Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40859152›Full record

ArticleBMC pediatrics2025

Determinants of uncontrolled seizures among pediatric epilepsy patients in Debre Tabor comprehensive specialized hospitals Ethiopia.

Tigabu Eskeziya Zerihun, Fisseha Nigussie Dagnew, Sisay Sitotaw Anberbr, Getachew Yitayew Tarekegn, Abel Temeche Kassaw

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Article in BMC pediatrics, 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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5 · Who and what money

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5 authors.

Tigabu Eskeziya ZerihunDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Education and Clinical Services Directorate, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, P.O. Box 272, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. eskeziatigabu@gmail.com.
Fisseha Nigussie DagnewDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Education and Clinical Services Directorate, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, P.O. Box 272, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
Sisay Sitotaw AnberbrDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Getachew Yitayew TarekegnDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Education and Clinical Services Directorate, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, P.O. Box 272, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
Abel Temeche KassawDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Education and Clinical Services Directorate, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, P.O. Box 272, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe cornerstone of achieving remission for epileptic patients is anti-seizure medication (ASM). An effective anti-seizure pharmaceutical therapy can lead to seizure independence by reducing or eliminating symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes for epilepsy and related factors among pediatric patients in Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized Hospital.

methodA cross-sectional study involving 300 children with epilepsy was conducted. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect data through interviews and a review of the patients’ medical records. EpiData version 4.6.6 was utilized for data entry, while SPSS version 25 was utilized for analysis. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was established using logistic regression, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

resultIn this study, 300 pediatric patients were included, with a mean age of 8.2 ± 4.2 years. The most common type of seizure (66%) was a generalized seizure. Monotherapy was utilized by 64.3% of patients, with phenytoin prescribed in 47.7% of cases. The current study revealed that 62.3% of patients had uncontrolled seizures. Female gender (AOR = 0.515, 95% CI: 0.285–0.931, P = 0.028), primary education of caregivers (AOR = 0.436, 95% CI: 0.192–0.99, P = 0.047), and family history of epilepsy (AOR = 0.363, 95% CI: 0.153–0.857, P = 0.021) decreased the odds of uncontrolled seizures, while polytherapy with anti-seizure medications significantly increased the odds of uncontrolled seizures (AOR = 6.79, 95% CI: 3.221–14.311, P < 0.001).

conclusionThis study found that a significant proportion of pediatric patients with epilepsy experienced poor seizure control, with 62.3% reporting uncontrolled seizures. Factors such as female gender, primary education of caregivers, and a family history of epilepsy were associated with a lower likelihood of uncontrolled seizures. Conversely, polytherapy with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) significantly increased the risk of uncontrolled seizures. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving seizure management, particularly for patients on multiple medications. Enhancing caregiver education and awareness of seizure triggers may also contribute to better treatment outcomes. Future research should explore specific strategies to address these risk factors and enhance treatment outcomes.

Indexed as

AnticonvulsantsEpilepsySeizuresAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesEthiopiaFemaleHospitals, SpecialHumansInfantLogistic ModelsMaleSex FactorsTreatment OutcomeAnticonvulsantsAnti-seizure medicationsEpilepsyEthiopiaPediatricsTreatment outcome

Identifiers

PMID40859152
PMCPMC12382081

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.