Long‐term seizure recurrence after eclampsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Issue 2 (16th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barber, Zoe E.; Dobbs, Thomas D.; Gibson, John A.G.; Latibeaudiere, Monique; Robb, Amy O.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 151:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2020-09-16
• Subjects: Eclampsia -- Recurrence risk -- Seizures; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Seizure recurrence after a fit has implications for both individuals and healthcare providers guiding neurologic prognosis, treatment, and driving and work restrictions. A systematic review of long‐term seizure recurrence after eclampsia will help to quantify recurrence risk in this setting. Objective: To evaluate the long‐term recurrence of seizures after eclampsia. Search strategy: After PROSPERO registration, Medline (Ovid), Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched by using the terms (eclampsia OR eclamp* OR eclamptic seizure* OR eclamptic fit*) AND (recur* OR recurrent fit* OR recurrent seizure*) for studies published up until December 2019. Selection criteria: Studies describing long‐term seizure recurrence after a diagnosis of eclampsia were included. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted from studies independently by two authors. Pooled prevalence was calculated and weighted based on sample size with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Main results: Initially, 1754 unique studies were identified and 4 were included in the final analysis. The studies involved 1896 women, of whom 7 (0.37%) were affected by a further seizure. The weighted pooled prevalence of seizure recurrence was 0.18% (95% CI, 0.03–1.02). Conclusion: The absolute rate of long‐term seizure recurrence after eclampsia is extremely low and within safe limits for driving. Abstract : The long‐term incidence of seizure recurrence after eclampsia was found to be low and should not be a reason to restrict driving or work.