Clinical characteristics and post‐operative outcomes in children with malformation of cortical development related drug‐resistant epilepsy: 428 cases in one pediatric epilepsy center

Aims To investigate post‐operative seizure outcomes, and predictors of surgical outcomes of the malformation of cortical development (MCD) in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) and age‐specific characteristics. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 428 children with MCD‐related DRE who underwent curative surgical treatment. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlative characteristics, prognostic predictors, and differences among various age groups. Results After more than 3 years of follow‐up, 81.3% of patients achieved Engel I outcomes. Prognosis was correlated with factors such as age at surgery, MRI findings, invasive EEG, pathology, acute postoperative seizures (APOS), and the number of preoperative and postoperative anti‐seizure medications (AEDs). Age at surgery and the number of preoperative AEDs ( p < 0.001) were significant predictors of seizure recurrence. Distinct clinical characteristics were observed among different age groups. Conclusion Surgery is effective in terminating MCD‐related DRE. Younger age at surgery and fewer preoperative AEDs are associated with better prognoses. Clinical characteristics vary significantly with age.