Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of international studies

Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of international studies

2017 | Kirsten M. Fiest, PhD*, Khara M. Sauro, PhD*, Samuel Wiebe, MD, MSc Scott B. Patten, MD, PhD Churl-Su Kwon, MD Jonathan Dykeman, MD Tamara Pringsheim, MD, MSc Diane L. Lorenzetti, PhD Nathalie Jetté, MD, MSc
This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy worldwide, using data from 222 studies (197 on prevalence and 48 on incidence). The point prevalence of active epilepsy was found to be 6.38 per 1,000 persons, with a lifetime prevalence of 7.60 per 1,000 persons. The annual cumulative incidence was 67.77 per 100,000 persons, and the incidence rate was 61.44 per 100,000 person-years. The prevalence did not differ significantly by age group, sex, or study quality. However, the active annual period prevalence, lifetime prevalence, and incidence rate were higher in low to middle-income countries. Epilepsies of unknown etiology and those with generalized seizures had the highest prevalence. The study highlights significant gaps in research, particularly in incidence studies and stratification by age groups, and emphasizes the need for standardized reporting in future epidemiological studies of epilepsy.This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy worldwide, using data from 222 studies (197 on prevalence and 48 on incidence). The point prevalence of active epilepsy was found to be 6.38 per 1,000 persons, with a lifetime prevalence of 7.60 per 1,000 persons. The annual cumulative incidence was 67.77 per 100,000 persons, and the incidence rate was 61.44 per 100,000 person-years. The prevalence did not differ significantly by age group, sex, or study quality. However, the active annual period prevalence, lifetime prevalence, and incidence rate were higher in low to middle-income countries. Epilepsies of unknown etiology and those with generalized seizures had the highest prevalence. The study highlights significant gaps in research, particularly in incidence studies and stratification by age groups, and emphasizes the need for standardized reporting in future epidemiological studies of epilepsy.
Reach us at info@study.space