Abstract
Background
Epilepsy is one of the common chronic neurological disorders with varying therapeutic responses. Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy and the significant treatment gaps in developing nations, such as Ethiopia, there is a dearth of data on seizure remission and its predictors in Eastern Ethiopia in particular.
Objective
This study aimed to determine seizure remission and its predictors among epileptic patients on follow-up in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH) and Dilchora Referral Hospital (DCRH), from July 2 to 31, 2021.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 418 newly diagnosed epilepsy patients receiving anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) between July 1, 2014, and July 31, 2019, in two public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Relevant data were collected for all patients with a minimum follow-up period of two years. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify predictors of seizure remission.
Results
Overall, 252 (60.3%) of the study participants have achieved seizure remission for at least one year. The mean time to achieve seizure remission was 1.9 ± 0.87 years. Regarding the seizure remission pattern, 171 (40.9%) patients achieved early remission, 81 (19.4%) achieved late remission, and 166 (39.7%) achieved no remission. Shorter pre-treatment duration (AHR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.28–4.37); good adherence to ASDs (AHR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.33–4.34); and monotherapy (AHR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32–0.98) were predictors of seizure remission.
Conclusion
We observed that less than two-thirds of epileptic patients had achieved seizure remission. A shorter pre-treatment duration, good adherence to ASDs, and monotherapy were predictors of seizure remission. Therefore, we recommend the requirement of an integrated effort from different health disciplines that increases patients’ adherence to ASDs, promotes early visits to medical facilities, and improves the health-seeking behavior of epileptic patients.
Data Sharing Statement
Please contact the corresponding author for data requests.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the hospital officials, data collectors and hospital staffs for their contribution.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors have declared that there is no conflicts of interest in this work.