Psychometric properties of Chinese language Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale 2.0 (LSSS 2.0) and status and determinants of seizure severity for patients with epilepsy in China

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to translate and validate the Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale (LSSS) in Chinese-speaking patients with epilepsy and explore the determinants of seizure severity in China. METHODS: Accepted procedures were followed to translate the LSSS. Each participant was interviewed to complete the LSSS, Seizure Severity Index, Quality of Well-being Scale Self-Administered (QWB-SA), EuroQol (EQ-5D), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Construct validity and internal consistency were assessed. The determinants of seizure severity were explored. RESULTS: The construct validity of the LSSS was demonstrated by good convergent and discriminant validities. Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.886, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, seizure types (p=0.001), seizure frequency (p=0.001), and numbers of antiepileptic drugs (p=0.042) predicted the scores on the LSSS. Types of antiepileptic drugs also contributed to the variation in the LSSS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese LSSS is a valid, reliable, and sensitive seizure severity scale. Seizure frequency, seizure types, and quantities and types of AEDs predict seizure severity.