Distribution and predictive factors of seizure types in 104 cases. (30th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lacombe, V. A.; Mayes, M.; Mosseri, S.; Reed, S. M.; Ou, T. H.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary journal. Volume 46:Number 4(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 441
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2013-10-30
• Subjects: Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0425-1644

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Reasons for performing the study</title> <p>Although many studies have been performed to classify seizures by type in man and small animals, a similar study in horses is lacking.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to characterise the distribution of seizure types in 104 horses presented for seizure disorders to a referral veterinary hospital; and 2) to characterise the various types of seizures by identifying associated clinical factors.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Study design</title> <p>Retrospective analysis of clinical records.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Seizures were classified based on seizure type, according to the most recent accepted definitions in both human and small animal epileptology. History, clinical and neurological examinations, diagnostic investigations and <italic>post mortem</italic> examinations, when available, were recorded for univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Seizures were categorised as primary generalised in 23% of horses, focal without secondary generalisation in 42% of cases and secondary generalised in 24% of cases. The type of seizure could not be classified in 11% of cases. Significant associations were found between seizure type and the following characteristics: 1) gender; 2) frequency of seizures; and 3) presence of seizures during hospitalisation. Seizure type was not significantly associated with aetiology. For a horse with recurrent seizures, the odds of having focal seizures was 3.7 times higher (P = 0.02) than in a similar horse with nonrecurring seizures in the final logistic regression model.</p> </sec> <sec id="evj12149-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The majority of the seizures described were focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation. The clinical presentation was independent of the underlying disease.</p> </sec> </abstract>