Uncovering Genomic Causes of Co-Morbidity in Epilepsy: Gene-Driven Phenotypic Characterization of Rare Microdeletions
2011

Genomic Causes of Co-Morbidity in Epilepsy

Sample size: 3 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kasperavičiūtė Dalia, Catarino Claudia B., Chinthapalli Krishna, Clayton Lisa M. S., Thom Maria, Martinian Lillian, Cohen Hannah, Adalat Shazia, Bockenhauer Detlef, Pope Simon A., Lench Nicholas, Koltzenburg Martin, Duncan John S., Hammond Peter, Hennekam Raoul C. M., Land John M., Sisodiya Sanjay M.

Primary Institution: University College London Institute of Neurology

Hypothesis

Can genomic microdeletions explain co-morbidities in patients with epilepsy?

Conclusion

Co-morbidities in patients with epilepsy can be part of a genomic abnormality even in the absence of known congenital malformations or intellectual disabilities.

Supporting Evidence

  • Genomic microdeletions were found in three patients with epilepsy.
  • Gene-driven investigations revealed clinically significant unsuspected conditions.
  • Co-morbidities were previously considered unrelated to epilepsy.

Takeaway

Some people with epilepsy also have other health problems that can be linked to their genes. This study found that looking at their genes helped explain these extra problems.

Methodology

The study involved detailed gene-driven clinical investigations and genetic testing of three patients with sporadic epilepsy and identified large genomic microdeletions.

Limitations

The study is not a systematic survey and only selected patients based on specific criteria.

Participant Demographics

Three patients with sporadic, non-syndromic epilepsies, including two females and one male, aged 26, 44, and 31.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023182

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