Hypothalamus structure and heart autonomic changes in drug-resistant epilepsy
Official title: Study of the Link Between Structural Alterations in the Hypothalamus and Cardiac Dysautonomia in Drug-resistant Epilepsy
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07888543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether structural changes in the hypothalamus relate to cardiac autonomic dysfunction in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens, Picardie) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07888543 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with drug-resistant epilepsy, followed at Amiens Picardie University Hospital, and with recent video-EEG and MRI-compatible status.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without detectable hypothalamic structural differences or with non-contributory cardiac autonomic findings may not benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Interventional study uses high-field 7 Tesla MRI to examine hypothalamic nuclei and related networks, alongside electrocardiography, to explore links between brain structure and heart autonomic function in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Participants are adults with epilepsy managed at Amiens Picardie University Hospital who have recent EEG data and consent. The goal is to see if differences in hypothalamic anatomy correlate with measures of heart rate variability and sympathetic activity, which may relate to SUDEP risk. The study does not specify a therapeutic intervention beyond imaging and ECG monitoring. Safety relies on standard MRI screening and clinical oversight at a single center.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could improve understanding of SUDEP risk and inform future approaches to monitoring or preventing cardiac dysfunction in epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked brain structures with autonomic function in epilepsy, but this study uses ultra-high-field MRI and is relatively novel in this specific hypothesis.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \> 18 years old * With drug-resistant epilepsy * Followed up at Amiens Picardie University Hospital * With at least one seizure recorded by video-EEG (or SEEG) in the 4 years prior to inclusion * Having had a good-quality electroencephalogram with ECG within the last 6 months prior to inclusion * Having given their informed consent, both verbally and in writing. * Covered by Social Security Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women * Contraindications to MRI * Claustrophobia, or any other condition that prevents the patient from remaining in the MRI machine for 40 minutes * History of cardiovascular disorders: arrhythmia, conduction disorders, myocardial infarction, high blood pressure. * History of endocrine disorders, precocious puberty, intellectual disability, eating disorders (obesity BMI\>35, anorexia) * Patients with dissociative functional seizures * Patients with epilepsy related to hypothalamic hamartoma or a genetic cause identified in genes coding for ion channels, particularly SCN1A, SCN1B, and CACNa1a
Where it's running
-
Amiens University Hospital
Amiens, Picardie, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: William SZURHAJ, Pr
- Email: szurhaj.william@chu-amiens.fr
- Phone: 33+322087776
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.