Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Epilepsy

Description

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.

Conditions

Epilepsy, Seizures, Syncope, Channelopathy, Cardiomyopathies

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Potential Role in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Epilepsy

Condition
Epilepsy
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Rochester

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Mayo Clinic,

Virend K. Somers, MD PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Mayo Clinic

Study Record Dates

2029-12