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. 2011 May;36(4):466-75.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsq114. Epub 2011 Jan 29.

Treatment factors affecting longitudinal quality of life in new onset pediatric epilepsy

Avani C Modi  1 , Lisa M Ingerski, Joseph R Rausch, Tracy A Glauser
Affiliations

Treatment factors affecting longitudinal quality of life in new onset pediatric epilepsy

Avani C Modi et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2011 May.

Abstract

Objectives: Recognizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes, this longitudinal, prospective study examined: Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over seven months following antiepileptic drug (AED) initiation and the relationship of seizures, AED side-effects, and AED type to HRQOL.

Method: Parents of 124 children with newly diagnosed epilepsy completed measures of HRQOL and side-effects at each clinic visit. Treatment information was also collected.

Results: HRQOL remained stable over time; however, seizures and AED side-effects significantly affected multiple HRQOL domains. Higher seizure activity was associated with decreased Physical HRQOL. Side-effects were negatively associated with all HRQOL domains. Children taking carbamazepine who experienced higher side-effects early in therapy demonstrated declining emotional functioning compared to children experiencing no/some side-effects.

Conclusions: AED side-effects, AED type, and seizure frequency were associated with longitudinal HRQOL in children with newly-diagnosed epilepsy. Routine assessment of AED side-effects and HRQOL may be useful for clinical decision making.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow diagram representing sample recruitment, retention, and missing data.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
PedsQL scores over time as a function of side-effect severity over time.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Three-way interaction between AED type side-effects, and time on the PedsQL Emotional Functioning Scale.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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