Incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in New Zealand: A prospective population-wide, 2-year study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in New Zealand.

Methods

We attempted to prospectively identify all people with epilepsy (PWE) in New Zealand who died from SUDEP after August 1, 2019. Information about the patients' death and epilepsy was recorded in the EpiNet database. Two neurologists (P.S.B. and S.S.) reviewed each case and determined the SUDEP category. The national censuses for 2018 and 2023 were used as the denominator population.

Results

Records for 440 PWE who died between August 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021 were reviewed. We concluded that 103 people died from definite, definite plus, probable, probable plus, or resuscitated SUDEP (hereafter referred to as SUDEP). Possible SUDEP was di

SUBMITTER: Bergin PS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12455436 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature