Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39953503›Full record

ArticleBMC neurology2025

Comprehensive predictors of drug-resistant epilepsy in MELAS: clinical, EEG, imaging, and biochemical factors.

Rui Gao, Lihua Gu, Wenchao Zuo, Pan Wang

Abstract read
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Article in BMC neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Rui GaoDepartment of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0781-3370
Lihua GuDepartment of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Wenchao ZuoDepartment of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Pan WangDepartment of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. wpaofeier@163.com.

Funding

Science and Technology Project of Tianjin Municipal Health Committee TJWJ2022MS032the National Natural Science Foundation of China 81901101Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction TJYXZDXK-052B
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSeizures are a common but often overlooked manifestation of MELAS. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of seizures in MELAS and to analyze the clinical, electroencephalographic, imaging, and biochemical factors associated with drug-resistant epilepsy.

methodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted to investigate the clinical characteristics of seizures in MELAS patients. The study collected data on clinical features, muscle biopsy results, genetic testing, seizure symptoms, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging findings, cerebrospinal fluid and blood biochemistry, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We also investigated the correlation between seizure frequency and mRS scores. In addition, we analyzed the risk factors for drug-resistant epilepsy in MELAS.

resultsA total of 37 patients with confirmed MELAS (24 males and 13 females) were included in the study. All patients experienced seizures, with an onset age ranging from 14 to 53 years and a mean of 32 years. These MELAS patients experienced a variety of seizure types, with generalized seizures being the most common. EEG findings revealed background rhythm abnormalities in all patients, and epileptiform discharges were observed in 37.8% of patients during the interictal phase. Status epilepticus (OR 16.499; 95% CI, 1.615-168.557; P = 0.018) and elevated resting serum lactate levels (OR 8.594; 95% CI, 1.342-59.733; P = 0.024) were identified as independent risk factors for drug-resistant epilepsy. In addition, changes in the seizure frequency at the last follow-up compared to baseline were positively correlated with the mRS score. (r = 0.533, p < 0.001).

conclusionStatus epilepticus and elevated resting serum lactate levels were predictive of the development of drug-resistant epilepsy in MELAS. Poor seizure control was significantly associated with increased clinical disability. Early identification of high-risk patients for drug-resistant epilepsy could facilitate the development of more effective treatment plans.

Indexed as

Drug Resistant EpilepsyMELAS SyndromeAdolescentAdultElectroencephalographyFemaleHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleMiddle AgedNeuroimagingRetrospective StudiesYoung AdultDrug-resistant epilepsyEpilepsy EEGMELAS

Identifiers

PMID39953503
PMCPMC11827305

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