Abstracts

We sought to evaluate the long-term efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in refractory pediatric epilepsy., Twenty eight patients could be followed over 12 months in three tertiary care referral epilepsy centers. Data including seizure frequencies, quality of life measures and adverse events had been prospectively filed up through 5 years., VNS resulted in a [gt]50% reduction in seizure frequency in 53.6% (15/28) of children with 28.6% (8/28) patients achieving a [gt]90% reduction. When compared a seizure reduction rate according to seizure types (generalized vs paritial seizure), etiologies (symptomatic vs cryptogenic), and seizure duration before VNS implantation, we could not find any significant difference of it. However, a seizure reduction rate had a tendency to be in inverse proportion to seizure duration. In addition, of 11 patients who had partial seizure disorders, 7 patients (63.6%) obtained a reduction of seizure frequency with [gt]50% and then again, of 17 patients who had generalized seizure disorders, 8 patients (47.1%) did. Quality of life was also measured to be enhanced as follows, memory in 50.0% (8/16) patients, mood in 62.5% (10/16) patients, behavior in 68.8 % (11/16) patients, alertness in 68.8 % (11/16) patients, achievement in 37.5% (6/16) and verbal skill in 43.8% (7/16) patients. Adverse events included hoarseness in 7 patients, dyspnea at sleep in 2 patients, wound infection in 1 patient but were transient and successfully managed by careful follow-up and an adjustment of parameters., Our data show that VNS roles as one of alternative therapy for refractory pediatric epilepsy without any significant adverse events.,