Mortality in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy: A systematic review

• Reviews 16 studies on mortality in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.
• People with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy have increased risk of mortality.
• Increased mortality risk evident mainly in those with ongoing seizures.
• Evidence base is small and further research is needed.

PurposeEpilepsy is highly prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and mortality is increased in people with epilepsy generally. This review summarises research on the comparative risk of mortality in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy compared to the general population, people with intellectual disabilities without epilepsy, and people with epilepsy without intellectual disabilities.MethodStudies were identified via electronic searches using Medline, Cinahl and PsycINFO and cross-citations. Information extracted from studies was tabulated and reviewed narratively.ResultsSixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Epilepsy was associated with increased mortality in people with intellectual disabilities in most studies, particularly in those experiencing recent seizures. Further research is needed to substantiate some of the reported findings.ConclusionServices must be equipped with the skills and information needed to manage this condition in order to minimise the risk of death in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.