Early epileptiform EEG activity in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex predicts epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Epilepsia. 2021 May;62(5):1208-1219. doi: 10.1111/epi.16892. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Abstract

Objective: To study the association between timing and characteristics of the first electroencephalography (EEG) with epileptiform discharges (ED-EEG) and epilepsy and neurodevelopment at 24 months in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods: Patients enrolled in the prospective Epileptogenesis in a genetic model of epilepsy - Tuberous sclerosis complex (EPISTOP) trial, had serial EEG monitoring until the age of 24 months. The timing and characteristics of the first ED-EEG were studied in relation to clinical outcome. Epilepsy-related outcomes were analyzed separately in a conventionally followed group (initiation of vigabatrin after seizure onset) and a preventive group (initiation of vigabatrin before seizures, but after appearance of interictal epileptiform discharges [IEDs]).

Results: Eighty-three infants with TSC were enrolled at a median age of 28 days (interquartile range [IQR] 14-54). Seventy-nine of 83 patients (95%) developed epileptiform discharges at a median age of 77 days (IQR 23-111). Patients with a pathogenic TSC2 variant were significantly younger (P-value .009) at first ED-EEG and more frequently had multifocal IED (P-value .042) than patients with a pathogenic TSC1 variant. A younger age at first ED-EEG was significantly associated with lower cognitive (P-value .010), language (P-value .001), and motor (P-value .013) developmental quotients at 24 months. In the conventional group, 48 of 60 developed seizures. In this group, the presence of focal slowing on the first ED-EEG was predictive of earlier seizure onset (P-value .030). Earlier recording of epileptiform discharges (P-value .019), especially when multifocal (P-value .026) was associated with higher risk of drug-resistant epilepsy. In the preventive group, timing, distribution of IED, or focal slowing, was not associated with the epilepsy outcomes. However, when multifocal IEDs were present on the first ED-EEG, preventive treatment delayed the onset of seizures significantly (P-value <.001).

Significance: Early EEG findings help to identify TSC infants at risk of severe epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay and those who may benefit from preventive treatment with vigabatrin.

Keywords: EEG; epilepsy; epileptogenesis; neurodevelopment; tuberous sclerosis complex.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology
  • Early Diagnosis*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / complications*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein / genetics
  • Vigabatrin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • TSC1 protein, human
  • TSC2 protein, human
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Vigabatrin