J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2011 Aug;29(3):172-176.

Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients With Epilepsy Taking Zonisamide or Topiramate: Before and After Treatment

• Hong HK
• Kim JE
• Lee JJ
• Lee SJ
• Park SP
• Yi SD

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients with epilepsy experience impairments in their quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to determine the influences of clinical factors on QOL and to compare QOL before and after antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment.
METHODS
A cohort of 79 patients with epilepsy (43 male and 36 female) was recruited for this prospective study. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE)-31 survey was applied to evaluate QOL. The QOLIE-31 questionnaire was completed by the subjects before and 24 weeks after AED monotherapy (zonisamide or topiramate). The relationships of demographic, social, and clinical factors with QOL were evaluated.
RESULTS
There was a negative correlation between seizure frequency and QOL in patients with epilepsy (p<0.05). The scores of patients without adverse effect were significantly higher for the seizure worry item of the QOLIE-31 questionnaire at 24 weeks compared to baseline (p<0.05). No other significant differences were found for any of the other QOLIE-31 items.
CONCLUSIONS
Age, sex, seizure frequency, AED treatment, and AED adverse effects were significant clinical factors affecting QOL in patients with epilepsy. It is suggested that the physician should recognize these factors and manage them appropriately to improve the QOL of patients with epilepsy.

Keyword

Quality of life; Epilepsy; QOLIE-31; Antiepileptic drug

MeSH Terms

Cohort Studies
Epilepsy
Humans
Isoxazoles
Male
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Seizures
Isoxazoles