[MS1-2A-3] Long-term Vagus nerve stimulation in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
[Introduction] Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of childhood epilepsy that is usually refractory to anticonvulsants. When medications fail, Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy could be considered. This paper discusses the long-term effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of VNS therapy in children with LGS.
[Methodology] A retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of VNS therapy in children with LGS. Data collection forms were designed for retrospectively gathering data on each patient’s pre-implant history, seizures, implants, device settings, and adverse events.
[Results] We describe a population of 13 boys ( 61.9%) and 8 girls ( 38.1%) with a mean age at seizure onset of 2.5 years. The mean age of VNS implantation was 9 years, and a median of 6 anticonvulsants had been tried before implantation. Mean follow-up duration was 45.5 months (25-81 months). Median seizure reductions of 21 children after implanted were 43.1% at one year, 46.7% at two years, and 57.2% at the last follow-up. In these children, 61.9% (n=13) had >or=50% seizure reduction, and 9.5% (n=2) had seizure free. The most common adverse events reported were drooling and voice alteration during stimulation.
[Conclusions] VNS is an effective palliative treatment for children with medically refractory epilepsy in LGS. This treatment is well tolerated and safe.
[Methodology] A retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of VNS therapy in children with LGS. Data collection forms were designed for retrospectively gathering data on each patient’s pre-implant history, seizures, implants, device settings, and adverse events.
[Results] We describe a population of 13 boys ( 61.9%) and 8 girls ( 38.1%) with a mean age at seizure onset of 2.5 years. The mean age of VNS implantation was 9 years, and a median of 6 anticonvulsants had been tried before implantation. Mean follow-up duration was 45.5 months (25-81 months). Median seizure reductions of 21 children after implanted were 43.1% at one year, 46.7% at two years, and 57.2% at the last follow-up. In these children, 61.9% (n=13) had >or=50% seizure reduction, and 9.5% (n=2) had seizure free. The most common adverse events reported were drooling and voice alteration during stimulation.
[Conclusions] VNS is an effective palliative treatment for children with medically refractory epilepsy in LGS. This treatment is well tolerated and safe.