Actively Recruiting
Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Role in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2025-09-08
600
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
A
American Heart Association
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Epilepsy affects over 3 million people in the US and carries a significant risk of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP), especially in those under 40 years old. This study aims to find out if patients with epilepsy who have the highest risk of SUDEP have genetic heart and brain disorders that might cause dangerous heart rhythms and sudden death. Researchers are looking closely at genetic causes related to heart rhythm and sudden death in these patients and their close blood relatives. Participants include people with epilepsy who have a high SUDEP risk score or a family history of epilepsy, seizures, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning, syncope, or heart rhythm disorders. The study also invites blood relatives of these patients to provide blood or saliva samples for genetic testing. There are two groups: patients with high SUDEP risk and those with low SUDEP risk. During the study, researchers will use advanced genetic sequencing to check for cardiac genetic mutations in patients at high risk of sudden death over 3 to 5 years. Participants will provide genetic samples and medical history information. The study will monitor genetic markers linked to heart and brain disorders to better understand risks associated with epilepsy. The total participation time varies by individual needs and testing schedules.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Genetic Markers of Cardiovascular Disease in Epilepsy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults ages 18 to 50 with a diagnosis of epilepsy, seizures, syncope, drowning, cardiac arrest, sudden death, or an abnormal ECG suggesting arrhythmia
- Blood relatives aged 18 or older of patients with a history of epilepsy, seizures, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning, syncope, or arrhythmia
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to provide written consent
- Prisoners
- Seizures caused by ischemic events
- Seizures caused by traumatic brain injury
- History of cranial surgery
- History of brain tumor
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 5 years
Participants provide blood samples and/or buccal cells for genetic testing to determine the presence of genetic cardiac mutations related to epilepsy and sudden unexpected death.
1 to 2 visits depending on cohort assignment
Duration - Up to 5 years
Participants are observed over time to understand the role of genetic markers in cardiovascular disease and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Visits as needed for follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Somers CPL Lab
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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