Is There a Gender Difference in SUDEP Associated with Epilepsy Medication?

Newswise — The mortality rate among people with epilepsy is slightly higher than the mortality rate in the general population. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is estimated to account for 8 – 17% of deaths in people with the disorder, with an overall higher incidence of SUDEP in males Less is understood about the gender difference in SUDEP susceptibility associated with specific medications used in treating the condition.

The mechanism of SUDEP likely is multifactorial and anticonvulsant medication may be an associated factor. To investigate the potential relationship between SUDEP and anticonvulsants, researchers conducted a retrospective population-based study on the incidence of SUDEP associated with each anticonvulsant over a ten-year period in a Norwegian county with 375,000 residents. Their findings were reported here today at the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting. (Abstract 3.136)

Twenty-six cases of SUDEP were identified, including 15 females and 11 males. All but one were taking AED medication, either as monotherapy or as polytherapy. Ten of the 26 were on lamotrigine, seven were treated with carbamazepine, eight with valproate, three with vigabatrin, three with oxcarbazepine, three with phenytoin, two with topiramate, and one with phenobarbital. Of the ten individuals on lamotrigine, nine were female and one male.

“Our findings may suggest a gender difference with a higher incidence of SUDEP among women treated with lamotrigine,” lead author Dag Aurlien said, “although the total incidence of SUDEP in our study was similar to that of previous population-based studies.”

Editors Note: Authors of this study will be available for a press briefing on Monday, December 6, at 3:00 PM in the onsite press room, Room 101B, of the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. To join by phone dial in on 1-866-740-1260; PIN 5867508#

About the American Epilepsy Society (AES)The American Epilepsy Society, based in West Hartford, CT, seeks to advance and improve the treatment of epilepsy through the promotion of epilepsy research and education for healthcare professionals. Society membership includes physicians and scientists concerned with the study and treatment of epilepsy (epileptologists) and allied professionals who care for people with seizure disorders.