Prevalence and neuro-psychiatric comorbidities of pediatric epilepsy in Taiwan: A national population-based study

•Common comorbidities are developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation.•Psychiatric comorbidity rates are lower than reported, especially rural areas.•The prevalence of epilepsy is higher in boys, infants, and preschoolers.•A higher prevalence of epilepsy is observed in rural areas.

ObjectiveChildren with epilepsy may have comorbidities that result in significant disability. Epidemiological information for pediatric patients with epilepsy in Taiwan is scant. This research estimates the prevalence and common neuro-psychiatric comorbidities of children with epilepsy in Taiwan.MethodsPatients aged less than 20 years old who had received a diagnosis of epilepsy and suffered from epileptic seizures in 2005 were identified in the NHIRD based on ICD-9-CM and prescription records for the use of at least one AED. We used cases of epileptic seizure to survey outpatient service data, and identify common neuro-psychiatric comorbidities. The crude prevalence rate and the age- and sex-specific prevalence were estimated. We also examined the effects of urbanization.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of epilepsy was 0.33% in the pediatric population, with 0.29% for girls and 0.36% for boys. The most common neuropsychiatric comorbidities were learning disability and developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation. Epilepsy was more prevalent in boys than in girls, especially among infants, preschool children, and those living in rural areas. In addition, boys with epilepsy had a higher rate of neurological comorbidities. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities was lower than that reported in previous studies performed in other countries, especially among children with epilepsy living in rural areas.ConclusionThis research provides the largest nationwide, population-based study of childhood epilepsy to estimate the prevalence and the associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities of pediatric epilepsy in Taiwan. Potential rural–urban disparity basing on prevalence and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities cannot be ignored in Taiwan.