Neural Autoantibody Prevalence in New-onset Focal Seizures of Unknown Etiology

Launched by SECOND AFFILIATED HOSPITAL, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY · Apr 24, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the presence of specific antibodies in patients who have newly developed focal seizures, which are seizures that affect only a part of the brain and can happen without clear signs of a related condition like autoimmune encephalitis. The goal is to identify which patients might need testing for these antibodies early on, as early treatment can lead to better health outcomes. This study is being conducted across multiple centers and is currently looking for participants.

To be eligible for the trial, individuals must have had their first focal seizure within the last year and must not have any obvious signs of autoimmune encephalitis or other causes for their seizures. Participants will be recruited from epilepsy clinics and will need to give written consent to take part in the study. They can expect to undergo tests, including blood and possibly cerebrospinal fluid tests, to check for these antibodies. This research aims to help doctors better identify patients who could benefit from early treatment while keeping testing efficient and cost-effective.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients have a diagnosis of new-onset focal epileptic seizure or epilepsy and present with their first seizure within the previous 12 months
• • Patients are prospectively recruited from the routine practice of epileptologists in epilepsy centers and epilepsy clinics
• • There is no obvious suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis
• • Written informed consent and sera are obtained
• • Cerebrospinal fluid test must be conducted, when patients have detectable serum autoantibodies
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients have other etiology of seizures, such as structure, infection, genetics and metabolism.
• • Written informed consent are not obtained
• • Loss of follow-up