Registry studying genetics of epilepsy in children with neonatal seizures

Neonatal Seizure Registry, GEnetics of Post-Neonatal Epilepsy (NSR-GENE)

Observational University of California, San Francisco · NCT05361070

This study is trying to see how genetics affects the risk of developing epilepsy in children who had seizures shortly after birth.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations8 sites (San Francisco, California and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05361070 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The NSR-GENE study is a longitudinal cohort study involving approximately 300 parent-child trios aimed at understanding how genetic factors influence the risk of developing post-neonatal epilepsy in children who have experienced acute provoked neonatal seizures. Researchers will collect clinical data, EEG, MRI, and genetic information to develop predictive models that categorize neonates into varying risk levels for post-neonatal epilepsy. This study seeks to enhance existing clinical risk factors by incorporating genetic insights, potentially leading to better management strategies for affected children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children under 44 weeks postmenstrual age at seizure onset who have experienced acute provoked seizures due to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with transient causes for seizures or those with underlying conditions independent of seizures, such as inborn errors of metabolism or brain malformations, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a predictive framework for identifying infants at high risk for developing epilepsy, allowing for earlier intervention and tailored treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of integrating genetic factors with clinical data is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding epilepsy risk, suggesting potential for success in this novel context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children \< 44 weeks postmenstrual age at seizure onset
* Seizures due to an acute provoked cause (including, but not limited to HIE, ischemic stroke, or intracranial hemorrhage)
* Parent(s) who are English or Spanish literate (with interpreter)
* Birthdate between 3/1/2023 and 1/1/2011
* One biological parent willing to participate
* Enrolled in NSR-II
* Fulfilling all NSR-II eligibility criteria and evaluated at an NSR center for neonatal seizures or enrolled in NSR-RISE

Exclusion Criteria:

* Risk for adverse outcome independent of seizures and underlying brain injury (including but not limited to inborn errors of metabolism, fetal infection, brain malformation)
* Transient cause for seizures (e.g., hypoglycemia without brain injury, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia)
* Neonatal-onset epilepsy syndromes
* Deceased

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 7 other locations

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 Neonatal SeizureHypoxic-Ischemic EncephalopathyStrokeIntracranial HemorrhageEpilepsyGene Abnormality
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.