Affiliations: Department of Neuropediatrics, Cuban Institute of
Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba | Department of Postgraduate Education, Havana
University of Medical Sciences, Havana, Cuba | Department of Neurology, Cuban Institute of Neurology
and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba | Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University,
Halifax, NS, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Nicolás Garófalo
Gómez, M.D., Department of Neuropediatric, Cuban Institute of Neurology
and Neurosurgery, 29 and D, Vedado, Plaza, CP 10 400, Havana, Cuba. Tel.: +53
07 8345507; Fax: +53 537 8381820; E-mail: nicogaro@infomed.sld.cu
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence of
childhood-onset epilepsy in Cuba. In 2008, we used a comprehensive pharmacy
registry from Plaza municipality (population 155,516) in Havana to identify all
children with active epilepsy treated with antiepileptic drugs. We examined 103
of 108 possible cases for confirmation of diagnosis (final n=73). The study was
population-based study and defined the point prevalence, distribution of
syndromes and severity of childhood epilepsy. The prevalence of active
childhood-onset epilepsy on December 31, 2008 was 3.1/1,000. Major syndrome
categories were focal 77% and generalized 14.3% with 31% considered idiopathic,
43% symptomatic and 26% cryptogenic. Most (73%) had good seizure control and
those with worse seizure control were more likely to have behavior disorders, a
defined etiology and focal epilepsy. The point prevalence of childhood-onset
epilepsy in Cuba is low. It is possible that the Cuban health care system
contributes to low prevalence that is similar to that of developed countries.
Keywords: Childhood, epilepsy, prevalence, developing country
