Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Epilepsy

Mayo Clinic

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Seizures; Syncope; Epilepsy; Channelopathy; Cardiomyopathies

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02824822

15-002420

Details and patient eligibility

About

Epilepsy is a common condition which affects over 3 million people in the US. Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy have a lifetime risk of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP) of 35%, which is greatest in those under 40 years of age. The exact mechanisms and causes are not understood but can be due to underlying conditions which affect the heart and brain, which may lead to dangerous heart rhythms and death. Some of these conditions which affect heart and brain have an identifiable genetic cause. This study aims to identify known genetic causes of heart rhythm and sudden death related disorders in patients with epilepsy.

Full description

The overall goals are to determine whether patients with epilepsy who have the highest risk of SUDEP have an underlying genetic cardiovascular disorder. The investigators are seeking patients with epilepsy who have a high risk of SUDEP identified by using a risk scoring tool called SUDEP-7 and/or have blood-relatives with a history of epilepsy, seizure, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning/near-drowning, syncope or heart rhythm disorder. The investigators may also include blood-relatives of patients with epilepsy and invite them to participate by providing a blood sample and/or buccal cells (from a swab or saliva) for genetic testing.

Enrollment: 600 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults ages 18 - 50 with a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizures, or syncope or drowning or cardiac arrest or sudden death or an abnormal ECG suggestive of an arrhythmia
• Blood-relatives (Aged 18+) of a patient with a history of epilepsy, seizure, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning, syncope or arrhythmia

Exclusion criteria

• Those who are unable to provide written consent.
• Prisoners (vulnerable population)
• Seizures secondary to ischemic events
• Traumatic brain injury resulting in seizures
• History of cranial surgery
• History of brain tumor

Trial design

600 participants in 2 patient groups

High SUDEP risk cohort

Description:

Patients with epilepsy who have a high SUDEP-7 risk score and/or a blood-relative with epilepsy, seizure, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning/near-drowning, syncope or arrhythmia.

Low SUDEP risk cohort

Description:

Patients with epilepsy and a low SUDEP-7 score.