Analysis of related factors for neuropsychiatric comorbidities in children with epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

To analyze the risk factors affecting psychiatric behavior and study the psychobehavioral conditions of children with epilepsy.

Method

We randomly selected and enrolled 294 children with epilepsy who visited and were hospitalized in the pediatric clinic of Hebei General Hospital between January 2017 and January 2022, as the study participants. We comprehensively assessed their cognitive functions using the Gesell development schedule or Wechsler Intelligence Scales. The participants were divided into the study group (n = 123) with cognitive impairment and the control group (n = 171) with normal cognitive functions, for analysis.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in disease course, frequency of epilepsy, status epilepticus, and the number of antiseizure medications (ASMs) used (P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, age of onset, form of onset, interictal epileptiform discharge, history of febrile convulsion, and the time from onset to initial visit (P > 0.05). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the course of disease, frequency of onset, status epilepticus and number of ASMs used were identified as high-risk factors for cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy. Similarly, early onset, long course of disease, known etiology, and combination of multiple drugs have a negative impact on behavioral problems, school education, and social adaptability.

Conclusion

The course of disease, the frequency of onset, status epilepticus, and the number of ASMs used are high-risk factors for cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy, which can be prevented and controlled early. When selecting ASMs, their advantages and disadvantages should be weighed. Moreover, the availability of alternative treatment options must be considered. With the help of genomic technology, the causes of epilepsy should be identified as early as possible, and precision medicine and gene therapy for children with epilepsy should be actively developed.