Browsing by Author "Ayca, S"

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    Six Clinical Predictors for Intractable Childhood Epilepsy
    Ayca, S; Oral, RD; Dündar, PE; Polat, M
    Aim: This study aimed to determine the significance of six clinical predictors associated with medically intractable childhood epilepsy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 241 children with diagnosed epilepsy were recruited and divided into two groups: 61 patients with intractable epilepsy, and the other 180 patients who responded well to antiepileptic drugs. We investigated seizure semiology, etiology of epileptic encephalopathy, EEG abnormalities and defined the odds ratios (ORs) of predictor factors for intractable childhood epilepsy; age of seizure onset, asphyxia, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) history, consanguineous marriage, abnormal neuro-imaging, neuropathologic exam, prematurity, parents' seizure history. Results: According to logistic regression analysis, the major risk factors for intractable childhood epilepsy are (1) neuropathologic examination p=0.000, OR= 58.28 CI= 23.95-141.63; (2) abnormal neuro-imaging p=0.000, OR= 37.55 CI= 16.41-85.94 (3) age of seizure onset p=0.001, OR= 9.43 confidence interval (CI): 3.66-24.3 (4) asphyxia p=0.001 OR= 4.16 CI= 1.75-9.87 (5) consanguineous marriage p=0.001 OR= 3.02 CI= 1.53-5.97 (6) NICU history p=0.003 OR= 2.59 CI= 1.38-4.87 (95% CI). Conclusion: The presented six predictors can be used to determine the medical intractability in children with epilepsy in order to provide early alternative treatment protocols for better seizure control.
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    Nutritional interventions improve quality of life of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders
    Ayca, S; Dogan, G; Sapmaz, SY; Dündar, PE; Kasirga, E; Polat, M
    Introduction: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at high risk for malnutrition. We aimed to investigate the impact of nutritional interventions to children with neurodevelopmental disorders and the quality of life of caregivers. Materials/Method: This is a prospective interventional study of 91 children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The children were separated into two groups: the intervention group and control group. The intervention group was selected from among children who had not been evaluated for nutrition and feeding problems by a pediatric gastroenterologist or dietician for the past one year. Children in the intervention group were called for follow-up visits and their nutritional intervention and anthropometric measurements were initiated by a pediatric gastroenterologist and dietician, at one month, three months, six months, and one year. The WHOQoL-BREF quality of life scale was completed by the caregivers of the children at baseline and at one year. Results: The intervention group had increased malnutrition (p < 0.001) and gastrointestinal system pathologies such as dysphagia (p < 0.001), constipation (p = 0.02), gastroesophageal reflux (p = 0.03) at baseline. After the nutritional intervention, 77.7% of the intervention group gained weight and 55.5% reached the target weight. The quality of life scale scores at baseline were lower among caregivers of the intervention group; however, they reached those of the control group after the nutritional intervention. Conclusion: Close multidisciplinary nutrition monitoring enables children with neurodevelopmental disorders to thrive appropriately and improves the quality of life of caregivers.