Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of progabide (PGB) for refractory epilepsy. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PGB treating refractory epilepsy were searched from the following databases as PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM and VIP from the date of their establishment to July 2011. The data of RCTs meeting the inclusive criteria were extracted according to Cochrane methods by two reviewers independently, and after the quality was evaluated and cross-checked, meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of seven studies involving 231 patients were included. The results of Meta-analyses showed that based on the conventional therapy, PGB was ineffective in treating refractory partial epilepsy compared with the placebo (OR=1.76, 95%CI 0.40 to 7.65, P=0.45), but it was superior to the placebo in treating refractory partial and generalized epilepsy (OR=4.46, 95%CI 2.06 to 9.65, P=0.000 1). The main adverse events of PGB were somnolence, dizziness and headache, which were mild and transient, which could turn to normal after reducing the dose of PGB and only a few patients needed to stop taking PGB. Conclusion Current studies shows that progabide may be effective in treating refractory partial and generalized epilepsy, but its effectiveness in treating refractory partial epilepsy is still unknown. The side effects of PGB are mostly mild. For the possibility of moderate selection bias existing in the quality of the included studies which may affect the authenticity of outcomes, so this conclusion still needs to be further proved by conducting more high-quality, large-scale and double-blinded RCTs.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the risk factors of refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in children. MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched for case-control studies and cohort studies on the risk factors of RMPP in children from inception to March 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 27 case-control studies involving 3 967 children with RMPP and 11 613 children with common MPP were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that heat course (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.98 to 2.16, P<0.000 01), length of hospital stay (OR=1.42, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.69, P<0.000 01), recurrent respiratory tract infection (OR=8.51, 95%CI 6.15 to 11.77, P<0.000 01), level of IL-6 (OR=21.95, 95%CI 20.85 to 23.06, P<0.000 01), level of CRP (OR=2.41, 95%CI 1.94 to 2.87, P<0.000 01), level of LDH (OR=0.79, 95%CI 0.53 to 1.06, P<0.000 01), level of ESR (OR=2.65, 95%CI 1.13 to 4.18, P=0.000 6), combined pleural effusion (OR=9.42, 95%CI 3.65 to 24.31, P<0.000 01), combined with extrapulmonary complications (OR=3.33, 95%CI 2.42 to 4.58, P<0.000 01), large lung consolidation (OR=12.31, 95%CI 5.42 to 27.99, P<0.000 01) were the risk factors for RMPP. ConclusionsCurrent evidence indicates that heat course, length of hospital stay, repeated respiratory tract infection, high level of IL-6, high level of CRP, high level of LDH, high level of ESR, combined pleural effusion, combined extrapulmonary complications, and large lung consolidation are risk factors for children with RMPP. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of Electro-Cortico-Graphy (ECOG) monitoring on refractory epilepsy caused by double pathology. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with refractory epilepsy who underwent surgical treatment in Hunan Brain Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. The diagnosis of postoperative disease was dual pathology of medial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTS) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and the effect of oral drugs was poor. All patients underwent full preoperative evaluation to determine the scope of excision of epileptogenic lesions. Cortical electrodes were used to monitor the location and scope of epileptic discharge during the operation. Epileptogenic lesions were excised, cortical heat cautery was performed, and then cortical EEG monitoring was performed to adjust the excision strategy. The patients were followed up for 24 to 48 months, and the prognosis was assessed according to the Engel scale. ResultsAmong the 10 patients, 1 patient had acute subdural hemorrhage after surgery, 1 patient had speech and naming disorders, but all of them were recovered at discharge. The other patients had no neurological defects such as intracranial infection, hemiplegia, aphasia, etc. Engel grade I was observed in 9 cases (90%) and Engel grade III was observed in 1 case (10%). ConclusionCortical electrode monitoring is safe and effective for refractory epilepsy caused by double pathological signs.
ObjectiveTo understand the relationship between the anatomy and the function of the insula lobe cortex based on the stereo-electro encephalography (SEEG) by direct electric stimulation of the insula cortex performed in the patients who suffered from the refractory epilepsy. MethodsRetrospective review was performed on 12 individuals with refractory epilepsy who were diagnosed in the Department of Functional neurosurgery of RenJi Hospital from December 2013 to September 2015. We studied all the SEEG electrodes implanted in the brain with contacts in the insula cortex. Direct electric stimulation was given to gain the brain mapping of the insula. Results12 consecutive patients with refractory epilepsy were implanted SEEG electrodes into the insula cortex. In all, 176 contacts were in the insula cortex, and 154 were included. The main clinical manifestations obtained by the stimulation were somatosensory abnormalities, laryngeal constriction, dyspnea, nausea, flustered. While somatosensory symptoms were located in the posterior insula, visceral sensory symptoms distribute relatively in the anterior insula, and other symptoms were mainly in the central and anterior part. ConclusionsThe symptoms of the insula present mainly according to the anatomy, but some of them are mixed. In addition, the manifestations of the insula are usually complex and individually.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of both olanzapine combined with fluoxetine (combination therapy) and fluoxetine (monotherapy) for refractory depression. Methods According to the computer retrieval from PubMed (1966 to September 2009), Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), EMbase (1974 to September 2009), SCI (1974 to September 2009), CNKI (1994 to September 2009), CBM (1978 to September 2009), CSJD (1989 to September 2009) and Wanfang Database (1997 to September 2009), and the manual retrieval from related journals and conference proceedings were conducted, to include randomized controlled trials of comparison in between olanzapine combined with fluoxetine and fluoxetine in treating refractory depression. We collected the valid data after assessing the methodology quality of included studies on the basis of Jadad scoring standard, and conducted meta-analysis with RevMan 5.0 software. Results A total of 7 studies with 1 230 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that, there was no significant difference between two groups about the scores of HAMA (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) at the end of the 1st week, but the olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in trial group was much better for relieving anxiety situation compared to fluoxetine in control group at the end of the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week. In accordance with the scores of CGI (Clinical Global Impression Scale), there was no significant difference at the end of 2nd and 4th week after treatment, but there was a significant difference at the end of 8th and 12th week. As to the changes of MADRS (Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale), the trial group was much distinct than control group at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th week. In summary, the clinical effect of trial group was superior to that of control group, and there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between two groups (RR=1.10, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.23). Conclusion Current evidence shows that, the clinical effect and safety of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in treating refractory depression is obviously superior to that of fluoxetine.
Background To summarize the genetic characteristics of GATOR1 complex gene mutations and the surgical prognosis of patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients with GATOR1 complex gene mutations who presented with mainly refractory epilepsy and underwent surgical treatment at the Epilepsy Center of Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital from May 2019 to August 2024. The follow-up period ranged from 0.5 to 4.0 years. The genetic characteristics, clinical data, treatment, and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Results Among the 16 patients, 9 were male and 7 were female, with an onset age ranging from 0.6 to 9.4 years, and seizure frequency ranging from once a day to dozens of times a day. Twelve patients (75.0%) had no seizures after surgery, and three of them had completely stopped taking medication. EEG were focal or multifocal, and all clinical seizures were monitored. Two patients had negative MRI. Among the 16 patients, there were 8 with DEPDC5 gene mutations, 5 with NPRL3 gene mutations, and 3 with NPRL2 gene mutations. Conclusions Patients with refractory epilepsy related to GATOR1 complex gene mutations are good surgical candidates, with a high rate of no seizures after surgery. For confirmed patients, surgical treatment should be considered.
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness and safety of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with inner limiting membrane (ILM) removal and 41G microneedle subretinal injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) in the treatment of refractory macular hole. MethodsA prospective clinical study. From January to June 2023, 20 cases (20 eyes) of refractory macular hole patients diagnosed through examination at The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University were included in the study. The basal diameter of the affected eye's basal diameter (BD) was ＞1 000 μm. Macular hole index (MHI) was ＜0.5. The affected eye received treatment with 23G PPV combined with ILM removal and 41G microneedle subretinal injection of BSS. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were performed before and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after surgery for the affected eye. BCVA examination was performed using standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, and convert it to logarithmic minimum resolution angle (logMAR) visual acuity for statistical purposes. MP-3 microperimetry was used for micro view examination, record the mean sensitivity (MS) of the retinal within a 12° range of the fovea. OCTA was used to measure the area of the avascular zone of the macula (FAZ), perimeter of the FAZ (PERIM), retinal vascular length density (VLD), and vascular perfusion density (VPD). The changes in BCVA, MS, FAZ area, PERIM, VLD, VPD before and after surgery were compared and analyzed. After the same time, the closure of macular hole and the occurrence of complications after surgery were observed. Single factor analysis of variance was used to compare the observation indicators at different times before and after surgery. The correlation between various observation indicators and preoperative minimum diameter (MD), BD, and hiatus height at 6 months after surgery were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. ResultsAmong the 20 cases with 20 eyes, there were 2 males with 2 eyes and 18 females with 18 eyes. Age was (61.45±8.56) years old. The logMAR BCVA, MS, FAZ area, PERIM, VLD, and VPD of the affected eye were 1.46±0.21, (16.20±5.81) dB、(0.40±0.17) mm2, (2.89±0.99) mm, (6.23±3.59) mm?1, (0.17±0.10)%, respectively. Six months after surgery, out of 20 eyes, macular hole closure and incomplete closure were 18 (90.0%, 18 /20) and 2 (10.0%, 2 /20) eyes, respectively. The logMAR BCVA, MS, FAZ area, PERIM, VLD, and VPD were 0.80±0.20, (22.20±4.60) dB, (0.18±0.10) mm2, (1.83±0.80) mm, (9.54±2.88) mm?1, (0.31±0.14)%. Compared with before surgery, the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis results showed a positive correlation (P＜0.05) between preoperative BD and postoperative 6-month PERIM and VPD. There was a negative correlation between preoperative MD and postoperative VLD at 6 months (P＜0.05). There was a negative correlation between preoperative MHI and logMAR BCVA and VPD at 6 months after surgery (P＜0.05). No complications such as elevated or decreased intraocular pressure, damage to retinal pigment epithelium, retinal hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, or retinal detachment occurred after surgery in all affected eyes. ConclusionMinimally invasive PPV combined with ILM removal and 41G microneedle subretinal injection of BSS can effectively improve the closure rate of refractory macular hole patients in the short term, improve vision, and have good safety.
Objectives To investigate the changes of serum monoamine neurotransmitters and myocardial enzymes in patients with refractory epilepsy (RE), and the possible effects on the cardiovascular system, which would contribute to provide help and guidance to the early warming and prevention to the sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Methods We collected sixty patients with RE who admitted to Neurological department of First Hospital of Jilin University from December 2015 to December 2016. According to the exclusion criteria, we selected thirty-two patients into the study. The study included 21 males and 11 females patients. Epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) were measured in peri-ictal period and the interictal period in the patients. All the data were analyzed by SPSS17.0 statistical software. Results ① Thirty two patients were eligiblefor this study and the maleto female ratio is 21:11; The age ranged from 15 to 85 years old, with the average age of 50.9±17.6 years old. Twelve (37.5%) were older than 60 years old and 20 (62.5%) were under 60 years old. The epilepsy history ranged from 1 year to 14 years, with an average of 3.75±3.12 years; ② Comparing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in peri-ictal period and the interictal period in the patients with RE, we found that the level of EPI and LDH was significantly lower than that in interictal period, while the levels of NE and DA were significantly increased; ③ The results showed that EPI, NE and DA levels in patients under 60 were higher than over 60; ④ Patients were divided into four groups according to the etiology of the disease: idiopathic epilepsy group (10 cases, 31.25%), post-encephalitic epilepsy group (7 cases, 21.88%), post-stroke epilepsy group (9 cases, 28.12%) and epilepsy after brain injury group (6 cases, 18.75%). The results showed that the levels of EPI, NE and DA in the post-strokeepilepsy group were significantly lower than those in the other three groups. The level of CKMB in the idiopathic epilepsy group was higher than that in post-stroke epilepsy and epilepsy induced by brain injury patients. Conclusions RE patients have a higher level of serum NE and DA interictal period, suggesting that seizures may increase sympathetic nervous excitability. The patients under 60 years-old with RE release more catecholamines than young patients, suggesting that the latterwith intractable epilepsy may have higher sympathetic nerve excitability. And it may be associated with the higher incidence of SUDEP in young patients. Post-stroke epilepsyrelease less catecholamine than others, suggesting that the sympathetic nervous excitability is relatively low, and it may have relatively little damage to heart.
Objective To study the efficacy and adverse events of adjunctive perampanel in children with refractory epilepsy. Methods A prospective study was carried out in 45 children with refractory epilepsy, who were treated in our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 using perampanel as an add-on treatment, with a criteria for enrollment and the starting dose of perampanel. Follow-up would be taken at once a month. Afte 3 months would check blood routine, liver function, kidney function and humoral immunity. The EEG was reviewed after 6 months. The initial dose of perampanel was 0.04 mg/(kg·d) (the maximum didn't exceed 2 mg/d), increasing by 0.04 mg/(kg·d) every two weeks, and the maximum maintenance dose didn't exceed 6 mg/d. The efficacy and adverse reactions of perampanel were evaluated by comparing the seizure frequency and EEG results before and after a 6-month add-on therapy.ResultsAmong the 45 children,complete seizure control was achieved in 7 cases after the therapy, and the seizure attacks were reduced in 26 cases, showing a total response rate of 73.3%. After the treatment, the epileptiform discharge of 28 children was reduced, and the effective rate was 62.22%. During the observation period, all the blood routine, liver function, kidney function,and humoral immunity of the children were normal.10 cases of adverse reactions occurred after the additional treatment of perampanel, and the adverse reaction rate was 22.22%. Conclusions Perampanel has good efficacy and safety in the add-on treatment of refractory epilepsy.
Objective To observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of pirenpanet in patients with refractory epilepsy treated with add-on therapy. MethodsForty-one patients with medically refractory epilepsy were selected from January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Epilepsy of Jiamusi Central Hospital, among which 25 males and 16 females. The self-control study was conducted before and after the treatment with pirenpanet. The observation period was 1 year, and the clinical efficacy, platelet, liver and kidney function and EEG discharge index were observed at 6 months and 12 months respectively. Changes in seizure frequency after treatment were divided into the following 3 groups: effective control: no seizure; effective: seizures reduced by 50% ~ 99%; Ineffective: < 50% reduction in seizures or exacerbation. Results Among the 41 patients with drug-refractory epilepsy, 8 (8/41, 19.51% P < 0.05) were seizure-free, 17 (17/41, 41.46% P < 0.05) were effective, and the total effective rate was (25/41, 60.98%); Sixteen cases (16/41, 39.02%) were ineffective. There were 31 children in 41 cases (31/41, 75.61%), of which 18 cases (18/31, 58.06%) were effective, 16 cases (16/31, 51.61%) had mental and motor retardation, and 8 cases (8/16, 50%) were effective; There were 10 adults (10/41, 24.39%) and 7 effective patients (7/10, 70%). After one year's treatment, the EEG changes of the patients were observed, and the abnormal discharge of 6 patients was reduced according to the discharge index, 2 patients had no abnormal discharge, and the other patients had no obvious EEG changes. Conclusion Pirenpanet is effective and safe as an add-on therapy for medically refractory epilepsy.