Seizure Outcomes and Predisposing Factors in Children with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) conducted a retrospective study to evaluate seizure outcomes and identify predisposing factors for epilepsy in patients diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The study involved 23 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age at B-ALL diagnosis of 6.1 years. The researchers found that 73.9% of the patients experienced provoked seizures, most commonly related to acute or subacute methotrexate (MTX) neurotoxicity. Notably, seven patients (30.4%) developed epilepsy, and five (21.7%) had drug-resistant epilepsy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to evaluate seizure outcomes and identify predisposing factors for epilepsy in patients diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
  • The researchers found that 73.9% of the patients experienced provoked seizures, most commonly related to acute or subacute methotrexate (MTX) neurotoxicity.
  • Seven patients (30.4%) developed epilepsy, and five (21.7%) had drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • The researchers concluded that long-term neurological surveillance is important in B-ALL survivors, especially those with delayed seizure onset or magnetic resonance imaging evidence of leukoencephalopathy.
  • The study suggested that older age at seizure onset may be a predisposing factor for epilepsy in patients with B-ALL.
  • Most seizures in patients with B-ALL were provoked and resolved without the need for long-term antiseizure medication treatment.

Statistics:

  • 23 patients met the inclusion criteria in the study.
  • The mean age at B-ALL diagnosis was 6.1 years.
  • 73.9% of patients experienced provoked seizures.
  • Methotrexate (MTX) neurotoxicity accounted for most provoked seizures (74.4%).
  • 30.4% of patients developed epilepsy.
  • 21.7% of patients had drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • The mean age at first seizure was 8.5 years.
  • The mean latency from B-ALL diagnosis to first seizure was 28 months.

Sources:

  • Epilepsy Research, 2025;218:107671.
  • Epilepsy Research can be contacted at: Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, United States.
  • Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, United States.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.