Prevalence and Incidence of Drug-Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Qatar

Abstract

Background: Information on the epidemiology of temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) from Qatar and the developing countries is scarce. To acquire knowledge on the incidence and prevalence of drug-resistant TLE-HS in Qatar, we designed this analytical and extrapolative systematic review of the existing literature. Material and methods: We searched the electronic database PubMed from 1947 until April, 2018, using the following search terms in the title: “epilepsy” OR “temporal lobe” OR “hippocampal sclerosis” AND “epidemiology” OR “incidence” OR “prevalence.” Relevant original studies, reviews, and their references, were included. We extrapolated from the previous international literature to estimate the epidemiology of drug-resistant TLE-HS in Qatar. Results: The estimated Qatar incidence of epilepsy varies from 50 to 61 per 100 000 persons per year, and the estimated prevalence of epilepsy is 6.54 per 1000 population; the estimated incidence of TLE varies from 9.5 to 11.6 patients per 100 000 population per year and the estimated prevalence of TLE is 1.76 patients per 1000 people, with 4721 patients having TLE in Qatar. Finally, the reviewed studies also helped in making an estimate of the Qatar prevalence of drug-resistant TLE-HS to be between 0.3 and 0.6 cases per 1000 people (804-1609 current patients) and the Qatar incidence of drug-resistant TLE-HS (2.3-4.3 cases per 100 000 people, per year) with 62 to 116 new patients per year. Conclusion: Our study suggests that 804 to 1609 current patients (with 62-116 additional patients per year) in Qatar are suffering from drug-resistant TLE-HS; emphasis should be placed on the surgical aspect of the current Qatar Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.

The genetic link between systemic autoimmune disorders and temporal lobe epilepsy: A bioinformatics study

“…Drug-resistant TLE is a common and challenging condition in neurology centers around the world. 1,41 This condition may have devastating consequences [e.g., sudden unexpected death 42 ] and should be taken into account seriously when considering the therapeutic options for the patient. The underlying etiologies of TLE are diverse [2][3][4]43 ; therefore, the treatment plans should differ for different patients (e.g., surgery for lesional TLEs and medical therapy for autoimmune TLEs).…”

“…Drug‐resistant TLE is a common and challenging condition in neurology centers around the world 1,41 . This condition may have devastating consequences [e.g., sudden unexpected death 42 ] and should be taken into account seriously when considering the therapeutic options for the patient.…”

Correlation between automated volumetry of temporal lobes and electroencephalography in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

“…Accordingly, an automated method of brain volumetry can be developed to generate more accurate results. It is also worth mentioning that temporal lobe epilepsy is often drug-resistant [13], which could explain the lack of response to conventional therapy in some dogs, making room for the development of alternative epilepsy treatment options such as surgical procedures [14].…”

Health related quality of life in a Saudi population of patients with epilepsy

“…4 One Saudi Arabian community-based study reported that the prevalence rate for active epilepsy was 6.54 per 1,000 people. 6 …”

“…4 One Saudi Arabian community-based study reported that the prevalence rate for active epilepsy was 6.54 per 1,000 people. 6 The World Health Organization defines quality of life )QOL( as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns." In healthcare, QOL is usually evaluated by how a certain ailment affects a patient on a personal level.…”