The SEEN study: A population-based study of neurobehavior in young children with epilepsy and a comparison group with non-epilepsy related neurodisability.
Abstract number :
3.313
Submission category :
11. Behavior/Neuropsychology/Language / 10B. Pediatrics
Year :
2016
Submission ID :
195118
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/5/2016 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Nov 21, 2016, 18:00 PM
Authors :
Colin Reilly, Young Epilepsy; Patricia Atkinson, Crawley Hospital; Ayesha Memon, Crawley Hospital; Christopher Gillberg, University of Gothenburg; Brian Neville, University College London; Krishna Das, Great Ormond Street Hospital; Chloe Jones, Young Epil
Rationale: There is a lack of population-based data on neurodevelopment in young children with epilepsy. Furthermore, there is a lack of data to indicate whether young children with epilepsy have more emotional-behavioural difficulties than developmentally matched comparison children. Thus the aim of this study, the Sussex Early Epilepsy and Neurobehavior (SEEN) study, was to provide population-based data on developmental functioning and adaptive behaviour in young children with epilepsy and to compare the children with, age and gender matched children with non-epilepsy related neurodisability across a range of emotional and behavioural domains. Methods: Young children (1-7 years) with epilepsy (n=48) were recruited between September 2014 and February 2016 in a defined geographical area of the UK. They underwent comprehensive psychological assessment including measures of global development, adaptive behaviour, motor functioning, attention, social functioning, mood and sleep. Children with epilepsy were compared with developmental, age and gender matched children with non-epilepsy related neurodisability (n=45 to date) across all assessed domains. Alpha level was p < 0.05. Results: 58% children with epilepsy had a score >2SD below average on a measure of global development and 56% had an adaptive behaviour score >2SD below average. There was not a significant difference between children with epilepsy and the comparison group with respect to adaptive behaviour (p=0.838), motor difficulties (p=0.143), sleep (p=0.659) or social functioning (p=0.171). However, children with epilepsy had significantly more difficulties with attention (p=0.023) and mood (p=0.031) than the comparison group. Conclusions: A high proportion of young children with epilepsy have global developmental and adaptive behaviour impairments. There may be a specific neurobehavioral profile in young children with epilepsy including specific difficulties with attention and mood. There is a need to identify the exact nature of neurobehavioral difficulties in young children with epilepsy and why they may differ from other children with developmental difficulties. Funding: The study was funded by the George E Neville Foundation and Young Epilepsy.
Neurophysiology