Bayesian meta-analysis demonstrates a 25.2% neurocysticercosis prevalence in people with epileptic seizures, highlighting a recent decline across endemic regions.
Key Points
To estimate the pooled proportion of neurocysticercosis among individuals with epileptic seizures from 1990 to 2023 and assess temporal trends across endemic regions.
Conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021266596) across 20 electronic databases for studies published between January 1, 1990, and May 9, 2023.
Included original studies with at least 20 participants that diagnosed neurocysticercosis using neuroimaging, biopsy, or autopsy, assessing quality via the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
Utilized Bayesian models to calculate pooled proportions and evaluate changes between 1990–2008 and 2008–2023 across geographic regions.
Across 35 studies using clear case definitions and covering both sexes and all ages, the pooled neurocysticercosis proportion was 25.2% (95% BCI: 19.5%–32.2%) with notable heterogeneity (τ = 1.0; 95% BCI: 0.8–1.3).
Proportions of neurocysticercosis did not differ significantly by age or sex, though studies lacking clear diagnostic criteria reported markedly lower estimates.
The proportion of neurocysticercosis cases declined between June 2008 and May 2023 across Africa, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.