Temporal patterns of neurostimulation efficacy in drug-resistant epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yiran Tian, Zhirong Wei, Tinghong Liu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of four neurostimulation modalities in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. A total of 94 cohorts were analyzed, revealing responder rates of 38.7% at 3 months, increasing to 61.8% at ≥21 months. The study confirmed a significant time-dependent improvement in efficacy across all modalities, although no statistical evidence indicated differing trajectories among them.
Key findings
- Responder rates improved from 38.7% at 3 months to 61.8% at ≥21 months.
- Meta-regression showed a significant main effect for follow-up duration (Q M = 96.3, p < 0.0001).
- Numerical differences in efficacy among devices were attributed to patient selection rather than hardware superiority.
Why it matters
Understanding the temporal patterns of neurostimulation efficacy can guide clinicians in setting realistic expectations for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The progressive improvement over time highlights the potential for long-term benefits from these interventions.