Epilepsy is one of the commonest neurological disorders affecting children. Data from overseas shows that 10-20% of children with epilepsy develop medically intractable epilepsy. Epilepsy surgery in recent years has become an effective mode of treatment in selected cases of intractable epilepsy.

Under the auspices of The Hong Kong Society of Child Neurology & Developmental Paediatrics , the Paediatric Epilepsy Working Group was formed in June 2001. The aim of the Working Group is to look at the incidence of paediatric epilepsy, extent of problems of intractable epilepsy in children and to promote knowledge and sharing of experience in paediatric epilepsy surgery. The Working Group was chaired by Dr. Dawson Fong and comprised of a number of paediatric neurologists and neurosurgeon from both HA hospitals and private sector.

A retrospective study on the local incidence of epilepsy in children was conducted over the period 1 July 2001- 31 Dec 2001. Review of number of epilepsy patients on one or more of the second line drugs from 5 Hospital Authority hospitals namely CMC, KWH, NDH m PMH and QEH. The mean prevalence was estimated to be 13.7%.

A prospective study on local incidence of paediatric epilepsy was conducted between 1/4/2002 and 31/3/2004.Participants included all Hospital Authority hospitals with Paediatric Department as well as four private paediatric neurologists. Data was drawn from the period from April 2003 to March 2004 as complete data was available. It showed an estimated incidence of 24.5/100,000/year amongst children up to 18 years of age. A report on the results of the two studies was sent to all participating members. The data was also presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the HKCNDP in 2004.

Regular meetings to study protocols in work up of paediatric epilepsy surgery from various developed countries were held. In addition , regular case presentation sessions were held in which paediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons participated in discussion and sharing of experience in management of cases for work up and cases that have undergone surgery. At times participants also included members from other disciplines namely , developmental paediatricians and occupational therapists etc. Paediatric neurologist Dr. KL Yam was invited to share with members her research on local version of quality of life measures in children with epilepsy.

It was decided that the Working Group has achieved the goals set out. Under agreement with HKCNDP, it was decided that the Working Group would be drawn to a close in March 2007.

Prepared by Dr. Sharon Cherk
Hon. Secretary
Paediatric Epilepsy Working Group
June 2007