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February 17, 2015; 84 (7) Article

Association of prone position with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Jennifer A. Liebenthal, Shasha Wu, Sandra Rose, John S. Ebersole, James X. Tao
First published January 21, 2015, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000001260
Jennifer A. Liebenthal
From the Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, IL.
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Shasha Wu
From the Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, IL.
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Sandra Rose
From the Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, IL.
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John S. Ebersole
From the Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, IL.
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James X. Tao
From the Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago, IL.
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Citation
Association of prone position with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Jennifer A. Liebenthal, Shasha Wu, Sandra Rose, John S. Ebersole, James X. Tao
Neurology Feb 2015, 84 (7) 703-709; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001260

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Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between prone position and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on a literature search from databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using keywords “SUDEP” or “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” or “sudden unexplained death syndromes in epilepsy.” Twenty-five publications met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study.

Results: Body positions were documented in 253 cases of SUDEP. Of these patients, 73.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 65.7%, 80.9%) died in the prone position, whereas 26.7% (95% CI = 16.3%, 37.1%) died in nonprone positions. Binary random-effects analysis showed that prone position is significantly associated with SUDEP, as compared with nonprone position (p < 0.001). In addition, the prone position was reported in all 11 cases of video-EEG–monitored SUDEP. Moreover, in a subgroup of 88 cases of SUDEP in which demographics and circumstances of death were documented, the prone position was observed in 85.7% (95% CI = 74.6%, 93.3%) of patients aged 40 years or younger, but in only 60% (95% CI = 38.7%, 78.9%) of patients older than 40 years. Statistical analysis confirmed that the prone position was significantly more prevalent in the younger patient group, as compared with the older patient group (odds ratio 3.9; 95% CI = 1.4%, 11.4%; p = 0.009).

Conclusion: There is a significant association between prone position and SUDEP, which suggests that prone position is a major risk factor for SUDEP, particularly in patients aged 40 years and younger. As such, SUDEP may share mechanisms similar to sudden infant death syndrome.

GLOSSARY

CI=
confidence interval;
GTCS=
generalized tonic-clonic seizure;
OR=
odds ratio;
PGES=
postictal generalized EEG suppression;
SIDS=
sudden infant death syndrome;
SUDEP=
sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Footnotes

  • Go to Neurology.org for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article.

  • Editorial, page 643

  • Supplemental data at Neurology.org

  • Received April 6, 2014.
  • Accepted in final form October 15, 2014.
  • © 2015 American Academy of Neurology
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Letters: Rapid online correspondence

  • "Back to Sleep" campaign for SUDEP prevention: "To do or not to do"
    • James Tao, Associate professor of neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, ILjtao@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu
    • Jennifer Liebenthal, Standord, CA; Shasha Wu, Chicago, IL; Sandra Rose, Chicago, IL; John S. Ebersole, Summit, NJ.
    Submitted June 03, 2015
  • Forced Ictal Version is a more likely risk factor than sleeping prone
    • Samden D. Lhatoo, Director, Epilepsy Center, Case Western Reserve Universitysamden.lhatoo@uhhospitals.org
    • Lina Nashef, London, UK; Torbjorn Tomson, Stockholm, Sweden; Philippe Ryvlin, Lausanne, Switzerland; For the Mortality on Epilepsy Monitoring Units Study (MORTEMUS)
    Submitted June 02, 2015
  • SUDEP: face up or face down?
    • James X. Tao, Associate professor of neurology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Il 60605jtao@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu
    • Jennifer Liebenthal, Standford, CA; Shsha Wu, Chicago, IL; Sandra Rose, Chicago, IL; John S. Ebersole, Summit, NJ.
    Submitted March 17, 2015
  • SUDEP-face up or face down?
    • Nitin K. Sethi, Assistant Professor of Neurology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 100sethinitinmd@hotmail.com
    • Nitin K Sethi, New York, NY
    Submitted March 12, 2015
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