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Open Access 01-06-2018 | Original Communication

Glioma-related seizures in relation to histopathological subtypes: a report from the glioma international case–control study

Authors: Shala G. Berntsson, Ryan T. Merrell, E. Susan Amirian, Georgina N. Armstrong, Daniel Lachance, Anja Smits, Renke Zhou, Daniel I. Jacobs, Margaret R. Wrensch, Sara H. Olson, Dora Il’yasova, Elizabeth B. Claus, Jill S. Barnholtz-Sloan, Joellen Schildkraut, Siegal Sadetzki, Christoffer Johansen, Richard S. Houlston, Robert B. Jenkins, Jonine L. Bernstein, Rose Lai, Sanjay Shete, Christopher I. Amos, Melissa L. Bondy, Beatrice S. Melin

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of glioma-related seizures and seizure control at the time of tumor diagnosis with respect to tumor histologic subtypes, tumor treatment and patient characteristics, and to compare seizure history preceding tumor diagnosis (or study enrollment) between glioma patients and healthy controls.

Methods

The Glioma International Case Control study (GICC) risk factor questionnaire collected information on demographics, past medical/medication history, and occupational history. Cases from eight centers were also asked detailed questions on seizures in relation to glioma diagnosis; cases (n = 4533) and controls (n = 4171) were also asked about seizures less than 2 years from diagnosis and previous seizure history more than 2 years prior to tumor diagnosis, including childhood seizures.

Results

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs), particularly oligodendrogliomas/oligoastrocytomas, had the highest proportion of glioma-related seizures. Patients with low-grade astrocytoma demonstrated the most medically refractory seizures. A total of 83% of patients were using only one antiepileptic drug (AED), which was levetiracetam in 71% of cases. Gross total resection was strongly associated with reduced seizure frequency (p < 0.009). No significant difference was found between glioma cases and controls in terms of seizure occurring more than 2 years before diagnosis or during childhood.

Conclusions

Our study showed that glioma-related seizures were most common in low-grade gliomas. Gross total resection was associated with lower seizure frequency. Additionally, having a history of childhood seizures is not a risk factor ***for developing glioma-related seizures or glioma.

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Title: Glioma-related seizures in relation to histopathological subtypes: a report from the glioma international case–control study
Authors: Shala G. Berntsson
Ryan T. Merrell
E. Susan Amirian
Georgina N. Armstrong
Daniel Lachance
Anja Smits
Renke Zhou
Daniel I. Jacobs
Margaret R. Wrensch
Sara H. Olson
Dora Il’yasova
Elizabeth B. Claus
Jill S. Barnholtz-Sloan
Joellen Schildkraut
Siegal Sadetzki
Christoffer Johansen
Richard S. Houlston
Robert B. Jenkins
Jonine L. Bernstein
Rose Lai
Sanjay Shete
Christopher I. Amos
Melissa L. Bondy
Beatrice S. Melin
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-018-8857-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Glioma-related seizures in relation to histopathological subtypes: a report from the glioma international case–control study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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