Outcome Analysis of Children with Rolandic Discharges on EEG: A Real-World Study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of drugs for patients with central mid-temporal (rolandic) discharges detected by electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 430 patients with rolandic discharges, who were treated at the Neuroelectrophysiology Center of the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from February 2015 to February 2018. Patients were divided into three groups according to medication: levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC) and sodium valproate (VPA). All patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and the seizure frequency, EEG results and side effects of drugs were recorded. Results Rolandic epilepsy (RE) occurred in 398/430 patients. Rolandic discharges were also found in those with febrile seizures, tic disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Thirty-one patients experienced only one seizure and no relapse, while 367 patients experienced more than two seizures (including 364 receiving drug treatment). The failure rate of LEV as initial therapy was significantly higher than those of OXC and VPA. The overall efficacy of OXC was higher than that of LEV. However, none of the three medications could control rolandic discharges. Moreover, the side effects of the three drugs were mild. Conclusions Rolandic discharges are common in children with RE and other diseases, such as febrile seizures, tic disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients with only one seizure need no treatment. Those with multiple seizures can be treated with OXC, LEV, and VPA. OXC serves as the initial antiepileptic drug with a lower failure rate and significant efficacy.