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Incidence of SUDEP was 1.21/1,000 patient-years and was higher among women (1.45/1,000) than men (0.98/1,000). SUDEP accounted for 18% of all deaths. Occurrence of tonic-clonic seizures, treatment with more than two anticonvulsant medicati ons, and full-scale IQ less than 70 were independent risk factors for SUDEP. The number of tonic-clonic seizures was a risk factor only in women. The presence of cerebral structural lesions and use of psychotropic were equally common in the two groups. No particular anticonvulsant appeared to be associated with SUDEP. These results support the idea that tonic-clonic seizures are an important proximate cause of SUDEP. This information creates a risk profile for SUDEP that may help direct preventative efforts. |
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