Epidemiologic Follow Up Study of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Among Seniors

• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01351727
• Recruitment Status: Completed
• First Posted: May 11, 2011
• Last Update Posted: November 6, 2017
• Sponsor: University of Arizona
• Collaborator: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Information provided by (Responsible Party): Jenny Chong, University of Arizona

Study Description

Brief Summary:

The purpose of this proposed research is to identify individuals in southeastern Arizona aged 65 years and older who have new onset seizures (or newly diagnosed epilepsy) and monitor them for at least two years. In doing so the investigators will be able to describe the public health burden of this condition and to identify factors that predict clinical outcomes and health care needs in this population, using quantitative, administrative, and qualitative data. The aims of this proposed research are 1) to determine the two-year incidence of newly diagnosed epilepsy in the target population, 2) describe health care resource utilization of the target population using Medicare data, 3) validate the use of Medicare beneficiary data to estimate incidence of epilepsy, and 4) describe the burden of this condition in different ethnic groups.

Condition or disease
Epileptic Seizures

Detailed Description:

Seniors who have had new onset seizures or newly diagnosed epilepsy will be recruited from emergency departments (EDs), neurology clinics, primary care clinics (including geriatric clinics), and other service providers from networks maintained by the Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors in southeastern Arizona. Data will be collected in the form of bi-annual surveys,administrative data (from Medicare), in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Medicare data will be used to describe and evaluate the likelihood of being hospitalized or admitted to a long-term facility within two years of being diagnosed, medication adherence and persistence, and comparing the cost of care between the newly-diagnosed seniors with epilepsy and comparable seniors who do not have epilepsy. The feasibility and validity of using the Medicare claims data to estimate newly diagnosed epilepsy will also be assessed. Finally, the impact of epilepsy on health related quality of life, mental health, perceived stigma, and family and caregivers will also be evaluated through surveys and qualitative data collection methods, and ethnic differences will also be described.

Study Design

• Study Type: Observational
• Actual Enrollment: 97 participants
• Observational Model: Case-Only
• Time Perspective: Prospective
• Official Title: Epidemiologic Follow Up Study of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Among Seniors From Different Ethnic Groups
• Study Start Date: January 2011
• Actual Primary Completion Date: September 2014
• Actual Study Completion Date: September 2014

Groups and Cohorts

Group/Cohort
Seniors with Seizures; Seniors aged 65 or older with newly diagnosed seizures (consistent with epilepsy) or epilepsy as of October, 2010.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures :

1. A two-year incidence rate of new-onset seizures and/or newly-diagnosed epilepsy among seniors in southeastern Arizona. [ Time Frame: Up to four years ]
   A surveillance mechanism will be developed to identify and recruit seniors from emergency departments, neurology clinics, primary care clinics, and other service providers for seniors.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

1. Compare the impact of epilepsy on the different ethnic groups of seniors with epilepsy [ Time Frame: Up to four years ]
   1. Assess the level and ethnic differences in health-related quality of life, mental health, and perceived stigma among seniors with seizures.
   2. Use in-depth interviews to explore issues related to epilepsy and its treatment.
   3. Conduct focus groups with caregivers to learn about their concerns and barriers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 65 Years and older (Older Adult)
• Sexes Eligible for Study: All
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Hospitals (including emergency departments), neurology specialist clinics, primary care clinics, communities (in Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz Counties)including nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 65 years or older
• New onset seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy as of October 2010
• Is a resident of Pima, Cochise or Santa Cruz County

Exclusion Criteria:

• Seizure dues to hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, alcohol use (with no evidence of other seizures)

Contacts and Locations

Locations

United States, Arizona

Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz Counties

Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85724

Sponsors and Collaborators

University of Arizona

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Investigators

• Principal Investigator: David Labiner, MD; University of Arizona
• Principal Investigator: Jenny Chong, PhD; University of Arizona

More Information

Publications:

Martin R, Vogtle L, Gilliam F, Faught E. What are the concerns of older adults living with epilepsy? Epilepsy Behav. 2005 Sep;7(2):297-300.

Pallin DJ, Goldstein JN, Moussally JS, Pelletier AJ, Green AR, Camargo CA Jr. Seizure visits in US emergency departments: epidemiology and potential disparities in care. Int J Emerg Med. 2008 Jun;1(2):97-105. doi: 10.1007/s12245-008-0024-4. Epub 2008 Jun 5.

Tallis R, Hall G, Craig I, Dean A. How common are epileptic seizures in old age? Age Ageing. 1991 Nov;20(6):442-8.

• Responsible Party: Jenny Chong, Research Associate Professor, University of Arizona
• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01351727
• Other Study ID Numbers: 10-0916-01
• First Posted: May 11, 2011
• Last Update Posted: November 6, 2017
• Last Verified: November 2017

Keywords provided by Jenny Chong, University of Arizona:

seniors; seizures; epilepsy; quality of life

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Epilepsy; Seizures; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms