Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
R C Hider
King’s College London, UK
Keynote: Iron chelation as a potential therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Time : 09:00-09:40
Biography:
Abstract:
Inappropriate accumulation of iron in the dopaminergic region of the brain has been associated with Parkinson’s disease. Deferiprone is a selective, orally active iron chelator which has been used in several clinical trials designed to monitor its efficiency in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. An improvement of both motor and mental performance has been observed in several patients. During such treatment, a decrease in the iron content of substantia nigra was observed using MRI. Unfortunately, deferiprone is associated with agranulocytosis, which occurs in a small percentage of patients. This necessitates weekly recording of white cells counts, which would not be ideal in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease patients. Over the past eight years we have been developing deferiprone analogues which are orally active, cross the blood brain barrier and (to the best of our knowledge) lack the agranulocytosis side effect. The properties of this molecular class will be discussed at the conference.
Keynote Forum
Ramon Bautista
University of Florida Health Science Center, USA
Keynote: Epilepsy wellness: Beyond diagnosis, beyond therapy
Time : 09:40-10:20
Biography:
Ramon Bautista is a Professor and Associate Chairman of Neurology at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center, Jacksonville where he is also Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. He is a graduate from the University of the Philippines and completed his Post graduate training in Washington University, St. Louis, Emory University, and Yale University. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and edited the book, “Epilepsy: A Century of Discovery”. His research interests are in clinical epilepsy and neurophysiology with a focus on understanding and improving the psychosocial condition of individuals with epilepsy.
Abstract:
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects 1% of the population. Huge resources have been alloted to determining ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. Far fewer have been allocated to help epilepsy patients deal with their condition and maximize their participation in society. Seizures significantly affects the self-image of those afflicted, how they are regarded by their family and society at large. The self-management skills required to deal with the condition are considerable. Many individuals with epilepsy have accompanying cognitive and behavioral issues making it difficult for them to comply with treatment; and even if they do achieve reasonable seizure control, limits their participation in society. Epilepsy also impacts the life of loved-ones and caregivers, causing major upheavals in family life and dynamics. In many societies, families often face these crises alone, afraid of the stigma that their cultures impose on those with the condition. The resources and support needed by families to deal with their loved-ones condition are often non-existent. Much has occurred since Alfred Hauptmann’s serendipitous discovery of phenobarbital as a seizure medication in 1912. The array of diagnostic and therapeutic options for epilepsy care can be mind-boggling. However epilepsy care circa-2018 can no longer be confined to best treatment practices and should focus on helping our patients maximize their human potential. The 1997 global campaign against epilepsy: Out of the shadows has done wonders to raise public awareness and acceptability of the condition. Our goal should now be to help our patients come into the light.
- Novel Therapeutics | Parkinsons Disease | Managing life with Parkinsons Disease
Location: Athens
Chair
Ramon Bautista
University of Florida Health Science Center, USA
Co-Chair
Byung-Jun Park
Daejeon University, South Korea
Session Introduction
Sebastian Knöbel
Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Germany
Title: Towards a cell therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: Fully integrated closed system expansion and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to mesencephalic dopaminergic progenitor cells
Time : 10:35-11:00
Biography:
Abstract:
Anita Haahr and Dorthe Sørensen
VIA University College, Denmark
Title: Coping with Parkinsons disease in everyday life: A metasynthesis
Time : 11:00-11:25
Biography:
Abstract:
Sana AlBustan
Kuwait University, Kuwait
Title: Parkinson disease: A study of public awareness in Kuwait
Time : 11:25-11:50
Biography:
Abstract:
The intended study would shed a light on Parkinson Disease (PD)in Kuwait. This study will represent the levels of awareness and knowledge among general people about PD that are currently not very well documented in Kuwait. A questionnaire will be developed for this current study by the researcher that would consist of a structured item questionnaire that would compose of both open-ended and close-ended questions would be given to 50 males and 50 females after a committee of professionals in the field approve the questionnaire. Questions will be devolved to address various aspects of the definition PD, onset of PD, cause, treatment, and hereditariness Demographic data with participants demographic features such as age, gender, occupations, qualifications and educational level will also be considered and addressed in this research. SPSS analysis procedures will be used to examine and analyze the participants responses The study is still in its pre implementation stage progress. The researcher anticipates her results will be consistent with other researchers findings. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the level of public awareness and knowledge of PD and facilitate the level of awareness and the services offered by governmental and private medical facilities in the Kuwait
Jae Moon Lee
Kainos Medicine Inc., South Korea
Title: Development of FAF1 inhibitor KM-819 as a disease-modifying drug for treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Time : 11:50-12:15
Biography:
Abstract:
- Epilepsy | Epilepsy Therapeutics | Prevention and Management of Epilepsy
Location: Athens
Chair
Ramon Bautista
University of Florida Health Science Center, USA
Co-Chair
Byung-Jun Park
Daejeon University, South Korea
Session Introduction
Matina Kampra
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Title: Children with epilepsy during school years: The necessity of parent – teacher cooperation and the doctor’s role
Time : 14:30-14:55
Biography:
Abstract:
This study intends to explore the challenges faced by teachers and parents of children with epilepsy during school years. It also aims to provide useful information about the parent-teacher collaboration for the benefit of the pupils, the families and the school.
Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted based on open-ended questions, with 70 head-teachers from schools from all Greek regions. Furthermore a questionnaire was distributed to 100 Greek schools. Additionally, personal interviews took place with 91 parents of children with controlled epilepsy during their school years. The data were grouped and analyzed with the use of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Results: 89.9% of the school staff was found to know what epilepsy is. 85.1% of the teachers were informed about pupils’ epilepsy by their parents/caregivers while 63/70 head-teachers declared that parents usually misinform the school staff about their child’s condition. 76/91 parents/caregivers personally informed only the head-teacher about their child’s condition because of fear of social stigma and bullying. 87/91 parents declared that they did not know where to seek help to cope with their child's illness apart from their doctor. 92.6% of the teachers felt insufficiently trained to deal with a seizure and 96.2% expressed the need for more formal information about epilepsy. 64/70 head-teachers and all the parents/caregivers expressed the need for inclusion of experts like social workers and nurses into the school personnel.
Conclusion: Epilepsy is a condition that affects not only the pupil with the disorder but also his/her family as well as the school staff. For the school personnel, it is very important to cooperate with the pupils’ parents/caregivers in order to handle the child’s condition properly and safely. The doctor’s guidance to the parents is crucial for their communication with the school staff.
Torie Robinson
Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UK
Title: Epilepsy - temporal lobectomy, AEDs and social stigma
Time : 14:55-15:20
Biography:
With a corporate finance background, after her successful temporal lobectomy in 2013 and continued recovery from psychological diagnoses, Torie has became an active international public speaker and corporate consultant regarding epilepsy, disability, mental health, diversity and inclusion.
Her purposes are to enlighten the uneducated, reduce the stigma held against those with disabilities (particularly epilepsy), and hold organisations accountable for corporate social responsibility when it comes to employment.
Featuring on UK BBC London, 5Live, talkRadio, US Brain Waves Audio and Australian Noongar Radio, Torie’s BBC3 YouTube video in which she featured: “Things Not to Say to Someone with Epilepsy” has been viewed more than half a million times.
Featuring neurological professionals, patients and employers from all over the world, Torie:
- Both founded and frequently writes for both the torierobinson.com and epilepsysparks.com blogs;
- Co-founded the Cheeky Sparks epilepsy podcast;
- Filmed for NHS70
- Works with DWP (UK Government) regarding disability employment;
- Has attended meetings within UK Parliament;
- Is an Epilepsy Action Accredited Volunteer (Trainer), and;
- Has featured in Huffington Post
Torie plays the piano, enjoys communicating to overseas audiences and forever learning more about neurology and cosmology.
Born in the UK, Torie grew up in both England and Australia and has worked for international firms with staff in Europe, Australia, the US and Asia. Torie lives in London with her partner.
Abstract:
Abstract:
Patient in early 30s with refractory, left temporal lobe epilepsy in a setting of left hippocampal sclerosis. Increase in seizure severity and freqency over 25 years, with worsening depression. Patient working in corporate environment.
Aim:
To decrease frequency and/or severity of seizures; increase quality of life and life expectancy
Treatment:
Temporal lobectomy
Facts:
Likely Cause of Epilepsy:
- Lengthy febrile seizure aged 6months
Past AEDs tried:
- Sodium Valproate, Levetiracetam, Phenytoin
AED side effects experienced:
- Memory function decrease, fatigue, numbness (phenytoin), mood instability (Levetiracetam)
Seizure triggers:
- Sleep deprevation, anxiety, forgetting AEDs
Further Diagnosis Related to Epilepsy/AEDs
- Migraines – developing 2018
- Mental health issues
- Thyroid: Hyperthyroidism
Surgery Exploration Testing:
- Video Telemetry
- EEG
- fMRI
- Psychological evalutation/neuropsychology assessment inc IQ
- Full understanding of surgery risks and potential outcomes by patient
Surgical Procedure:
- Left Temporal Lobectomy, Feb 2013
- CSF leak followed, leading to suture of the wound
Post-operative Diagnoses Included:
- Severe depression, extreme problems with memory, and exhaustion (for 6-12months)
- Blind spot in right eye
- 5 tonic-clonic seizures post surgery, last in November 2017
- Irregular complex partial seizures (average 4/5 per year)
Current Drugs:
- Levothyroxine 50mg QD
- Lamotrigine 100mg BD
- Lacosamide 100mg BD
- Venlafaxine 150 BD
- Clobazam 10mg
Conclusion:
Status: outcome Engel class 2
Patient has experienced significant decrease in number and severity of seizures. Along with psychological therapy, patient’s quality of life is greatly improved. Despite continued taking of AEDs, and infrequent seizures, the results of surgery is considered to be a success by patient. Patient has greater focus, continues to travel and has supportive partner and friends.
- Video Presentation
Location: Athens
Session Introduction
Elaine Wyllie
Lerner College of Medicine, USA
Title: New Opportunities in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
Time : 15:20-15:50
Biography:
Abstract:
New research in pediatric epilepsy surgery is providing opportunities to help more children than ever before. Some of our most exciting results have been in children with early focal brain lesions and diffuseEEG abnormalities. The diffuse findings on EEG reflect the evolution of the epilepsy as the early focal lesion, usually cerebral infarction or malformation of cortical development, interacts with the brain at different stages of development. Infants with focal lesions tend to manifest with hypsarrhythmia, and the older children tend to manifest with slow spike wave complexes and other patterns, but in both age groups the epilepsy typically disappears when the lesion is removed. Wyllie and colleagues studied 209 children with an early focal lesion who underwent epilepsy surgery, and found no significant difference in seizure outcome based on presence or abundance of generalized epileptiform discharges and EEG seizures.
A second exciting new opportunity for pediatric epilepsy surgery has emerged for children with bilateral abnormalities on brain MRI. Hallbook and colleagues reviewed preoperative MRIs in 110 children who underwent hemispherectomy at Cleveland Clinic, and found abnormalities on the contralateral side in 74%. In a follow up study of 170 children who underwent hemispherectomy, Moosa and colleagues found that contralateral MRI findings had no significant impact on the frequency of seizure-free outcome among Cleveland Clinic’s highly selected cases. The contralateral MRI abnormalities in these children, although not insignificant, were always less extensive and less prominent than those on the side of hemispherectomy.
Research suggests that for patients of all ages, shorter epilepsy duration may positively affect postoperative seizure outcome. By recognizing surgical opportunity and shortening the delay, we can help more children than ever before.