To describe the prevalence of common pulmonary diseases in patients with a history of epilepsy/seizures (E/S).

The functions of the respiratory system and central nervous are inherently interdependent. Pulmonary diseases may cause hypoxia, which can result in an epileptogenic injury to areas sensitive to oxygen deprivation, such as the hippocampus, which can lower the seizure threshold. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) could be an independent risk factor for stroke-related and hypoxia-induced seizures. Also, sedentary lifestyle of some patients with E/S can increase risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

This study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. All adult persons (> 18 years) who had a history of E/S between 2012 and 2018 were included. We calculated the prevalence of common pulmonary diseases in this cohort of patients and compared that with an age- and gender-matched cohort of patients who had no history of E/S (NON-E/S) and visited the neurology outpatient clinic during the same period of time.

A total of 937 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 47 ± 19.7 years (males 53.1%). 726 (77.5%) patients had history of E/S. Comparing E/S with NON-E/S patients, the prevalence of COPD was 1.1% versus 0.5% (P= 0.41); asthma was 1.2% versus 1.9 % (P= 0.47); obstructive sleep apnea was 0.3% versus 0.5% (P= 0.65); and VTE was 4% versus 0.9% (P=0.029, OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.03-18.37).

This study suggests that VTE is significantly higher in patients with E/S. These preliminary findings should be further studied. Meanwhile, this increased risk should be considered in this population.

Note: another abstract ID:4854 titled “PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVACULAR DISEASES AND VASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH HISTORY OF EPILEPSY/SEIZURES” by my colleague, Dr. Ahmed Yassin, was submitted to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 2020 meeting on the same cohort of patients with different disease focus