Genetic testing for children with epilepsy and developmental issues in Vietnam

Genetic Investigations in Children With Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A Collaborative, Prospective, Tertiary Care Center Study

Observational Number 2 Children's Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City · NCT05722990

This study is testing if advanced genetic testing can help identify the causes of epilepsy and developmental issues in children in Vietnam to improve their treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 3 Years
SexAll
SponsorNumber 2 Children's Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh)
Trial IDNCT05722990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the effectiveness of advanced genetic investigations in identifying pathogenic gene variants in children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies at a major pediatric neurology facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study will evaluate the proportion of children diagnosed through whole exome sequencing and the potential for individualized treatment adaptations based on genetic findings. By collaborating with institutions in Switzerland, the study seeks to optimize genetic testing procedures for early-onset epilepsy in Vietnam, where such practices are not yet routine.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0-36 months with drug-resistant epilepsy and severe developmental delay or regression.

Not a fit: Patients with identified structural, infectious, or inflammatory causes of their symptoms will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options for children suffering from severe early-onset epilepsy and developmental delays.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with genetic investigations in similar populations, but this specific approach in Vietnam is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Drug-resistant epilepsy, either from onset, or at follow-up, according to ILAE 2010 criteria
* Severe developmental delay or regression, according to paediatric neurologist evaluation (or developmental quotient \<50, if formally assessed)
* Age of onset of principal symptoms (Seizures, Developmental delay): 0-36 months
* Agreement to take part in the study and signed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with identified structural, infectious or inflammatory causes (such as perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, Cerebrovascular disorders, Sequelae of trauma or encephalitis, neurocutaneous disorders, etc...) will not be asked to take part to the study.

Where this trial is running

Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Whole Exome SequencingEpileptic Encephalopathy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.