Abstract Details

Title The Long-term Characterization of Behavior Phenotypes in Children with Seizures Over 36 Months

Topic Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology

Presentation(s) P2 - Poster Session 2 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-003

Objective This study aims to demonstrate the distinct behavioral patterns in youth with epilepsy from the persepective of a latent group analysis; as well as the presence, consistency, stability and progression of latent behavioral phenotypes in youth with new-onset epilepsy and sibling controls over a 36 month period.

Background

Epilepsy comorbidities including behavioral problems have been well documented in children with new-onset and chronic epilepsy. Recent studies have also identified distinct behavioral patterns or phenotypes in youth with epilepsy, showing varying levels of vulnerability and resilience to these issues. Identifying youth with higher levels of vulnerability versus those with higher levels of resilience is necessary for more comprehensive neurologic care.

Design/Methods 312 children (6-16 years) were recruited within 6 weeks of their first recognized seizure, along with 223 unaffected siblings. Each child’s behavior was recorded by parents and teachers frequently over 36 months using the child’s behavior checklist (CBCL); while each child completed self-report measures of depression (Child Depression Inventory (CDI-2)) over 36 months. Summary T-scores were evaluated longitudinally to identify clusters, with distinct behavioral trajectories over the 36-month period.

Results Latent trajectory modeling revealed three distinct behavioral phenotype clusters: Cluster 1 (~30%) displayed behavior similar to or better than controls, Cluster 2 (~50%) had moderate issues, and Cluster 3 (~20%) exhibited severe, clinically relevant problems. These clusters remained stable over 36 months, with parent, teacher, and child self-reports aligning consistently. Powerful predictors of cluster membership were seizure syndrome and sociodemographic disadvantage.

Conclusions The analytic approach used to assess the behavior of children with new-onset epilepsy has significant implications for identifying high-risk groups, understanding their behavioral course, and determining predictors of behavioral issues. Early investigation after seizure onset offers opportunities for timely intervention to improve behavioral outcomes in patients with epilepsy.

Authors/Disclosures
Karina Morales (Home) PRESENTER	Miss Morales has nothing to disclose.
Danielle J. Harvey, PhD	An immediate family member of Dr. Harvey has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Distinct Possibility Studios. Dr. Harvey has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for PLOS One. The institution of Dr. Harvey has received research support from NIH.
David W. Dunn, MD	Dr. Dunn has nothing to disclose.
Jana Jones (University of Wisconsin-Madison)	The institution of Jana Jones has received research support from NIH.
Anna W. Byars, PhD	The institution of Dr. Byars has received research support from NIH and DOD.
Joan K. Austin, PhD	Dr. Austin has nothing to disclose.
Bruce Hermann, PhD (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health)	Bruce Hermann, PhD has nothing to disclose.
Temitayo Oyegbile-Chidi, MD, PhD, FAAN (University of California Davis)	Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Spectrum/The Transmitter. The institution of Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi has received research support from NIH.

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