Chapter Name: Israeli League Against Epilepsy
Report By: Prof Bruria Ben-Zeev
Publications:
COVID-19 outbreak provided an immediate and compulsory challenge to epilepsy clinicians regarding the implications for patients with epilepsy and possible drug interactions between the anti COVID-19 therapies and ASMs. The Israeli chapter was among the first worldwide to provide a concise review on this topic, written by Prof. Sara Eyal and reviewed by the chapter representatives. A preliminary guideline which was distributed to Israeli physicians as early as in March 2020 was later published as an article (1) in the Israeli Medical association Journal (attached). Another version was distributed to patients through the EYAL website in March.
In the last few days we produced a document based on current knowledge advising neurologists and patients themselves on the consensus approach to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with epilepsy.
1- Ekstein D, Noyman I, Fahoum F, Herskovitz M, Linder I, Ben Zeev B, Eyal S. Treating Epilepsy Patients with Investigational Anti-COVID-19 Drugs: Recommendations by the Israeli Chapter of the ILAE. Isr Med Assoc J. 2020 Nov;11(22):665-672. PMID: 33249784.
Summary of Activities:
2020:
The Israeli ILAE Chapter consists of a balanced mixture of Adult and Pediatric Neurologists as well as a Professor of Pharmacology. The six elected representatives who are medical doctors are experienced clinicians, heading epilepsy Centers and having extensive daily interaction with patients and health providers. All are involved in scientific activity.
The Israeli chapter members include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, scientists, EEG technicians and students. The 2020 activities are listed below:
- Scientific activity included 2 biannual Epilepsy conferences: the traditional annual Epilepsy conference took place in January with an impressive turn-out (over 300 participants). Original research works were submitted and presented as either oral or poster presentations, along with several invited lectures, by Israeli as well as renown international speakers - Profs. Ingrid Scheffer and Michael A. Rogawski.
- The second mid-year conference was conducted as a tele-conference d/t the Covid-19 pandemic, with the participation of Prof. Eugen Trinka. Over 120 members registered and participated in the second conference.
- Educational activity included the implementation of a newly approved by the Israeli Medical Association Epilepsy Fellowship program for adults and pediatric neurologists.
- Regulatory and Advisory activity - an important modification of the Ministry of Health Paradigm of antiseizure medication for inclusion in the Health Basket was initiated by the Israeli chapter. This modification aimed to shift the current paradigm consisting of administration of ASMs by traditional arbitrary tiers to a more structured approach, adhering with the current ILAE classification and guidelines - mainly distinguishing between ASM responsive and non-responsive epilepsy patients. As part of the paradigm, newer ASMs have been suggested to be preferred for early use to mitigate adverse events and interactions. This change of paradigm will have multiple advantages for patients, physicians and health system alike.
The league was also involved as a major consultant in the process of introducing Epidyolex for the treatment of patients with Dravet syndrome, Lennox Gastuat syndrome and tuberous sclerosis to the Ministry of health "health basket " that will hopefully will be approved for the year 2021.
The league was involved in several ad hoc regulatory events related to the change in supply of different ASMs by directing and informing all physicians, pharmacists and patients (through the epilepsy patients association "EYAL”) on the processes required to ensure continuation and safety of treatment. - The league is being consulted on a regular basis by the epilepsy patients' association and helping them in producing explanatory brochures and leaflets on topics related to ongoing special issues in the lives of patients with epilepsy.
Challenges:
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Future Plans:
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Officer Election Date: .
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