Abstracts

Rationale: The timing of the transition from pediatric to adult care among patients with epilepsy varies widely among individuals. It is reportedly influenced by factors such as comorbid psychiatric disorders, the physician-patient relationship, and access to specialized care. However, the extent to which these factors differ by age at transition remains unclear. This study examined differences in these factors according to the age at which patients transitioned to adult care.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (32 female, aged 18-49 years) who underwent comprehensive evaluation at our epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). Inclusion criteria were: (1) diagnosis of epilepsy; (2) epilepsy onset before age 18; (3) initial medical visit to a pediatrician; (4) Full Scale IQ≥70 on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III); and (5) informed consent for study participation. Data were obtained through medical records and self-reported questionnaires. Patients were categorized into two groups based on age at transition to adult care: ≤21 years (Group 1, n=41) and ≥22 years (Group 2, n=14). Transition-related factors, including reasons for transition and related biopsychosocial issues, were examined across groups using Fisher’s exact test.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 25.5 years (SD=7.9), and the mean age at transition was 19.4 years (SD=4.7). Reasons for transition were categorized into medical, psychological, or social domains. Seizure frequency was reported higher among Group 2 than Group 1 at transition to adult care (p < .05). Additionally, Group 1 patients were more likely to reside in areas with a higher concentration of epileptologists compared to Group 2 (p < .05) when transitioned. No difference was observed in other seizure-related factors, psychosocial factors.