DISORDERS OF CARDIAC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY - A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

There are many links between cardiac function and epilepsy, including both pathophysiology of the disease and pharmacological interactions. Heart rhythm disorders consist frequent ictal manifestations and include ictal tachycardia, ictal bradycardia-asystole and conduction disorders. Besides, interictal epileptiform activity seems to be related with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and has several effects on heart rate variability. On the other hand, many epileptic syndromes and arrhythmias (long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome) share common genetic patterns. This common genetic basis explain the frequent co-existence of these two disorders and diagnostic dilemmas often arise. Apart from that, several antiepileptic drugs can present either antiarrhythmic or arrhythmogenic effects. The above interactions between cardiac function and epilepsy consist putative mechanisms of sudden unexpected death in children with epilepsy. For all these reasons, a regular evaluation of heart function is necessary in children with epilepsy.