Long-term prognosis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A systematic review searching for sex differences

PurposeJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), like other forms of idiopathic generalized epilepsy, shows a marked female predominance. However, few studies have specifically addressed the role sex in its long-term prognosis. We performed systematic review literature relevant to JME prognosis, focusing on sex-based differences prognostic factors and outcome.MethodsA comprehensive search PubMed Scopus databases was performed, considering all articles up April 2020 which prognosis had been explored outcome or were specified.ResultsWe included 25 published between 1984 2020. Sex by 21 studies, but only three reported different outcomes male vs patients. All found be associated with later response antiseizure medications, worse seizure control, higher risk relapse their entire study samples, Eight possible predictors outcome: prolonged epileptiform EEG runs presence eye closure sensitivity, both more frequent women, possibly linked poorer as praxis induction asymmetric changes, instead common men. Valproate use, men, better outcome.ConclusionMost do not highlight some specificities emerge, especially regard particular reflex traits abnormalities. Finally, may condition therapeutic choices, thus impact outcome.