Adverse birth outcomes partially explain epilepsy mortality

A higher rate of mortality is known to be associated with epilepsy, but the precise contribution of the underlying health factors is unknown. The results from the study of a large cohort of people born in Denmark in 1977 through 2006 were reported today at the American Epilepsy Society meeting here.

Children were followed in the study from the 29th day of life to December 31, 2006, or until they were deceased or emigrated. The data was gathered by linking information from the Danish registries for civil service, health and cause of death. Investigators estimated the overall and cause-specific mortality based on the hospital admissions for epilepsy. (Platform C.06)

They found the rate of mortality to be higher than the general population even after excluding children who were premature, of low birth weight, or with low Apgar scores.

"The increased mortality associated with epilepsy is only partially explained by adverse birth outcomes," says lead study author, Jakob Christensen, MD, PhD., "Further studies are needed to understand the underlying factors that contribute to the significantly increased rate of mortality in the epilepsy population over background."

SOURCE American Epilepsy Society