Objective This study was undertaken to perform an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), describing trends over time, and exploring potential clinical and epidemiological factors explaining the heterogeneity in the region. Methods Observational studies assessing the incidence or prevalence of epilepsy in LAC countries up to March 2020 were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. Meta‐analyses and cumulative analyses were performed using random‐effects models. We assessed between‐study heterogeneity with sensitivity, subgroup, and meta‐regression analyses. Moreover, the quality of the included studies and the certainty of evidence were evaluated using the GRADE (grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation) approach. Results Overall, 40 studies (from 42 records) were included, 37 for prevalence analyses and six for incidence (312 387 inhabitants; 410 178 person‐years). The lifetime prevalence was 14.09 per 1000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.72–16.67), for active epilepsy prevalence was 9.06 per 1000 individuals (95% CI = 6.94–11.44), and the incidence rate was 1.11 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI = .65–1.70). These high estimates have been constant in the region since 1990. However, substantial statistical heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were found. The overall certainty of evidence was low. Methodological aspects (sample size) and countries’ epidemiological characteristics such as access to sanitation services and child and adult mortality rates explained the high heterogeneity. Finally, the prevalence of epilepsy associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the general population was high, and the proportion of NCC diagnosis among people living with epilepsy was 17.37%. Significance The epilepsy prevalence and incidence in LAC are higher than worldwide estimates, being constant since 1990 and strongly influenced by NCC. We identified high between‐study heterogeneity and significant methodological limitations (e.g., heterogeneous definitions, lack of longitudinal studies). The region needs upgraded research using standardized definitions and diagnostic methods, and urgent action against preventable causes.

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Background There is debate as to whether there is an increased risk of COVID‐19 infection in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), possibly due to associated factors. This study aimed to systematically review the factors associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD. Methods A search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 2020 (updated until 1 April 2021). Observational studies that analyzed factors associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD were selected and revised. Results The authors included six studies (four case‐controlled studies and two cross‐sectional studies) in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The authors found that the following factors were associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD: obesity (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07–2.99, I 2 : 0%), any pulmonary disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17–3.15, I 2 : 0%), COVID‐19 contact (OR: 41.77, 95% CI: 4.77 – 365.56, I 2 : 0%), vitamin D supplementation (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.83, I 2 : 0%), hospitalization (OR: 11.78, 95% CI: 6.27–22.12, I 2 : 0%), and death (OR: 11.23, 95% CI: 3.92–32.18, I 2 : 0%). The authors did not find any significant association between COVID‐19 and hypertension, diabetes, cardiopathy, cancer, any cognitive problem, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal or hepatic disease, smoking, and tremor. Conclusions Meta‐analyses were limited by the number of events and some methodological limitations. Despite this, the authors assessed the available evidence, and the results may be useful for future health policies.