Seizures, Febrile

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 8, 2025 -- Public health officials must prepare to counter ongoing anti-vaccine sentiment in coming years, argues a leading pediatrician-scientist. “Antivaccine activism became a major lethal force in America” during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths among the unvaccinated, according to an article in the journal PLOS Global Public Health written by Dr. Peter Hotez . These antivaccine views have gained currency with many Americans, making vaccine resistance an issue that will continue to simmer throughout the upcoming four-year term of President-elect Donald Trump, wrote Hotez, who is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Evidence shows that vaccine resistance already is having an effect on American health, Hotez said: “These trends could portend the beginning of regular breakthrough childhood infections due to low immunization coverage,” Hotez wrote. The state of Idaho has the highest rate of kindergarten children whose parents requested exemptions from school vaccine mandates, with more than 12% asking to have those requirements waived. “This number is a potential red flag for highly contagious illnesses such as measles that can spread through schools where vaccination coverage drops below 90–95%,” Hotez wrote. Worse, exemption rates go as high as 30% when looking at individual counties within states, he added. Hotez recommends a multi-pronged approach to countering antivaccine claims and arguments. Public health officials should update and disseminate information on local vaccination rates, so people understand the personal stakes regarding vaccine resistance in their community, Hotez said. They also should work on better ways of explaining how an infection will cause much worse illness than any potential side effects from vaccination, Hotez said. For example, a graphic he helped design shows what will happen to 10,000 kids infected with measles, compared to 10,000 kids who get the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine. About 2,000 of the kids infected with measles will require hospitalization, 1,000 will develop potential hearing loss, 500 will suffer life-threatening cases of pneumonia, and 10 to 30 kids will die or suffer from encephalitis, the graphic shows. By comparison, fewer than one of the kids who get the MMR vaccine will suffer abnormal blood clotting or allergic reactions, and three will have fever-related seizures. None will develop autism from the vaccine, the graphic says. “I believe such analyses should be undertaken for all childhood immunizations and graphics presented,” Hotez wrote. “From my experience this representation has been highly persuasive for parents on the cusp of vaccinating their children.” The federal government also must show greater resolve at debunking false claims and misinformation about vaccines, Hotez added. Currently, U.S. health agencies “do not routinely identify high-profile pieces of vaccine disinformation and then attempt to correct the science,” Hotez wrote. “While I understand their rationale, I believe debunking disinformation in real time is essential." Hotez pointed to the false claim in January by the Florida State Surgeon General that mRNA COVID vaccines could cause “turbo-cancer.” He said that he refuted the claim in media appearances, but noted that “relying on a handful of scientists working in universities or academic health centers is not enough.” “I propose the establishment of a well-vetted publicly accessible website, preferably one created and established by a U.S. government…agency, which can create a continuously updated virtual encyclopedia of vaccine myths and explain in straightforward language why they lack scientific merit,” Hotez concluded. Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

Data from nine abstracts to be presented, including first data from the EpiCom Trial, a prospective evaluation of behavioral outcomes in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, which suggests improvements in severity of behavioral symptoms Real-world data from the BECOME (BEhavior, COgnition and More with Epidiolex®) surveys, which show outcomes reported by long-term care facility nurses and tuberous sclerosis complex caregivers For U.S. media and investors only DUBLIN, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced nine company-sponsored Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) posters are being presented at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) 2024 Annual Meeting, being held December 6-10 in Los Angeles, California. Data presented at the meeting includes updated analyses of real-world data from the BECOME-TSC (BEhavior, COgnition, and More with Epidiolex) caregiver survey, which characterizes and quantifies seizure and non-seizure outcomes in patients with epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) treated with Epidiolex. An additional presentation showcases data from the BECOME-LTC survey, which evaluated the perspectives of nurses who care for patients with epilepsy in long-term care (LTC) facilities and group homes, reporting improvements in seizure frequency and in certain non-seizure outcomes associated with Epidiolex treatment. Further, the first presentation of data from the EpiCom trial, a prospective, interventional trial evaluating the impact of adjunctive Epidiolex on TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), revealed improvements in behavioral symptom severity following treatment initiation. "Our real-world data presentations at AES 2024, including novel findings from the BECOME-LTC, BECOME-TSC and EpiCom studies, demonstrate the meaningful impact of Epidiolex in the treatment of patients with rare epilepsies," said Sarah Akerman, MD, head of neuroscience global medical and scientific affairs of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "These findings increase our understanding of Epidiolex's benefits beyond seizure control, addressing unmet needs across a range of epilepsy syndromes for people living with rare epilepsies and demonstrating reproducibility and consistency of effect across different populations." Data highlights include: A prespecified three-month analysis of the EpiCom trial reporting TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND)-associated outcomes demonstrated improvements after initiating adjunctive Epidiolex treatment in the severity of behavioral problems in patients with TSC as reported by the TAND Self-Report Quantified Checklist and Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Two updated analyses of real-world outcomes from the BECOME-TSC study showed that, of 55 caregivers who completed the survey, 89% planned to continue Epidiolex treatment for their loved one. The most important stated reasons for continuing Epidiolex included seizure and non-seizure benefits such as reduced seizure frequency and severity/duration, as well as TAND-related improvements in cognition and language/communication. Results from the BECOME-LTC (BEhavior, COgnition, and More with Epidiolex in the Long-Term Care Setting) survey found that, among 102 nurses surveyed, 85% reported a reduction in overall frequency of any seizure type after Epidiolex initiation, with 49% reporting a greater than 50% reduction. Improvements were also observed across different seizure subtypes as well as in non-seizure outcomes, with nurses reporting improvements in emotional functioning, sleep, cognitive abilities, ability to communicate, and physical functioning. Results from CARE-EpiC (Caregiver Analysis of Real-world Epidiolex in Epilepsy Context), a cross-sectional caregiver survey, demonstrated reduced caregivers' need for additional support of their dependents' physical, emotional, and behavioral care after Epidiolex initiation and characterized improvements in their dependents' well-being as well as caregivers' experiences. A subgroup analysis evaluating treatment outcomes in patients with TSC (TSC group) versus other types of focal epilepsy (non-TSC group) treated with Epidiolex in the U.S. Expanded Access Program, found Epidiolex has similar effectiveness in TSC and other focal epilepsies, regardless of focal epilepsy type, further reinforcing the clinical profile of Epidiolex as a broad-spectrum agent. In the TSC group, Epidiolex was associated with a median reduction from baseline of 51%–87% in focal seizures and 44%–87% in total seizures. In the non-TSC group, Epidiolex was also associated with a median reduction from baseline of 46%–75% in focal and 46%–74% in total seizures. Epidiolex is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome or TSC in patients one year of age and older. All AES 2024 abstracts are available online at the following link: . A full list of Jazz Pharmaceuticals' presentations follows below: About Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic condition.1 The condition causes mostly benign tumors to grow in vital organs of the body including the brain, skin, heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs2 and is a leading cause of genetic epilepsy.3 People with TSC may experience a variety of seizure types. One of the most common is infantile spasms that typically present in the first year of life; focal (or partial) seizures are also very common.4 TSC is associated with an increased risk of autism and intellectual disability5 and the severity of the condition can vary widely. In some children the disease is very mild, while others may experience life-threatening complications.4 Epilepsy is present in about 85 percent of patients with TSC and may progress to become intractable to medication.4,6,7 More than 60 percent of individuals with TSC do not achieve seizure control8 with standard treatments such as antiepileptic drugs, epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, or vagus nerve stimulation8 compared to 30-40 percent of individuals with epilepsy who do not have TSC who are drug resistant.9,10 About Dravet Syndrome Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare genetic condition that appears during the first year of life with frequent fever-related seizures (febrile seizures). Later, other types of seizures typically arise, including myoclonic seizures (involuntary muscle spasms).11 Additionally, status epilepticus, a potentially life-threatening state of continuous seizure activity requiring emergency medical care, may occur. Children with DS typically experience poor development of language and motor skills, hyperactivity and difficulty relating to others. About Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) begins in childhood. It is characterized by multiple types of seizures. People with LGS begin having frequent seizures in early childhood, usually between ages 3 and 5.12 More than three-quarters of affected individuals have tonic seizures, which cause the muscles to contract uncontrollably. Almost all children with LGS develop learning problems and intellectual disability. Many also have delayed development of motor skills such as sitting and crawling. Most people with LGS require help with usual activities of daily living. About Epidiolex®/Epidyolex® (cannabidiol) Epidiolex/Epidyolex is a prescription, plant-derived cannabis-based medicine administered as an oral solution which contains highly purified cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol, the active ingredient in Epidiolex, is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. The precise mechanisms by which Epidiolex exerts its anticonvulsant effect in humans are unknown. Epidiolex was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the U.S., the European Commission (EC) for use in Europe, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in Great Britain, the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia, Swissmedic for use in Switzerland, the Food & Nutrition Services of the Israel Ministry of Health for use in Israel, and the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority for use in New Zealand, is an oral solution which contains highly purified cannabidiol (CBD). In the U.S., Epidiolex is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS) or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients one year of age and older. Epidiolex has received approval in the European Union under the tradename Epidyolex for adjunctive use in conjunction with clobazam to treat seizures associated with LGS and DS in patients two years and older, and for adjunctive use to treat seizures associated with TSC, in patients two years of age and older. Epidiolex has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS, DS, and TSC. Similarly, Epidyolex received ODD from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the same indications. Important Safety Information & Indications CONTRAINDICATION: HYPERSENSITIVITY EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cannabidiol or any ingredients in the product. WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS Hepatic Injury: EPIDIOLEX can cause dose-related transaminase elevations. Concomitant use of valproate and elevated transaminase levels at baseline increase this risk. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels prior to starting treatment, at 1, 3, and 6 months after initiation of treatment, and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated. Resolution of transaminase elevations occurred with discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX, reduction of EPIDIOLEX and/or concomitant valproate, or without dose reduction. For patients with elevated transaminase levels, consider dose reduction or discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX or concomitant medications known to affect the liver (e.g., valproate or clobazam). Dose adjustment and slower dose titration is recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Consider not initiating EPIDIOLEX in patients with evidence of significant liver injury. There have been postmarketing reports of cholestatic or mixed patterns of liver injury. Elevated ammonia levels were reported in some patients with transaminase elevations; most taking concomitant valproate, clobazam, or both. Consider discontinuation or dose adjustment of valproate or clobazam if ammonia is elevated. Somnolence and Sedation: EPIDIOLEX can cause somnolence and sedation that generally occurs early in treatment and may diminish over time; these effects occur more commonly in patients using clobazam and may be potentiated by other CNS depressants. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including EPIDIOLEX, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Inform patients, caregivers, and families of the risk and advise them to monitor and report any signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If these symptoms occur, consider if they are related to the AED or the underlying illness. Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs: As with most AEDs, EPIDIOLEX should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving EPIDIOLEX (≥10% and greater than placebo) include transaminase elevations; somnolence; decreased appetite; diarrhea; pyrexia; vomiting; fatigue, malaise, and asthenia; rash; insomnia, sleep disorder and poor-quality sleep; and infections. Hematologic abnormalities were also observed. PREGNANCY: EPIDIOLEX should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Encourage women who are taking EPIDIOLEX during pregnancy to enroll in the EPIDIOLEX Pregnancy Surveillance Program and the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Strong inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 may affect EPIDIOLEX exposure. EPIDIOLEX may affect exposure to CYP2C19 substrates (e.g., clobazam, diazepam, stiripentol), orally administered P-gp substrates, or other substrates (see full Prescribing Information). Consider dose reduction of orally administered everolimus, with appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring, when everolimus is combined with EPIDIOLEX. A lower starting dose of everolimus is recommended when added to EPIDIOLEX therapy. Concomitant use of EPIDIOLEX and valproate increases the incidence of liver enzyme elevations. Pneumonia was observed more frequently with concomitant use of EPIDIOLEX and clobazam. Dosage adjustment of EPIDIOLEX or other concomitant medications may be necessary. INDICATIONS: EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients 1 year of age and older. Please read the EPIDIOLEX full Prescribing Information for additional important information here . About Jazz Pharmaceuticals Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing potentially life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit for more information. Contacts: Media: Kristin Bhavnani Head of Global Corporate Communications Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc [email protected] Ireland +353 1 637 2141 U.S. +1 215 867 4948 Investors: Jeff Macdonald Executive Director, Investor Relations Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc [email protected] Ireland +353 1 634 3211 U.S. +1 650 496 2717 SOURCE Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

TUESDAY, Sept. 24, 2024 -- Maternal influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for seizures and febrile convulsions in offspring, according to a study published online Sept. 23 in JAMA Network Open . Yi-Feng Lee, M.D., from Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, and colleagues examined the association between maternal influenza infection and risk for childhood seizures in a cohort study of 1,316,107 mother-offspring pairs, identified from Jan. 1, 2004, to Dec. 31, 2013. Mothers who had influenza during pregnancy and their offspring were assigned to the influenza group (75,835 mothers) and matched in a 1:4 ratio with mothers without influenza during pregnancy. The researchers found that the prevalence of placenta previa or abruption was slightly higher in the influenza group versus the control group (1.6 versus 1.4 percent). Offspring whose mothers had influenza infection had a higher cumulative risk for seizures. The adjusted hazard ratios (95 percent confidence intervals) were 1.09 (1.05 to 1.14), 1.11 (1.06 to 1.17), and 1.04 (0.97 to 1.13) for seizures, febrile convulsions, and epilepsy, respectively, after controlling for potential confounders. "The findings of this study suggest that maternal influenza infection during pregnancy might increase the risk of childhood seizures, especially febrile seizures, but not epilepsy," the authors write. "Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying childhood neurological development." Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.