Brain development in Early Epilepsy (BEE) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neural markers of emerging autism in infants with epilepsy
IRAS ID
292574
Contact name
Charlotte Tye
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The co-occurrence of epilepsy and autism significantly impacts upon quality of life and shortens life expectancy, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the association are poorly understood. Previous research has identified associations between autism and certain features of epilepsy, but the majority of these studies have been retrospective investigations after a diagnosis of autism has been established. By measuring brain and behavioural function prior to emergence of autistic traits, it will be possible to identify specific patterns that predict autistic outcome.
Existing assessments of early-onset epilepsy populations are limited by reliance on parental report and focus on broad-brush measures of development. The BEE Study will employ an assessment protocol that assesses critical domains of brain development, such as the social and attentional difficulties associated with autism, in order to identify features of brain and behavioural development that predict emerging autistic traits. We will recruit 80 infants with epilepsy (infantile spasms and/or focal seizures) aged 1 to 10 months old and track their development at four time points up to 24 months old. This will help us to link information about brain development in infancy to behaviours in toddlerhood. We will ask parents to tell us about their infant through questionnaires and interviews, and we will observe how infants behave in play-based assessments. We will also exploit technological advances that allow eye-tracking and electrophysiology (EEG) measures to be implemented in the home.
Large existing datasets of infants with typical and elevated familial likelihood for autism, collected using compatible methods and measures where possible (e.g. EDiTS, STAARS, BASIS), enable a test of causal developmental pathways. Joining together helps us to learn more about the early development of children at risk for autism. The results will aid in stratifying infants with epilepsy according to behavioural outcome inform and test early intervention strategies.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0813
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion