We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV), an adjunctive antiseizure medication, as a treatment for focal epilepsy in adults. In this prospective study, we enrolled 51 participants from 3 sites across Canada. At 6 months, 68% (26/38) of participants were still taking BRV, among whom 35% (8/23) attained seizure freedom and 48% (11/23) saw their seizure frequency reduced by over 50%. We did not measure any significant change in irritability, quality of life, depression, and anxiety while treated with BRV. Our findings suggest BRV is effective in reducing seizure frequency among adults with focal epilepsy.

Background: Pediatric inflammatory myopathies (PIM) are a rare, heterogenous group of disorders requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce complications and improve long-term outcome. This study reviews the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in PIM. Methods: A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with PIM at CHEO from January 2009 to December 2023 was performed. Patient data, including age at symptom onset, diagnostic testing performed, treatment, and follow-up durations, were evaluated. Results: A total of 25 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), overlap syndromes, and necrotizing myopathy (HMG-CoA reductase and anti-SRP myositis) were identified. Symptoms began at an average age of 8.37 years (1.10-14.11), with formal diagnosis occurring at 8.57 years (2.02-16.11). Initial symptoms included skin changes, muscle weakness, joint pain, and fatigue. Diagnosis involved laboratory testing (CK, myositis antibodies), muscle MRI, electromyography, and/or muscle biopsy. Treatments included corticosteroids, IVIG, and steroid-sparing agents (methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab, hydroxychloroquine). Follow-up averaged 4.23 years (range: 0.5 to 13). Most patients displayed only mild residual symptoms with the exception of an anti-SRP myositis patient who became wheelchair-dependent, requiring ventilatory support. Conclusions: Inflammatory myopathies require prompt treatment to prevent complications. Most patients require multiple treatment modalities, however with early diagnosis and treatment the majority of patients’ symptoms resolve.

Background: This retrospective study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of sulthiame as a treatment in children with epilepsy. In Canada, sulthiame is only available through Health Canada’s Special Access Program. Methods: Patients who received sulthiame at the Montreal Children’s Hospital from April 2012 to March 2023 were included. Patients’ medical charts were reviewed, and clinical data was extracted from neurology clinic notes and electroencephalogram (EEG) reports. Efficacy was assessed by comparing seizure frequency and frequency of EEG epileptiform abnormalities before and after initiating sulthiame, while also noting any reported changes in cognition or behaviour. Results: Sixteen patients were included (10 males, 6 females), all of whom had drug-resistant epilepsy and continuous spike-wave in sleep (CSWS) on EEG. Sulthiame starting dose ranged from 0.74 to 6.75 mg/kg/day. Improvement, either in terms of seizure control, cognition, or reduction in EEG epileptiform abnormalities, was reported in 8/16 children (50%). Two patients (13%) became seizure free, while three more (19%) had reduced seizure frequency. Three other patients (19%) had reported improvements in concentration, learning abilities or behaviour. No serious adverse event was reported. Conclusions: These data indicate that sulthiame is effective and well-tolerated in children with CSWS, regardless of the etiology and type of epilepsy.

Advance consent could allow individuals at high risk of stroke to provide consent before they might become eligible for enrollment in acute stroke trials. This survey explores the acceptability of this novel technique to Canadian Research Ethics Board (REB) chairs that review acute stroke trials. Responses from 15 REB chairs showed that majority of respondents expressed comfort approving studies that adopt advance consent. There was no clear preference for advance consent over deferral of consent, although respondents expressed significant concern with broad rather than trial-specific advance consent. These findings shed light on the acceptability of advance consent to Canadian ethics regulators.