Predictors of health related quality of life in childhood epilepsy and comparison with healthy children: findings from an Indian study

Abstract

Background/aim: Children with epilepsy have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to disease and medications. We aimed to assess child-reported HRQOL in Indian children with epilepsy and compare it with that in healthy children. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of 256 children with epilepsy aged between 5 and 18 years on antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment for at least 3 months was performed and 125 age and sex matched healthy children were included. A generic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL version 4) scale was used to assess HRQOL. Results: Children with epilepsy had diminished scores in total score and all subdomains of PedsQL as compared to healthy children. Children with epilepsy on polytherapy had diminished HRQOL compared with those on monotherapy. Children with generalized seizures or with symptomatic epilepsy had diminished HRQOL. Significant predictors of poor HRQOL were adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to AED, polytherapy, longer duration of epilepsy, shorter seizure-free interval, and seizure frequency. Conclusions: Children with epilepsy have diminished HRQOL than healthy children in all subdomains of PedsQL. Significant predictors are ADRs to AED, polytherapy, longer duration of epilepsy, shorter seizure-free interval, and seizure frequency. Comprehensive management of children with epilepsy must go beyond seizure control.