ObjectiveMalformations of cortical development (MCDs) are increasingly identified as important etiology for refractory epilepsy. Little is known about the spectrum, distribution and clinical features of MCDs, especially in a resource-limited region. This study investigated the distribution and compared the clinical features and long-term prognosis between simple and multiple forms. MethodsConsecutive 150 epilepsy patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed MCDs were included from a tertiary epilepsy center in western China. Patients were divided into three subtypes according to the scheme of Barkovich, also Simple and Multiple forms based on whether single type of MCDs or other brain developmental abnormalities co-existed. ResultsThe most common type of MCDs is focal cortical dysplasia, and China is still in the early phase of implementing surgical treatments. We found perinatal insults more common in sub-group III patients. Furthermore, 'Multiple' form was identified in 36/150 patients. Patients with heterotopias were more commonly associated with other abnormalities. ConclusionMCDs are critical causes for epilepsy, also a big challenge for resource-limited countries. Imaging techniques are crucial in diagnosing and classifying cortical deformities. Multiple malformations lead to more severe clinical features and worsen the prognosis, helping physicians to seek the best therapeutic option, also assists in classifying MCDs.
Objective To establishadatabase to fully investigate current situation of antiepileptic drugs among pregnant women with epilepsy in West China. Analyzing the epidemiological characteristics and correlated influence factors of anti-epileptic drugs use among women with epilepsy in this area to promote management quality for women with epilepsy. Methods Adigital registration system was established with JAVA andastandard registration procedure was formulated. Standard registration was implemented in different levels of hospital of West China with regular follow-up. Results Registration system about antiepileptic drugs among pregnant women with epilepsy in West China was successfully established, which wasadigital registration within local area network. Information about registration centre and pregnant women with epilepsy was collected in the West China registration network. And elementary database was successfully established. Conclusion This is the first extensive and standard pregnancy register of antiepileptic drugs in China which meet the need of not only patient information management but also the development of academic subject.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide (200mg/d and 400mg/d)when added to 1 to 3 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in adults with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures. MethodsDuring this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were randomized to placebo or lacosamide 200 or 400mg/day after an 8-week baseline period. Lacosamide was titrated in weekly increments to target dose over 4 weeks and maintained for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks for withdrawal. The reductions of seizure frequence during maintain period and proportion of ≥50% reduction of seizures frequence were analysed. Besides,adverse effects were also recorded. ResultsFive hundred fourty patients were randomized, 515 patients completed the trial (Full analysis set, FAS), including 394 were per-protocol set (PPS). The reduction of seizure frequence during maintain period every 4 weeks among 200mg/d,400mg/d group and placebo group were 26.35%,40.12%,21.69%(P=0.000 5) and 25.61%,46.86%,23.06%(P<0.000 1), respectively in FAS and PPS. The proportion of ≥50% reduction of seizures frequence among three groups were 29.82%,38.15%,22.49%(P=0.006 8) and 27.94%,42.37%,22.86%(P=0.002 3), respectively in FAS and PPS. The incidences of adverse events were 5.84%, 36.11%, 19.55% among three groups. Compared with each other, there was statistic significance between 400mg/d and placebo groups. ConclusionIn this trial, adjunctive lacosamide significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures. Along with favorable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profiles, these results support further development of lacosamide as an AED.