Seizure frequency and characteristics in children with Down syndrome.
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.
Goldberg-Stern
H
H
Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Strawsburg
R H
RH
Patterson
B
B
Hickey
F
F
Bare
M
M
Gadoth
N
N
Degrauw
T J
TJ
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*
D000927:Anticonvulsants