Seizure course of PCDH19 clustering epilepsy in female children: A multicentre cohort study in China

Abstract

AbstractAimTo investigate the seizure course of PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19‐CE) in a cohort of female children in China.MethodThis ambidirectional cohort study examined 113 female patients with PCDH19‐CE through multicentre collaboration. Prognostic factors for seizure freedom were evaluated by multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsThe median seizure course period from seizure onset was 6 years 6 months. Of 113 patients, 78% and 56% experienced seizure freedom for at least 1 year and at least 2 years respectively. In patients younger than 5 years (n = 30), 5 to 10 years (n = 52), and older than 10 years (n = 31), 57%, 81%, and 94% experienced at least 1 year of seizure freedom, and 32%, 52%, and 84% experienced at least 2 years of seizure freedom, respectively. However, 58% (65 out of 113) relapsed at least once after more than 1 year of seizure freedom without trigger exposure (40%) or because of common triggers, including fever (43%) and antiseizure medication (ASM) reduction (29%). There was an 84% risk of seizure relapse after ASM reduction attempts. The likelihood of seizure freedom decreased with early age at seizure onset and developmental delay.InterpretationPatients with PCDH19‐CE exhibit increasing seizure freedom with age, but there is a risk of relapse. ASM reduction in children younger than 10 years old requires caution. Patients with early seizure onset and developmental delay have a reduced chance of seizure freedom.