SUDEP Risk Affected by Antiseizure and Other Medicines in Epilepsy Patients

A registry study shows decreased risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy with polytherapy antiseizure medication use.

Studies investigating risk factors associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) typically are limited by the rarity of SUDEP and the challenge of controlling for numerous potential confounding variables. A new large, population-based, case-control study addresses these methodologic issues. The 255 cases were drawn from the Swedish National Patient Register (SNPR), including 167 definite and 88 probable SUDEP cases out of 60,952 people living with epilepsy as of July 1, 2006, and followed to the end of 2011. For each SUDEP case, five matched controls were identified.

After controlling for history of generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures, only polytherapy (particularly in combinations including lamotrigine, valproic acid, and …

Reviewing Author

Robert C. Knowlton, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMore Health, Inc.; The Alliance of Medical Companies

Grant/Research SupportNIH Small Business Innovation Research

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSouthern Epilepsy & EEG Society (Treasurer)

Robert C. Knowlton, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMore Health, Inc.; The Alliance of Medical Companies

Grant/Research SupportNIH Small Business Innovation Research

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSouthern Epilepsy & EEG Society (Treasurer)

SUDEP Risk Affected by Antiseizure and Other Medicines in Epilepsy Patients

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Reviewing Author