Clinical Trial: Blood Sugars in Children With Idiopathic Seizures.
Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Prevalence of Hypoglycemia and/or Hyperinsulinism/Hyperammonemia Syndrome in Patients With Idiopathic Seizures.
Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant percentage of children with the diagnosis of idiopathic seizures who have undiagnosed or unrecognized hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Detailed Summary:
Convulsive disorders are among the most frequently occurring neurologic conditions in children. Idiopathic seizures are the most common (67.6%) type of seizure seen in the 0-15 year age group. The highest incidence is in the first year of life. In the United States, 5 percent of individuals experience a seizure of some type by the age of 20.
Seizures have multiple etiologies. These include hypoglycemia, congenital causes, toxic/metabolic causes, infection, neoplasm, perinatal causes, and trauma. The medical evaluation often includes blood work, imaging of the brain, and performing an electroencephalogram. Currently, there is no consensus as to the work-up of children presenting with unprovoked seizures.
Hypoglycemia presents with a wide spectrum of symptoms and severity. In children, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and coma. In neonates and infants, however, the symptoms are even more varied and nonspecific. They can include cyanotic spells, apnea, respiratory distress, refusal to feed, and myoclonic jerks. The varied symptoms of hypoglycemia make the disorder difficult to diagnose.
The study will have parents checking blood sugars for 14 days and a one time ammonia level. Blood sugar checks will be first thing in the morning and one hour after a meal. If the study identifies a subset of patients with idiopathic seizures who have hypoglycemia, this finding may have implications for future glucose screening recommendations.
Sponsor: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Current Primary Outcome:
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Information By: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Dates:
Date Received: January 18, 2006
Date Started: February 2006
Date Completion: August 2007
Last Updated: September 6, 2006
Last Verified: September 2006
