Factors predictive of late remission in a cohort of Chinese patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy

PURPOSE Limited data have focused on predictive factors of late remission in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. We are aiming to identify prognostic predictors of late remission in a prospective cohort of Chinese patients. METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy were included from 2009 to September 2012 at a tertiary hospital, with follow-up of at least two years. Early remission was defined by seizure free either immediately or within six months of treatment initiation, late remission was defined by seizure free achieved after more than six months. All analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0 software. RESULTS A total of 223 patients were included, and followed for an average of 43 months. 115 patients (51.6%) achieved early remission and 39 patients (17.5%) achieved late remission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated more than 3 seizures prior to treatment (OR=3.12, 95% CI 1.39-7.04, p=0.006) and multiple seizure types (OR=2.49, 95% CI 1.02-6.11, p=0.046) may predict late remission. However, nonadherence was not significantly associated with late remission. CONCLUSION Patients with a high frequency of seizures prior to treatment or multiple seizure types may achieve late remission. Particular consideration should be given to these patients.