Prevalence, syndromes and severity of childhood epilepsy in Cuba

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence of childhood-onset epilepsy in Cuba. In 2008, we used a comprehensive pharmacy registry from Plaza municipality (population 155,516) in Havana to identify all children with active epilepsy treated with antiepileptic drugs. We examined 103 of 108 possible cases for confirmation of diagnosis (final n = 73). The study was population-based study and defined the point prevalence, distribution of syndromes and severity of childhood epilepsy. The prevalence of active childhood-onset epilepsy on December 31, 2008 was 3.1/1,000. Major syndrome categories were focal 77% and generalized 14.3% with 31% considered idiopathic, 43% symptomatic and 26% cryptogenic. Most (73%) had good seizure control and those with worse seizure control were more likely to have behavior disorders, a defined etiology and focal epilepsy. The point prevalence of childhood-onset epilepsy in Cuba is low. It is possible that the Cuban health care system contributes to low prevalence that is similar to that of developed countries.

Keywords

Childhood - epilepsy - prevalence - developing country