family dysfunction, child adversity, and depressive disorders were predictors of PNES. We recommend early evaluation for social instability, family dysfunction, child adversity, and depressive disorders in epileptic patients with higher seizure frequency to avoid misdiagnosis of false drug-resistant epilepsy and enhance proper management.

Tramadol-associated seizures in Egypt: Epidemiological, clinical, and radiological study.

BACKGROUND: Tramadol intake related seizures have emerged as a common cause of seizures in Egypt affecting mainly young men. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the percentage of tramadol induced seizures, and to compare the clinical, neurophysiological, and radiological features of tramadol induced seizures group with idiopathic epilepsy group. METHODS: Two phases study; at first phase, data analysis for all Kasr-Alainy epilepsy clinic patients in Cairo during the period from January 2012 through June 2014, then at second phase a group of tramadol induced seizures' patients were compared with a matching group of idiopathic epilepsy patients. Detailed history and examination, laboratory tests, electroencephalogram (EEG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) were performed for both groups. RESULTS: Tramadol induced seizures represented 7% of all patients (103 out of 1480) and 12% of male patients. All cases were males. Occupational driving was the most common job. Seizures were generalized tonic clonic (GTCs) in 86%. Seventy-seven percent of tramadol induced seizures developed with toxic tramadol dose (>400 mg/day). Inter-ictal EEG was normal in most patients (87.5%). Depression and EEG abnormalities were significantly less than idiopathic epilepsy patients. MRI brain for both groups was normal. CONCLUSION: Tramadol induced seizures represented 7% of cases. This deviates the attention to the problem of tramadol addiction in Egypt and raises our awareness of tramadol induced seizures.

The effect of cortical versus sacral repetitive magnetic stimulation on lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

75% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover, up to 80% of asymptomatic patients show abnormalities on urodynamic examination. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation on the motor cortex versus sacral roots in MS patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). 40 MS patients with LUTD were divided according to urodynamic studies (UDS) into two groups (20 patients each): Group A (overactive bladder) and Group B (underactive bladder). Each group was further subdivided into Subgroup (A-I) and (B-I) which received cortical magnetic stimulation and Subgroup (A-II) and (B-II) which received sacral magnetic stimulation. UDS, pelvic ultrasound as well as Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire were compared before and after magnetic stimulation sessions in each group as well as between groups. UDS showed significant reduction in bladder capacity, improvement in bladder contractility in all groups and subgroups. Moreover, it showed improvement of urine flow rate only in Group B. Reduction of post-void residual urine was noted in all subgroups except in (Group A-II). I-QOL questionnaire showed improvement in patients with underactive bladder only. Intergroup comparison between A and B showed no difference. Cortical as well as sacral magnetic stimulation showed significant effect on lower urinary tract dysfunction that led to improvement in symptoms in MS patients with underactive bladder, rather than those with overactive bladder.

Electrophysiological Assessment of the Impact of Mobile Phone Radiation on Cognition in Persons With Epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Serious concerns about the effect of mobile phone radiation on cognition are growing. This study aimed to assess the possible effect of mobile phone radiation in persons with epilepsy and in normal subjects. METHODS: The amplitude and reaction time of auditory event-related potentials (P300) and occipital alpha frequency were compared before and after exposure with a 30-minute call in 30 persons with epilepsy and in 30 control subjects. Alpha power was monitored before, during, and after exposure to mobile phone radiation. Moreover, correlations with clinical aspects were analyzed. RESULTS: Increased reaction time and decreased P300 amplitude were more evident in persons with epilepsy. A significant decrease in alpha power was noted in control subjects and persons with epilepsy and was associated with an increased bilateral alpha frequency. In persons with epilepsy, such changes significantly correlated with the time since the last seizure and with the therapy regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-minute exposure to mobile phone radiation has a significant effect on the electrophysiological correlates of cognition, especially in persons with epilepsy.

Multiparametric Approach Enhances Detection of Patients with Cerebral TIAs at Risk of Stroke: A Prospective Pilot Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) are generally clinically unstable, with fear of developing a handicapping stroke. Identification of those at highest and lowest risk of stroke in the first days and weeks after a TIA would allow appropriate use of worthy secondary prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: Incorporation of a clinical scoring system, neurovascular imaging, and magnetic resonance-diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) to help predicting risk of developing an ischemic stroke following a TIA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 25 patients with TIAs, 64% were females, and 26% were males, with a mean age of 57±10.36. Patients were assessed clinically and an ABCD(2) score was applied. Patients have undergone diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), within 24 h from the event, and intra- and extracranial duplex study. Patients were followed up at intervals of one week, three months, six months, and one year. RESULTS: Six patients (24%) developed stroke on their follow-up, most of them (83.3%) had their strokes within the first three months and had an initial ABCD(2) score of ≥4. The development of stroke was associated with the presence of significant extra and/or intracranial vessel disease (P=0.006) and the presence of acute lesions on their DWI (P=0.035). CONCLUSION: Incorporation of brain MR-DWIs and neurovascular imaging together with the ABCD(2) score improves prediction of ischemic stroke following TIA.

Epilepsy prevalence in Al-Manial Island, Egypt. A door-to-door survey.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies of epilepsy are lacking from the majority of the Arab countries; although there are significant needs for such studies. This study was conducted on a sample of Al-Manial Island, Cairo city, one of the highest cities in population density in the world. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A community-based, door to door, cross-sectional study using multistage random sample including 512 families (1751 individuals). The study extended from March 2009 to September 2012 and involved three main stages; the preparatory stage, the field work stage and the stage of establishing epilepsy diagnosis and classifying confirmed epileptic patients. RESULTS: The lifetime point prevalence of epilepsy among inhabitants of Al-Manial island was 6.9/1000 inhabitants while the prevalence of active epilepsy was 5.1/1000 inhabitants. The age distribution showed bimodal peaks in adolescents and in elderly with equal sex ratio (6/855 vs 6/896). Focal seizures were the commonest type (58.3%) and the treatment gap was 66.7%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of epilepsy among inhabitants of Al-Manial Island go in agreement with most global studies. High treatment gap detected in our study indicates that proper management of epilepsy requires a multi-factorial approach.

Prevalence of intracranial atherosclerosis among patients with coronary artery disease: a 1-year hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the prevalence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) worldwide and especially among Egyptians. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of ICAD in patients with CAD. METHODS: From January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2013, we recruited 118 consecutive patients who had ischemic heart disease. All patients were assessed for vascular risk factors and the existence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and were evaluated by extracranial and transcranial color-coded sonography. All patients underwent coronary angiography. Clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic variables were tested by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of 118 consecutive patients with CAD, intracranial disease was detected in 14 patients (11.9%). Eight patients (6.8%) had stenosis >50%, while 6 patients (5.1%) had stenosis <50%. The univariate analysis showed that the strongest variables associated with ICAD were the presence of recent or old stroke or TIA, followed by moderate or severe extracranial stenosis, and multivessel or left main CAD. CONCLUSION: We observed low prevalence (6.8%) of high-grade ICAD among Egyptian patients with CAD. Multivessel or left main CAD and moderate-to-severe extracranial carotid stenosis were the strongest predictors for the existence of ICAD among CAD patients.

Anabolic steroids abuse-induced cardiomyopathy and ischaemic stroke in a young male patient.

We report a case of a 37-year-old man presented with acute stroke and hepatorenal impairment which were associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse over 2 years. Despite the absence of apparent symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure at presentation, an AAS-induced dilated cardiomyopathy with multiple thrombi in the left ventricle was attributed to be the underlying cause of his condition. Awareness of the complications of AAS led to the prompt treatment of the initially unrecognised dilated cardiomyopathy, and improved the liver and kidney functions. However, the patient was exposed to a second severe ischaemic event, which led to his death. This unique and complex presentation of AAS complications opens for better recognition and treatment of their potentially fatal effects.