Identifying seizure events through breath and sweat analysis
Volatile Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Epileptic Seizures
This study is testing whether analyzing breath and sweat samples can help doctors tell the difference between real seizures and other similar events in patients who have just had a seizure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 270 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College London Hospitals Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (London, Buckinghamshire and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05725174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to collect breath and sweat samples from patients admitted to hospitals after experiencing potential seizures. The researchers will analyze these samples to identify patterns of small molecules that can differentiate between epileptic seizures and other events, potentially determining the severity of the seizure. By developing a non-invasive 'seizure test', the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for patients experiencing seizure-like events.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been admitted for seizure diagnosis at specified hospitals.
Not a fit: Patients with active infections, on immunosuppressive medications, or unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing epileptic seizures, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been used to detect other diseases, this specific method for seizure detection is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients who have been admitted to either University College London's Queen's Square EEG-telemetry unit or Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, for diagnosis of seizure events. 2. Patients aged 18 years or above Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with active infection or who have taken antibiotics within 4 weeks 2. Patients on immunosuppressive medications 3. Patients with co-morbidities preventing breath collection 4. Patients unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
London, Buckinghamshire and 1 other locations
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy — London, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery — London, London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew Walker, MB BChir FRCP — Professor
- Study coordinator: Eleonora Lugara, PhD
- Email: e.lugara@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: 02031089108
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.