2025/12/05 by Akanksha Singh, Parth Lal, Mohammed Safeer V S +4 · 1 voice
Medicine · #Epilepsy research and treatment #Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies #Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/epi4.70197
openalex created_date 2025/12/05 · openalex publication_date 2025/12/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
OBJECTIVES: Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy of infantile onset. While epidemiological data from Western countries and global estimates are available, consolidated evidence on the burden of IESS in India remains limited. Given India's large and diverse population, regional variations in healthcare access, diagnostic capabilities, and risk factors may significantly influence the prevalence of IESS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of IESS in India. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search across four electronic databases-PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science-in May 2025 to identify studies focusing on the prevalence and incidence of IESS in Indian settings. Data extraction was carried out using a standardized, predesigned extraction form. The methodological rigor of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence and incidence studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, with pooled estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals reported. RESULTS: A total of five eligible studies from different regions of India were included. The overall pooled prevalence of active cases of IESS was 3.33 per 100 000 population (95% CI, 1.46-5.82). A subgroup analysis was also conducted for the age group 0-18 years, yielding a pooled prevalence of 9.71 per 100 000 children surveyed (95% CI, 4.16-17.06). No studies reported the incidence of IESS in India. SIGNIFICANCE: The study is pivotal in estimating the burden of IESS in a low-middle-income country like India, where structural etiologies, treatment delays, and limited access to therapy pose major challenges. Although IESS accounts for only 0.5% of all epilepsies and 1.2% of epilepsy in children, its considerable clinical impact emphasizes the need for early recognition, standardized diagnostic protocols, and increased awareness among healthcare professionals and caregivers. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This systematic review summarizes the current evidence on the prevalence of active cases of IESS in India. Based on five eligible studies, the overall pooled prevalence of active cases of IESS was 3.33 per 100 000 population and 9.71 per 100 000 children (<18 years). This study is the first to provide a consolidated estimate and a clearer understanding of the burden of IESS in India and may support clinicians and researchers in improving awareness and early recognition of this condition.