Understanding seizure networks in children with drug-resistant epilepsy
Electrical Stimulation for Seizure Induction in Pediatric Drug-Refractory Epilepsy (ESIS in Pedriatric DRE).
This study is trying to see if using electrical stimulation can help understand seizure patterns in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy to improve their treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05469373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate how electrical stimulation can induce seizures in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) to better define the seizure network. By applying small amounts of current to nearly all electrode contacts during stereo EEG monitoring, the study seeks to gather comprehensive data that may assist in surgical planning. This approach builds on promising findings from adult studies, where comprehensive stimulation has proven effective in identifying the epileptogenic zone. The study is particularly focused on children with conditions like tuberous sclerosis, where multifocal seizures complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 1-30 years diagnosed with drug-refractory epilepsy who are recommended for stereoencephalography at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Not a fit: Patients younger than 1 year or older than 30 years, as well as those not diagnosed with drug-refractory epilepsy, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes for children with drug-resistant epilepsy by providing clearer insights into their seizure networks.
How similar studies have performed: While there is promising data from adult studies using similar electrical stimulation techniques, this approach has not been widely tested in pediatric populations, making it a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE) * 1-30 years of age * recommended to undergo stereoencephalography (sEEG) at CCHMC Exclusion Criteria: * \<1 and \>30 years of age
Where this trial is running
Cincinnati, Ohio
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah Katie Ihnen, MD, PhD — Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Sarah Katie Ihnen, MD, PhD
- Email: Katie.Ihnen@cchmc.org
- Phone: 5136364222
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.