Predictors of Drug Resistant Epilepsy Among Pediatric Patients

Epilepsy is among the most prevalent chronic neurological disorders in the pediatric population, affecting approximately 0.5-1% of children worldwide . It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Epilepsy in childhood represents a major public health concern, not only because of its relatively high incidence, but also due to its significant impact on neurodevelopment, cognitive functions, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life . Despite the remarkable advances in pharmacological therapy, the cornerstone of epilepsy management remains antiseizure medications (ASMs). More than two-thirds of children with epilepsy achieve satisfactory seizure control with one or two appropriately chosen medications. However, a considerable proportion-estimated at 20-40%-develop drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) . According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), DRE is defined as the failure to achieve sustained seizure freedom after adequate trials of at least two well-tolerated and appropriately selected ASMs, whether administered as monotherapy or in combination . Children with DRE are at a particularly high risk of poor neurocognitive outcomes, behavioral problems, injury, psychosocial difficulties, and even increased mortality . Given the serious consequences of uncontrolled epilepsy, early identification of patients at risk for ASM resistance is of paramount importance. Predictors of drug resistance in pediatric epilepsy have been widely studied, although results vary across different populations and study designs. Factors frequently reported include early age at seizure onset, high initial seizure frequency, abnormal developmental history, specific electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities, structural brain lesions, identifiable genetic syndromes, and poor response to the first-line ASM . Recognition of these predictors can enable clinicians to stratify patients into risk categories, anticipate treatment challenges, and implement timely alternative interventions such as epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, or neuromodulation . Moreover, exploring predictors of ASM resistance in children is not only clinically relevant, but also contributes to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy and its heterogeneous nature. By delineating the factors that influence treatment outcomes, researchers and clinicians may be able to develop more targeted therapeutic strategies, improve prognostic counseling for families, and ultimately enhance the overall management of pediatric epilepsy .