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Serum serotonin levels in patients with epileptic seizures
Author(s) -
Murugesan Arun,
Rani M. R. Sandhya,
Hampson Johnson,
Zonjy Bilal,
Lacuey Nuria,
Faingold Carl L.,
Friedman Daniel,
Devinsky Orrin,
Sainju Rup K.,
Schuele Stephan,
Diehl Beate,
Nei Maromi,
Harper Ronald M.,
Bateman Lisa M.,
Richerson George,
Lhatoo Samden D.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/epi.14198
Subject(s) - ictal , epilepsy , serotonin , psychology , anesthesia , electroencephalography , tonic (physiology) , medicine , neuroscience , receptor
Summary Profound cardiovascular and/or respiratory dysfunction is part of the terminal cascade in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy ( SUDEP ). Central control of ventilation is mediated by brainstem rhythm generators, which are influenced by a variety of inputs, many of which use the modulatory neurotransmitter serotonin to mediate important inputs for breathing. The aim of this study was to investigate epileptic seizure–induced changes in serum serotonin levels and whether there are potential implications for SUDEP . Forty‐one epileptic patients were pooled into 2 groups based on seizure type as (1) generalized tonic–clonic seizures ( GTCS ) of genetic generalized epilepsy and focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures ( FBTCS ; n = 19) and (2) focal seizures (n = 26) based on clinical signs using surface video‐electroencephalography. Postictal serotonin levels were statistically significantly higher after GTCS and FBTCS compared to interictal levels ( P = .002) but not focal seizures ( P = .941). The change in serotonin (postictal‐interictal) was inversely associated with a shorter duration of tonic phase of generalized seizures. The interictal serotonin level was inversely associated with a shorter period of postictal generalized electroencephalographic suppression. These data suggest that peripheral serum serotonin levels may play a role in seizure features and earlier postseizure recovery; these findings merit further study.