Key result
Cardiovascular assessment identified syncope in 71% of patients with presumed epilepsy, with no significant difference between those on or off anticonvulsants (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.08-1.36; P=0.13).
Why the study?
Does cardiovascular assessment identify alternative causes of syncope in patients with presumed epilepsy and normal EEGs?
Cross-Sectional (n=55)
Does cardiovascular assessment identify alternative causes of syncope in patients with presumed epilepsy and normal EEGs?
Odds Ratio: 0.33 (95% CI 0.08–1.36)
Absolute Event Rate: 64% vs 84%
p-value: p=0.13
A significant proportion of patients with presumed epilepsy and normal EEGs actually have syncope or life-threatening arrhythmias, highlighting the need for cardiovascular assessment before prescribing anticonvulsants.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Supports cardiovascular assessment in presumed epilepsy; leaves open impact on anticonvulsant use or outcomes.
Rodrigues et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Presumed epilepsy with normal EEGs (n=55). Anticonvulsant drugs vs. No anticonvulsant drugs was evaluated on Diagnosis of syncope (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08-1.36, p=0.13). Cardiovascular assessment identified syncope in 71% of patients with presumed epilepsy, with no significant difference between those on or off anticonvulsants (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.08-1.36; P=0.13).
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: