title: Seizure frequency and characteristics in children with Down syndrome.
abstract: Seizures have not historically been considered a major component of Down syndrome. We examined the prevalence of epileptic seizures in 350 children and adolescents with Down syndrome evaluated at a regional center between 1985 and 1997. Results showed that 28 patients (8%) had epileptic seizures: 13 (47%) partial seizures; 9 (32%) infantile spasms, and 6 (21%) generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In the infantile spasm group, there was no relationship between the initial electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern and response to treatment or long-term seizure control, or between type of pharmacologic treatment (valproic acid, adrenocorticotropic hormone or both) and clinical remission, EEG normalization or long-term seizure control. Neurodevelopmental outcome was poor despite good seizure control in the infantile spasm group. This regional study reinforces the relative association of seizures and Down syndrome. A prospective study including a national/international registry with emphasis on developmental assessment and long-term follow up is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goldberg-Stern
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Strawsburg
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hickey
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bare
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gadoth
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Degrauw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants