IVIG Treatment for Refractory Immune-Related Adult Epilepsy
Stopped early · Phase 2 · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Epilepsy, Cryptogenic, Epilepsy, Partial, Seizure Disorder, Autoimmune Diseases, Nervous System, Limbic Encephalitis
In brief
The purpose of the initial screening study is to find out if immune problems are an unrecognized cause of epilepsy in some patients. This study consists of a single blood sample, which will be tested for possible immune abnormalities. If enough patients are found who show immune abnormalities, those patients who are still having uncontrolled seizures will be invited to participate in a study of immune treatment with a compound called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The study hypothesis is that a significant proportion of the young-onset, refractory, image-negative, partial-onset epilepsy population have an underlying autoimmune disorder, and many of these patients will respond to immune therapies, including IVIG. At present, the importance of immune abnormalities in causing epilepsy, and the proper treatment when they are found, are both poorly understood. The investigators hope that this study will help us understand the cause of some cases that are difficult to treat.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT01545518
- Run by
- Emory University
- People needed
- 20
- Starts
- 2011-11-01
- Expected to finish
- 2013-08-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2014-09-01
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Diagnosis of uncontrolled epilepsy with at least two seizures a month for three consecutive months.
- Age 18 to 50.
- Clinical semiology or electroencephalogram (EEG) consistent with partial onset epilepsy.
- Refractory to an adequate trial of two or more main-line anti-epileptic drugs.
- Ability to keep a seizure diary.
- Normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - 3 Tesla, seizure protocol; with the exception of hippocampal sclerosis
You may not qualify if…
- History of severe prematurity or neonatal distress, febrile seizures, moderate or sever traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, meningitis, encephalitis, neurocutaneous syndromes, or intracranial metal objects.
- Evidence of psychogenic epilepsy.
- History of convulsive status epilepticus.
- History of primary generalized epilepsy in a first degree relative.
- Known serious medical illness.
Where it is running
- Grady Memorial Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- The Emory Clinic, Inc. — Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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