Tests a carbon dioxide gas mixture in people with epilepsy
Studies how seizures affect breathing and waking in adults with epilepsy.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Chemosensitivity and SUDEP
Key facts
- Where
- Iowa City, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 99 years old?
Source: NCT04134754, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsIowa City, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Iowa
- Trial code
- NCT04134754
- Record updated
- 23 June 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this research study is to better understand what causes Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This study will enroll subjects from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and Epilepsy Clinics. The investigators will analyze the effects of seizures on breathing, on the cardiovascular system, and on arousal. The investigators are studying these effects because some cases of SUDEP might be due, in part, to an inability to wake up or sense elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels when breathing is impaired. Subjects will be followed for ten years after enrollment to monitor their health.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Role of Central CO2 Chemosensitivity in Postictal Respiratory Depression and SUDEP
The purpose of this research study is to better understand what causes Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This study will enroll subjects from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and Epilepsy Clinics. The investigators will analyze the effects of seizures on breathing, on the cardiovascular system, and on arousal. The investigators are studying these effects because some cases of SUDEP might be due, in part, to an inability to wake up or sense elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels when breathing is impaired. Subjects will be followed for ten years after enrollment to monitor their health.
Inclusion: The subject is between 18 and 99 years of age; Confirmed or suspected epilepsy; Admission to the EMU for spell characterization (EMU group) or undergoing care in the University of Iowa Health Care Epilepsy Clinic.
Exclusion: History of uncontrolled cardiac, pulmonary, or hepatic disease; Progressive or uncontrolled neurologic disease unrelated to epilepsy; Other comorbid condition that may influence the safety or feasibility of HCVR testing; Current opioid use; Women of child-bearing potential who are pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant (e.g. sexual activity within the past 21 days without a highly effective form of birth control or positive urine pregnancy test); Limited decision-making capacity and absence of a qualified representative.