Several themes emerged including a move to virtual working, project delays with laboratory work halted and clinical work reduced, funding concerns, a worry about false data with regard to COVID research and concern about research time lost. However, a number of positive outcomes were highlighted.
A Neonatal Seizures Task Force was established by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to develop a modification of the 2017 ILAE Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies, relevant to neonates.
This study showed that seizure is rarely (< 1%) a presenting manifestation of COVID-19, and it is reasonable to assume that seizures have happened due to the infection and its neurological consequences, at least in some patients.
Guidelines and recommendations should consider the context of care in real-world settings and suggest pragmatic approaches that optimize seizure control and functioning.
A simple scheduling tool to improve diagnostic outcomes may reduce cost and risks associated with delayed or missed diagnosis in epilepsy.
Genetics
The focus of the TREAT-SGS project is the development and preclinical testing in human cell models and transgenic mice of novel treatments for Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome.
An increased risk of osteoporosis was observed for patients with epilepsy who use enzyme-inducing AEDs, were on polytherapy with AEDs and had increased duration of epilepsy.
The researchers show that a change in pH disrupts the communication within the intercellular astrocyte networks. This reduced communication between astrocytes appears to exacerbate epileptic activity of neurons.
