Prognostic Value of Interictal Epileptiform Discharges on EEG for Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Early-Onset Epilepsy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Poster presenting a systematic review of longitudinal studies on interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) as prognostic markers of neurodevelopmental outcome in children with epilepsy onset at or before 5 years of age. Five databases were searched from inception to 23 October 2025 (1,613 records identified; 186 full-texts screened; 4 studies included). Findings show a directionally consistent association between more severe IED features and poorer long-term neurodevelopmental outcome, but the current evidence base is small, methodologically heterogeneous, and cannot clarify the prognostic value of IEDs. Presented at the 16th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC), Athens, 6-8 September 2026, poster P0253. Full manuscript available as PsyArXiv preprint (https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/hkeaq_v1). Systematic review protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251162420).