Dravet Syndrome: Comorbidities and Patient Quality of Life

Author(s):

Key Takeaways

Dravet syndrome comorbidities include developmental delays, behavioral issues, sleep disturbances, and increased infection risk, requiring comprehensive management strategies.
Multidisciplinary management involves pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapies, and supportive care to address the diverse needs of patients.
The syndrome significantly affects quality of life, impacting daily functioning and social interactions.
Delayed diagnosis leads to prolonged inadequate treatment, increasing stress and further diminishing quality of life for patients and families.

Scott Perry, MD, discusses how pediatric patients with Dravet syndrome often experience various comorbidities alongside seizures, including developmental delays, behavioral issues, and sleep disturbances, which significantly impact quality of life, especially when diagnosis is delayed, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.