About 7 in 10 children who develop epilepsy experience terminal remission, while the condition becomes intractable in only about one in 10, according to a study published online June 14 in Epilepsia, reported HealthDay News.
About 7 in 10 children who develop epilepsy experience terminal remission, while the condition becomes intractable in only about one in 10, according to a study published online June 14 in Epilepsia, reported HealthDay News.
Ada Geerts, of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and colleagues followed a cohort of children from an earlier epilepsy study from initial onset in 1988 to 1992 for a mean of 14.8 years. A questionnaire was sent to 453 subjects to determine the course and outcome of their condition.
Among the 413 respondents, the researchers found that 70.9% had a terminal remission interval of at least 5 years by the end of follow-up. A favorable course was reported by 48.4% and an improving course by 29.1%. A poor course was reported by 9.9% of subjects, and 6.1% reported a deteriorating course. Eighteen of the subjects died. Eighty-six percent of the subjects used antiepileptic drugs during a mean 7.4 years-a third had their last seizure within a year of treatment, and another third continued treatment at the end of follow-up. Nine percent of the cohort was intractable at the researchers' last contact with them.
"In most children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, the long-term prognosis of epilepsy is favorable, and in particular, patients with idiopathic etiology will eventually reach remission. In contrast, epilepsy remains active in approximately 30% and becomes intractable in approximately 10%. Antiepileptic drugs probably do not influence epilepsy course; they merely suppress seizures," the authors wrote.
Iowa Expands PBM Legislation to Address Concerns of Independent Pharmacies
May 16th 2025A new law in Iowa, if signed by the governor, will mandate 100% pass-through of rebates, increased financial transparency, and a minimal payment for pharmacies. Critics say it will be the most costly mandate in the state’s history.
Read More
Is Arkansas’ New PBM Law the Right Path Forward for Reform? No One Knows Yet
May 9th 2025It could improve access to community pharmacies and lower prices. Or it will limit access to critical drugs and impact payers’ ability to contract for a broad range of services. Industry leaders are unsure about the impact of Arkansas’ law banning PBMs from owning pharmacies.
Read More