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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Chemosensitivity and SUDEP

The Role of Central CO2 Chemosensitivity in Postictal Respiratory Depression and SUDEP

Who can join

Ages 18 to 99 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The subject is between 18 and 99 years of age.
2. Confirmed or suspected epilepsy.
3. Admission to the EMU for spell characterization (EMU group) or undergoing care in the University of Iowa Health Care Epilepsy Clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of uncontrolled cardiac, pulmonary, or hepatic disease.
2. Progressive or uncontrolled neurologic disease unrelated to epilepsy.
3. Current opioid use.
4. 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).
5. Other comorbid condition that may influence the safety or feasibility of HCVR testing.
6. Limited decision-making capacity and absence of a qualified representative.

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• 6% Carbon dioxide/50% oxygen/balance nitrogen mixture (other)

Sponsor: University of Iowa · Participants: 335 · Started: Dec 12, 2019

Contact the study team

• Study Coordinator · Phone: 319-356-4337

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04134754

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Epilepsy
• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.