title: Neuromodulation Therapy with Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Intractable Epilepsy: A 2-Year Efficacy Analysis Study in Patients under 12 Years of Age.
abstract: To study the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy as an adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy in patients under 12 years of age, we analyzed 2-year postimplant data of 35 consecutive patients. Of the 35 patients, 18 (51.4%) at 6 months, 18 (51.4%) at 12 months, and 21 (60.1%) at 24 months showed ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency (responders). Although incremental seizure freedom was noted, no patient remained seizure-free throughout the 3 study periods. Partial response (≥50% seizure reduction in 2 or less study periods) was seen in 8 (22.9%) patients. Twelve patients (34.3%) were nonresponders. Out of 29 patients with primary generalized epilepsy, 20 (68.9%) and, out of 6 patients with focal epilepsy, 3 (50%) had ≥50% seizure control in at least one study period. No major complications or side effects requiring discontinuation of VNS therapy were encountered. We conclude that (1) patients with intractable primary generalized epilepsy respond better to VNS therapy, (2) cumulative effect of neuromodulation with improving responder rate to seizure freedom with continuation of VNS therapy is noted, and (3) VNS therapy is safe and is well tolerated in children receiving implant under 12 years of age.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Suite No. 208, 3460 E. La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA.
authors.forename: Suresh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gurbani
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sirichai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chayasirisobhon
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cahan
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: SooHo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Enos
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Meei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schweitzer