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Review
. 2024 Sep 6:43:e2024066.
doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2025/43/2024066. eCollection 2024.

Smartphone applications for the management of epilepsy in children and adolescents

Gabriela Garcia de Carvalho Laguna  1 , Diego Bastos Ribeiro  2 , Lidhane Santos Coelho  2 , Murilo Sousa Ramos  2 , Karolaine da Costa Evangelista  1 , David Santos Libarino  1 , Davi Tanajura Costa  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Smartphone applications for the management of epilepsy in children and adolescents

Gabriela Garcia de Carvalho Laguna et al. Rev Paul Pediatr. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: To describe how smartphone applications can contribute to the management of epilepsy in children and adolescents.

Data source: This is an integrative review conducted on the Medline, PubMed, and SciELO databases, based on the descriptors "epilepsy" and "smartphone." Original studies published between 2017-2023 in Portuguese or English that addressed the research question were included. Theses and dissertations, duplicate studies, literature reviews, and studies that did not answer the research question were excluded.

Data synthesis: A total of 178 studies were located, of which six were selected for this review. The sample included 731 participants (631 children and adolescents with epilepsy and 100 caregivers). The applications allow for the collection of seizure frequency; timing and type of crisis; reminders for medication administration; and information about sleep quality. They can store these data for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and users to monitor the progress of the condition.

Conclusions: The use of applications in managing seizures in children and adolescents with epilepsy shows promising results by promoting continuous and personalized monitoring. Further studies are needed to optimize beneficial outcomes and overcome challenges.

Objetivo:: Descrever como aplicativos de smartphone podem contribuir para o gerenciamento de quadros de epilepsia em crianças e adolescentes.

Fontes de dados:: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados Medline; PubMed e SciELO, com base nos descritores “epilepsy” e “smartphone”. Foram incluídos estudos originais publicados entre 2017–2023 em português ou inglês que respondessem à pergunta de investigação. Teses e dissertações, estudos duplicados, revisões de literatura e estudos que não responderam à questão de pesquisa foram excluídos.

Síntese dos dados:: Foram localizados 178 estudos, dos quais seis foram selecionados para compor esta revisão. A amostra incluiu 731 participantes (631 infantojuvenis com epilepsia e 100 cuidadores). Os aplicativos permitem a coleta da frequência de convulsões; momento e o tipo de crise; lembretes para a administração de medicamentos; e informações sobre a qualidade do sono, sendo capazes de armazenar esses dados para profissionais da saúde, cuidadores e usuários acompanharem a evolução do quadro.

Conclusões:: O uso de aplicativos no manejo das convulsões de crianças e adolescentes com epilepsia apresenta resultados promissores ao promoverem um monitoramento contínuo e personalizado. Novos estudos são necessários para otimizar os resultados benéficos e superar desafios.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study selection flowchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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