Prevalence, Incidence and Determinants of Epilepsy among School Children in Egypt (A systematic review and meta-analysis study)

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. Objective: To provide the first meta-analysis of Egyptian research regarding prevalence and some risk factors of epilepsy among school children. Methodology: The researcher reviewed the Egyptian theses, papers, journals, in English language, searching for the eligible studies published from January 1990 to the end of December 2017. Meta-analysis was done using MedCalc software ver. 12.7.7.0. The pool of 58 studies. Results: Prevalence rate with total number of 692100 was 4.91/1000. The mean LD score was significantly lower in epileptic children than controls (69.3, 75.9, t = 2.2, P = 0.028). Consanguinity 42.2% positive cases (212/502) and 20% (698/3474) controls. OR=1.55, Z=3.22, P=0.001). Family history was positive in 40.6% (204/502) cases and6% (210/3474) controls. (Odd ratio=2.54, Z=3.04,P=0.002). Prenatal risk factors (231), 11.5 %. Perinatal risk factors(1235), 14.7%. Natal risk factors (122), 23%. Post natal infection(1875), 16.6%. Post natal trauma(1958), 8.4 %.