Search

Background There is a paucity of studies on self-assessed generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to investigate generic HRQOL and associated factors among Japanese children with epilepsy. Methods In this clinic-based study, 277 children (aged 8–18 years) with epilepsy and 429 children without any chronic illnesses were recruited. HRQOL was evaluated using the Japanese version of the KIDSCREEN-52 self-reported questionnaire, which consisted of 52 items categorized into 10 dimensions related to the environment surrounding children. Multiple regression analysis was applied to explore related factors with low HRQOL in each dimension. Results We obtained the questionnaire from 171 (61.7%) and 306 (71.3%) children in the epilepsy and control groups, respectively. Short treatment period ( 30 min, and post-ictal symptoms were associated with a low HRQOL for School Environment (OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.34–10.86), Moods & Emotions (OR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.67–8.78), and Parent Relations & Home Life (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.29–9.72) dimensions, respectively. Complex neurodevelopmental disorders were associated with a low HRQOL for Social Support & Peers (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.33–9.66), School Environment (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.07–5.77), and Psychological Well-being (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.20–10.00) dimensions. Conclusions Our results suggest that early psychosocial support and better management of epilepsy may improve HRQOL. More support in school environments may be required for children with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) localizes on the outermost surface of the myelin sheath and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Autoantibodies against MOG are reportedly found in patients with spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, and neuromyelitis optica. In addition, recent studies have emphasized an association between anti-MOG antibodies and optic neuritis. Patient: We present the first case report of a 7-year-old Japanese boy who was positive for anti-MOG antibodies. He experienced four episodes of unilateral optic neuritis and one seizure event. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed T2-hyperintense lesions in the subcortical white matter and midbrain. Although he fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis, recombinant interferon beta did not prevent recurrence. Established cell-based immunoassays revealed that he was positive for anti-MOG antibodies and negative for anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies. Conclusions: Our case report supports the relationship between anti-MOG antibodies and recurrent optic neuritis. Additional studies are needed to establish the clinical significance of anti-MOG antibodies for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.