SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH INTRACTABLE EPILEPSY: A POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC STUDY
Abstract number :
1.115
Submission category :
Year :
2002
Submission ID :
1975
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/7/2002 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2002, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Bradley V. Vaughn, O[ssquote]Neill F. D[ssquote]Cruz. Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
RATIONALE: Patients with epilepsy frequently have complaints of unsatisfying sleep. Sleep disorders are prevalent in the general population, but little is know regarding the prevalence of these disorders in patients with intractable epilepsy. Previous studies have shown that patients with epilepsy benefit from treatment of their sleep disorders. Following the review of this poster, participants should have a greater sense of the pervasiveness of sleep disorders in patients with intractable epilepsy.
METHODS: We performed overnight polysomnography in 25 patients with intractable epilepsy who averaged over four seizures per month and did not express sleep complaints to their physician. In addition to the standard polysomnography parameters, we measured intranasal pressure and end tidal CO2. Studies were scored using Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria and respiratory events were scored consistent with the Chicago Criteria. Correlation coefficients were determined for respiratory parameters (p [lt] 0.05).
RESULTS: We found that 15 (60%) of our subjects had a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) greater than 5 events per hour, and 9 (36%) of our subjects had RDI greater than 10 events per hour. Yet, we found 13 (52%) of our subjects had events of oxygen desaturation to 88 percent or below. We found significant correlations of degree of the oxygen desaturation and RDI and weight, but not age. We also found 3 (12%) individuals had a periodic limb movement (PLM) index greater than 15 events per hour and only one subject had a PLM arousal index greater than 5 event per hour.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that patients with intractable epilepsy have a high prevalence of sleep disorders. Physicians should have an elevated index of suspicion for sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy.
[Supported by: This study was funded in part by Cyberonics Inc.]; (Disclosure: Grant - Cyberonics, Glaxo Smith Kline, UCB, OthroMcNeill, Cephalon, Consulting - Cyberonics, Honoraria - Cyberonics, Glaxo Smith Kline,Wyeth Ayerst, Searle, MER, Abbott)