Comorbidity of Adult People with Epilepsy in Thailand
Pranboon S, MSN1,4, Tiamkao S, MD2,4, Usanawarong T, MD2, Thepsuthammarat K, PhD3, Sawanyawisuth K, MD, PhD2,5, on behalf of the Integrated Epilepsy Research Group
Affiliation : 1 Nursing Division, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 4 Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 5 Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : There have been no previous studies about comorbidities among adult people with epilepsy in Thailand.
Objective : To identify the most common comorbid condition among adult people with epilepsy in Thailand.
Materials and Methods : The present study retrospectively explored Thai national data for reimbursements related to comorbidities
among epileptic patients 18 years of age or older who were admitted for care between the fiscal years 2004 to 2012. People with
epilepsy were searched for and identified using the ICD-10 code (G40) from the national database maintained by the Universal
Health Coverage Insurance Office. Comorbid diseases were explored among eligible patients.
Results : Among the 139,867 adult people with epilepsy found, the top five most common comorbid conditions were hypertensive
disease (10%), diabetes mellitus (4.6%), traumatic brain injury (2.8%), stroke (2.3%), and psychosis (1.9%).
Conclusion : Hypertension was the most common comorbid condition among adult people with epilepsy in Thailand. Therefore,
outside of previous attention on neurologic or psychiatric comorbid conditions, this study provides new and interesting information
concerning comorbidities in epilepsy and useful data for planning care of people with epilepsy in the future.
Keywords : Comorbidity, Adult people with epilepsy, Thailand
