LAUSR

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the influencing factors and cognitive functional changes in Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) patients who received a hemispherectomy. Methods Forty RE patients underwent a hemispherectomy with at least a 2 years follow- up were included in this study . Postoperative seizure outcomes were evaluated according to the Engle classification scale. Univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model in a backward fashion were used to identify the potential predictors of cognitive function. Results All 40 patients had an Engle classification outcome at a 2 years follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that seizure duration (OR 10.06, 95% CI 1.54–3.85, p = 0.038), age at surgery (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.21–3.56, p = 0.043), and MRI score (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.67 p = 0.024) are associated with postoperative cognitive outcomes respectively. Moreover, VIQ and PIQ were negatively correlated linearly with duration of seizures and MRI score. Patients with a good VIQ and PIQ before the operation were more likely to have a better VIQ and PIQ postoperatively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). And, operation side is an important factor affecting cognitive function; therefore, a left hemispherectomy has a greater impact on the patient’s IQ and language. Conclusions RE patients’ cognitive dysfunctions are improved after a hemispherectomy. Right-side operation can achieve better postoperative cognitive outcomes especially in VIQ and language. A shorter duration of seizures, early age at surgery, and less severe brain atrophy suggest better cognitive outcomes after a hemispherectomy.