A retrospective case control study of epilepsy related deaths.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A retrospective case control study of epilepsy related deaths in Scotland between 2009 and 2014
IRAS ID
181131
Contact name
Susan Duncan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Life expectancy is shorter for adults with epilepsy than in the general population. Reasons for this are unclear but anecdotal evidence suggest some excess deaths are preventable. We hypothesise that socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of adults with epilepsy-related deaths differ to those with epilepsy who have not died.
To test this hypothesis we propose a retrospective population-based case-control study of epilepsy-related deaths using Scotland’s excellent secondary health data, pre-existing epilepsy databases and close neurology networks. We will use multiple sources to identify all epilepsy-related deaths and age- and sex-matched controls will be recruited from two existing Scottish epilepsy databases. From information (eg epilepsy type, socio-economic class, access to health care and epilepsy services, differences in adherence and comorbidities) obtained through their local neurologist, we will investigate inter-group differences. We will also compare inter-group differences in clinical care assessed against the recommendations of SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network).
A UK-wide study of epilepsy services in children (Epilepsy 12) resulted in recommendations which led to improved epilepsy services within 3-5 years. We expect that results from our study could lead to similar improvements in patient care and design of epilepsy services for adults within 3-5 years.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
15/SS/0165
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion