Sleep architecture in patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Sleep Med. 2017 Oct:38:116-121. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.02.013. Epub 2017 Mar 18.

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to analyze the sleep architecture using polysomnography (PSG) in patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME): (newly diagnosed and those on valproate drug) attending epilepsy clinic at Alexandria University Hospitals.

Methods: This study involved 20 patients with JME on valproate (age: 22.40 ± 5.80 years; M:F = 6:14), 20 newly diagnosed patients (age: 18.55 ± 6.0 years; M:F = 6:14), and 20 matched healthy controls (age: 22.10 ± 5.0 years; M:F = 6:14). Clinical assessment, electroencephalogram (EEG), evaluation with comprehensive sleep questionnaire, and PSG were done for all patients.

Results: PSG showed significant alterations in sleep architecture in the total JME group in the form of reduced mean sleep efficiency (p = 0.001), increased mean Rapid eye movement (REM) onset latency (p = 0.046), decrease mean REM percentage (p = 0.011), increased mean wakefulness after sleep onset (p = 0.018), increase the index of total arousal (p = 0.005), increased mean periodic limb movement index (P = 0.001), and reduced apnea hypopnea index (P = <0.001) in comparison to control group. Valproate treated group showed increased sleep efficiency (p = 0.040), decreased REM arousal index (P = 0.012), longer stage 3 (P = 0.038), and prolonged stage 2 (P = 0.049) than the newly diagnosed group.

Conclusions: Sleep architecture was significantly disturbed in JME, with improvement in sleep efficiency in valproate treated patients.

Keywords: Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy; Polysomnography; Sleep architecture; Valproic acid.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / complications
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / drug therapy
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / physiopathology*
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / physiopathology
  • Sleep* / drug effects
  • Sleep* / physiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid