Abdel-Mannan, O;
Venkatesan, TC;
Sutcliffe, AG;
(2022)
Paediatric sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): is it truly unexplained?
Paediatrics and Child Health
, 32
(10)
pp. 382-387.
10.1016/j.paed.2022.07.010.
Preview |
Text
Abdel-Mannan_Paediatric sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)_submitted.pdf Download (185kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an increasingly recognized cause of death in children and young people with epilepsy. Although paediatric SUDEP is thought to be a rare event, it may be more common than previously thought, with incidence estimates ranging from 0.22 to 6 per 1000 person years. Limited clinician experience and knowledge about paediatric SUDEP has impaired the ability to inform children and their families about their individual risk and means to reduce it. Although many questions remain, in the past two decades our understanding of paediatric SUDEP has greatly increased. The pathophysiology of paediatric SUDEP remains poorly characterized, with distinct respiratory, cardiac, and central mechanisms all likely to be involved. Recent cohort studies have allowed major risk factors to be identified, including frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures, nocturnal seizures, and lack of supervision. Optimizing seizure control, alongside the early detection and supervision of seizure activity, are possible risk reduction strategies. Evidenced-based discussions about paediatric SUDEP should form part of routine care for children and young people with epilepsy.
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
