The use of computer-assisted-telephone-interviewing to diagnose seizures, epilepsy and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

D&#39;Souza, WJ; Stankovich, J; O&#39;Brien, TJ; Bower, S; Pearce, N; Cook, MJ

Author(s): D'Souza, WJ; Stankovich, J; O'Brien, TJ; Bower, S; Pearce, N; Cook, MJ;
Details: Publication Year 2010-09,Volume 91,Issue #1,Page 20-27
Journal Title: EPILEPSY RESEARCH
Publication Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Background: Computer-assisted-telephone-interviewing (CATI), widely used in market research, could be a useful alternative for conducting diagnostic interviews in epilepsy epidemiology. Methods: We administered a diagnostic seizure questionnaire by CATI, interpreting the responses with standardized classification guidelines, compared against an epilepsy specialist's assessment, for agreement [Kappa statistic (kappa)], sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Youden's Index (YI). Results: 99 outpatients with 382 lifetime events participated: 22 generalized-onset epilepsy [16 Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE)], 59 partial-onset epilepsy, 12 non-epileptic and 6 uncertain. We observed almost perfect agreement in diagnosing epilepsy (kappa = 0.94), seizure-onset types (kappa = 0.84), simple or complex partial seizures (kappa = 0.87), any generalized non-convulsive seizure (kappa = 0.82), and IGE (kappa = 0.82). Although substantial, agreement was not as close for secondarily generalized seizures (kappa = 0.74), and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (kappa = 0.79). This related more to under-recognition of individual generalized non-convulsive seizures rather than misinterpretation of partial seizures. Discussion: Epilepsy diagnostic questionnaires administered by CATI and interpreted with standardized diagnostic guidelines can effectively classify epilepsy, most seizure types and IGE in outpatients with suspected seizures. Applying this diagnostic method in 'field' settings will allow firmer conclusions to be drawn on its wider epidemiological utility. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
Keywords: INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION; SEMISTRUCTURED INTERVIEW; ILAE CLASSIFICATION; CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY; DEVELOPING-COUNTRY; PREVALENCE; RELIABILITY; AGREEMENT; MINNESOTA; ROCHESTER
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.06.003
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2010-09-01 12:00:00