The incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in the Republic of Ireland

Background

The incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in Ireland has previously been studied in only a small geographical area. Our aim was to calculate an incidence rate for the whole of the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

Methods

All deaths referred to the coroner in 2019 were examined. Those with a history of possible epilepsy were noted and subjected to a more detailed assessment. Cases fulfilling the definition of definite SUDEP were identified. The incidence of SUDEP was calculated using the population of the Republic of Ireland in 2019 and the known prevalence of epilepsy in Ireland.

Results

Thirty-three cases of definite SUDEP were identified in the Republic of Ireland in 2019. The estimated incidence of SUDEP in the epilepsy population as a whole was 0.7/1000(0.46 – 0.94) person years. This may be a conservative estimate. More men than women were identified, and most individuals were found dead at home. SUDEP was mentioned on the death certificate in only 52 % of cases.

Conclusion

This is the first nationwide study of SUDEP incidence in Ireland and provides an incidence rate in keeping with other populations. This work demonstrates that the interrogation of coronial records is a useful way to monitor epilepsy mortality albeit with certain limitations.