The yield of long-term electrocardiographic recordings in refractory focal epilepsy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the incidence of clinically relevant arrhythmias in refractory focal epilepsy and to assess the potential of postictal arrhythmias as risk markers for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods

We recruited people with refractory focal epilepsy without signs of ictal asystole and who had at least one focal seizure per month and implanted a loop recorder with 2-year follow-up. The devices automatically record arrhythmias. Subjects and caregivers were instructed to make additional peri-ictal recordings. Clinically relevant arrhythmias were defined as asystole ≥ 6 seconds; atrial fibrillation < 55 beats per minute (bpm), or > 200 bpm and duration > 30 seconds; persistent sinus bradycardia < 40 bpm while awake; and second- or third-degree atriove

SUBMITTER: van der Lende M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6899995 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature