Prevalence of drug-resistant epilepsy in low and middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Epilepsy BehavMay 31, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchNeurologyPediatrics

Amir Reza Bahadori, Parisa Javadnia, Ghazal Mohseni et al.

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In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Analyzing data from twelve studies, the pooled prevalence of DRE was found to be 13.3% (95% CI: 9.6-18.0%). The study highlights significant regional variability, particularly higher rates in African countries and among pediatric patients.

Key findings

  • The pooled prevalence of drug-resistant epilepsy in LMICs is 13.3%.
  • Higher DRE prevalence was noted in African countries and upper-middle-income regions.
  • Pediatric-onset epilepsy showed a higher prevalence of DRE compared to adult-onset epilepsy.
  • Publication year was a significant factor in meta-regression analysis.

Why it matters

Understanding the prevalence of drug-resistant epilepsy in LMICs is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving healthcare strategies. This knowledge can help address the clinical and socioeconomic burdens associated with DRE in these regions.

Source

Published in Epilepsy Behav. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

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