Absence Epilepsy, Epilepsy, Absence
Conditions
Brief summary
This longitudinal study will focus on the cognitive and brain development of children with absence epilepsy. In addition, the investigators aim to identify prognostic factors for cognitive deterioration and/or poor seizure control in these children.
Detailed description
The aim is to study the cognitive and brain development of children with absence epilepsy. In addition, this study aims to identify prognostic factors for cognitive deterioration and/or poor seizure control. Objective: 1. To study the development of cognition in children with absence epilepsy and the functional brain organization over time. 2. To find prognostic factors in terms of clinical, 24h-video-EEG or/and MRI characteristics for cognitive deterioration and/or poor seizure control in patients with absence epilepsy. Study design: 2 year prospective longitudinal, controlled, comparative, clinical, follow up. Study population: 60 children with recently diagnosed (\<2 years) absence epilepsy, aged 6 to 12 years. In addition, this study includes a control group of 15 age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Main study parameters/endpoints: Endpoints are the development of clinical parameters (semiology, 24h-video-EEG and seizure control), neuropsychological/behavioural outcomes, structural/functional MRI parameters, and educational performance.
Interventions
OTHERMRI
OTHER24h-EEG + video
OTHERNeuropsychological tests
Sponsors
Epilepsiecentrum Kempenhaeghe
Maastricht University Medical Center
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Primarily presented with daily occurring episodes of brief loss of consciousness (absences) in an otherwise normal child in the previous 2 years. 2. An EEG showing 3 Hz (2.5-4.5 Hz) generalized rhythmic spike-and-wave complexes with a discharge duration of at least 3 seconds on a present or former EEG(58). 3. Early absence epilepsy , defined as a confirmed diagnosis or seizures within 2 years. 4. Aged 6-12 years 5. Permitted accompanying factors: * A few generalized tonic-clonic seizures (assessed individually according to International League Against Epilepsy \[ILAE\] statements; * Mild myoclonic eye(lid) movements * Co-morbidities: Attention deficiency/concentration disorders, autism, dyslexia and anxiety. These do not form
Exclusion criteria
as this is frequently seen in children with absence seizures and it might be uncertain if the co-morbidity is a manifestation of the absence epilepsy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change of multimodal MRI parameters on brain connectivity | Baseline; first year; second year |
| Change of cognition measured by a battery of neuropsychological tests | Baseline; first year; second year |
| Time in months since start of medication till seizure control is attained, as assessed by anamnesis and a confirmatory routine-EEG. | Within 2 years |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Age in months at which seizures began (age of onset) assessed by interview at the baseline measurment | Baseline | — |
| Seizure semiology assessed by anamnesis and video-EEG | Baseline; first year; second year | Seizure semiology will be re-assessed at the different time points |
| Epileptiform activity assessed by a 24h-EEG | Baseline; first year; second year | Epileptiform acitivty will be re-assessed at the different time points |
Countries
Netherlands
Contacts
Primary ContactEric LA Fonseca Wald, MD
Backup ContactSylvia Klinkenberg, MD, PHD
Outcome results
None listed