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BMC Biomedical Engineering Jul 2024This article aims to provide and implement a patient-specific seizure (for Intervention Time (IT) detection) prediction algorithm using non-invasive data to develop...
This article aims to provide and implement a patient-specific seizure (for Intervention Time (IT) detection) prediction algorithm using non-invasive data to develop warning devices to prevent further patient injury and reduce stress. Employing algorithms with high initial data volume and computations time to increase the accuracy is an important problem in prediction issues. Consequently, reduction of calculations is met by applying only two effective EEG signal channels without manual removal of artifacts by visual inspection as the algorithm's input. Autoregression (AR) modeling and Cepstrum detect changes due to IT period. We carry out the goal of higher accuracy by increasing sensitivity to interictal epileptiform discharges or artifacts and reduce errors caused by them, taking advantage of the discrete wavelet transform and the comparison of two channels epochs by applying the median filter. Averaging and positive envelope methods are introduced to patient-specific thresholds become more differentiated as soon as possible and can be lead to sooner prediction. We examined this method on a mathematical model of adult epilepsy as well as on 10 patients with EEG data. The results of our experiments confirm that performance of the proposed approach in accuracy and average false prediction rate is superior to other algorithms. Simulation results have been shown the robustness of our proposed method to artifacts and errors, which is a step towards the development of real-time alarm devices by non-invasive techniques.
PubMed: 38946007
DOI: 10.1186/s42490-024-00081-1 -
Pediatrics in Review Jul 2024
Review
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Seizures; Anticonvulsants; Electroencephalography
PubMed: 38945992
DOI: 10.1542/pir.2023-006016 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Aug 2024According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019, there were approximately 223,135 hospitalizations in the United States related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). If... (Review)
Review
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019, there were approximately 223,135 hospitalizations in the United States related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). If not managed properly, these patients can suffer complications with significant negative implications with respect to morbidity, mortality, and long-term functional prognosis. It is imperative that medical providers who care for patients with TBI across the entire spectrum of care readily diagnose and treat the sequela associated with moderate-severe brain trauma. This article will focus on some of the key medical issues that providers may encounter during acute inpatient rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; Brain Injuries, Traumatic
PubMed: 38945647
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2024.02.004 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Jun 2024This review aims to summarize existing evidence on the adverse pregnancy outcomes and seizure control effects of using lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy in pregnancy women... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to summarize existing evidence on the adverse pregnancy outcomes and seizure control effects of using lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy in pregnancy women with epilepsy (WWE) during pregnancy.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in various databases including Cochrane, Web of Science, CBM, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Pregnancy Registration Center databases to identify relevant studies. The search was concluded up to January 2024. Studies comparing LTG with other antiseizure medications (ASMs) for treating epilepsy in pregnant women were included, with no language or regional restrictions.
RESULTS
A total of 19 studies were included for analysis, with 16 studies reporting adverse pregnancy outcomes and 6 studies reporting seizure control outcomes. Meta-analysis showed that compared to monotherapy with carbamazepine (CBZ), sodium valproate (VPA), and levetiracetam (LEV), LTG monotherapy had a slightly weaker ability to control seizures during pregnancy, with ORs and 95 %CIs of 0.65 (0.57-0.75; CBZ), 0.50 (0.32-0.79; VPA), and 0.55 (0.36-0.84; LEV). Regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes, the occurrence rate of LTG monotherapy was significantly lower than that of CBZ, VPA, phenytoin (PHT), and phenobarbital (PHB), with ORs and 95 %CIs ranging from 0.30 (0.25-0.35; VPA) to 0.68 (0.56-0.81; CBZ).
CONCLUSION
Based on meta-analysis, LTG and LEV appear to be preferred medications for controlling seizures during pregnancy. This review provides further support for the use of LTG monotherapy in pregnant WWE, building upon existing evidence for clinical practitioners.
PubMed: 38945077
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109924 -
Epilepsy Research Jun 2024Early prediction of epileptic seizures can help reduce morbidity and mortality. In this work, we explore using electrocardiographic (ECG) signal as input to a seizure...
OBJECTIVES
Early prediction of epileptic seizures can help reduce morbidity and mortality. In this work, we explore using electrocardiographic (ECG) signal as input to a seizure prediction system and note that the performance can be improved by using selected signal processing techniques.
METHODS
We used frequency domain analysis with a deep neural network backend for all our experiments in this work. We further analysed the effect of the proposed system for different seizure semiologies and prediction horizons. We explored refining the signal using signal processing to enhance the system's performance.
RESULTS
Our final system using the Temple University Hospital's Seizure (TUHSZ) corpus gave an overall prediction accuracy of 84.02 %, sensitivity of 87.59 %, specificity of 81.9 %, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.9112. Notably, these results surpassed the state-of-the-art outcomes reported using the TUHSZ database; all findings are statistically significant. We also validated our study using the Siena scalp EEG database. Using the frequency domain data, our baseline system gave a performance of 75.17 %, 79.17 %, 70.04 % and 0.82 for prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUROC, respectively. After selecting the optimal frequency band of 0.8-15 Hz, we obtained a performance of 80.49 %, 89.51 %, 75.23 % and 0.89 for prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUROC, respectively which is an improvement of 5.32 %, 10.34 %, 5.19 % and 0.08 for prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUROC, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The seizure information in ECG is concentrated in a narrow frequency band. Identifying and selecting that band can help improve the performance of seizure detection and prediction.
SIGNIFICANCE
EEG is susceptible to artefacts and is not preferred in a low-cost ambulatory device. ECG can be used in wearable devices (like chest bands) and is feasible for developing a low-cost ambulatory device for seizure prediction. Early seizure prediction can provide patients and clinicians with the required alert to take necessary precautions and prevent a fatality, significantly improving the patient's quality of life.
PubMed: 38944916
DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107403 -
Hemodialysis International.... Jun 2024A 61-year-old female with diabetes and stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis since 3 years via left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula presented with...
A 61-year-old female with diabetes and stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis since 3 years via left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula presented with uncontrolled sugars, weight loss, and dysphagia. On evaluation, she was found to have an oral thrush with leucocytosis. Initial blood and urine cultures were sterile, and ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic lesions in the left lobe of the liver. She had high-grade fever followed by seizures on postadmission Day 10. Brain imaging and serum electrolytes were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was noncontributory, and urine culture revealed Candida non-albicans with elevated white blood cell counts. She was started on fluconazole; however, her clinical condition deteriorated, with hemodynamic instability. Repeat abdominal computerized tomography revealed increasing hypodense lesions in the left lobe of the liver with elevated beta D glucan levels. Percutaneous drainage of the abscess revealed no fungal elements. In view of clinical deterioration, amphotericin B was started, which resulted in clinical improvement. Clinician should have high index of suspicion for fungal etiology in hemodialysis patients presenting with liver abscess.
PubMed: 38945692
DOI: 10.1111/hdi.13172 -
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ Jul 2024Burns are very common and important injuries associated with epilepsy. Epileptics are afflicted with burns when they come in contact with fire or other burning agents... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Burns are very common and important injuries associated with epilepsy. Epileptics are afflicted with burns when they come in contact with fire or other burning agents while seizing, due to loss of consciousness. The aim of the study was to identify the causes of burn, pattern and characteristics of burn in patients with epilepsy, duration of hospital stay and pattern of treatment in these patients. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2023. Epileptics were found in 0.84% (n=19) of the total admission (2274) in Burn unit. Majority of the patients were females (84.2%) and the mean age was (31.42±1.32) years. Maximum patients were housewives (78.9%). Among 19 cases, 11 cases (57.89%) had history of irregularly taking antiepileptic drugs and 8 cases (42.11%) had no history of treatment for epilepsy. Two cases (10.53%) had history of previous burn injury. Flame burn was the major etiology (89.5%). Mean total burn surface area (TBSA) was (6.94±4.12%). Most patients had full thickness burns (63.2%). Regarding distribution of burn, maximum involvement was in upper limb i.e. 68.21% cases. Surgical treatment was needed in the majority of the patients (68.5%). Mean hospital stay of these patients was (5.36±2.26) weeks. Epilepsy patients whose seizures are inadequately controlled are at increased risks of injury, especially burn. For prevention of burn, epilepsy should be treated properly.
Topics: Humans; Female; Bangladesh; Male; Adult; Burns; Epilepsy; Prospective Studies; Length of Stay; Tertiary Care Centers; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent
PubMed: 38944708
DOI: No ID Found -
Seizure Jun 2024The unique patho-clinical entity of late-onset epilepsy (LOE), distinguished by its distinct natural history, from its onset to the prognosis it portends, necessitates... (Review)
Review
The unique patho-clinical entity of late-onset epilepsy (LOE), distinguished by its distinct natural history, from its onset to the prognosis it portends, necessitates specialized care. We lack a universally accepted definition, but LOE is typically identified as epilepsy onset after the age of 60 or 65. Unlike epilepsy in younger individuals, LOE is almost by default focal in origin, secondary to acquired etiologies, and presents unique diagnostic and management challenges due to its atypical semiology, higher comorbidity burden, frailty, and increased risks of subsequent stroke and dementia. LOE clinics have been established to address these challenges, providing a multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes in patients with new-onset seizures beyond the fifth decade of life. LOE clinics are essential for comprehensive care, offering not only seizure management but also monitoring and addressing associated comorbidities. The care model involves collaboration among neurologists, primary care providers, cardiologists, mental health professionals, and social workers to manage LOE patients' complex needs effectively. The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in LOE patients underscores the need for regular cognitive assessments and interventions. Biomarker research, particularly involving amyloid beta, offers promising avenues for early diagnosis and a better understanding of the interplay between LOE and Alzheimer's disease. Establishing LOE clinics in major referral centers can enhance provider expertise, improve patient outcomes, and facilitate research to advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, LOE clinics play a critical role in addressing the multifaceted needs of older adults with epilepsy, tailored to local resources and challenges, thus enhancing epilepsy care in an aging global population.
PubMed: 38944548
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.06.026 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Jun 2024Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical and neurologic emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage, morbidity, or death. Animal models of SE are particularly...
Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical and neurologic emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage, morbidity, or death. Animal models of SE are particularly important to study the pathophysiology of SE and mechanisms of SE resistance to antiseizure medications with the aim to develop new, more effective treatments. In addition to rodents (rats or mice), larger mammalian species such as dogs, pigs, and nonhuman primates are used. This short review describes and discusses the value and limitations of the most frequently used mammalian models of SE. Issues that are discussed include (1) differences between chemical and electrical SE models; (2) the role of genetic background and environment on SE in rodents; (3) the use of rodent models (a) to study the pathophysiology of SE and mechanisms of SE resistance; (b) to study developmental aspects of SE; (c) to study the efficacy of new treatments, including drug combinations, for refractory SE; (d) to study the long-term consequences of SE and identify biomarkers; (e) to develop treatments that prevent or modify epilepsy; (e) to study the pharmacology of spontaneous seizures; (4) the limitations of animal models of induced SE; and (5) the advantages (and limitations) of naturally (spontaneously) occurring SE in epileptic dogs and nonhuman primates. Overall, mammalian models of SE have significantly increased our understanding of the pathophysiology and drug resistance of SE and identified potential targets for new, more effective treatments. This paper was presented at the 9th London-Innsbruck Colloquium on Status Epilepticus and Acute Seizures held in April 2024.
PubMed: 38944026
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109923 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Bilateral combined fractures of the greater tuberosity with anterior internal shoulder dislocation are extremely rare, presenting challenges in treatment due to their...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Bilateral combined fractures of the greater tuberosity with anterior internal shoulder dislocation are extremely rare, presenting challenges in treatment due to their uncommon occurrence and lack of standardized management protocols.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 22-year-old patient who experienced bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations with associated fractures of the greater tuberosities following a seizure-induced fall. Clinical Discussion: The unique aspect of our case is the unusual mechanism of injury. Unlike typical convulsive seizures, which often result in bilateral posterior dislocations, our patient suffered bilateral anterior dislocations and fractures of the greater tuberosities. Therapeutic management of greater tuberosity fractures lacks a standardized approach, but surgical intervention is warranted if displacement exceeds 0.5 cm. Treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), percutaneous screw fixation, arthroscopic procedures with suture anchors for double-row repair, or a combination of arthroscopic techniques and screw fixation. ORIF with plate osteosynthesis may be recommended for comminuted fractures with large fragments. To assess functional outcomes, commonly used scoring systems include the UCLA Shoulder Score, ASES Score, and Constant-Murley Score.
CONCLUSION
Bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation associated with combined fractures of the greater tuberosity is an extremely rare occurrence. Given its anatomopathological significance and impact on functional recovery, careful and individualized management of greater tuberosity fractures is crucial, considering its role as a point of insertion for the rotator cuff tendons.
PubMed: 38943937
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109914