We are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study in women with epilepsy who are planning pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many factors can impact the health of a mother with epilepsy and her child. The purpose of this study is to learn more about anti-seizure medication blood level changes during pregnancy and the amount of exposure to the unborn child and nursing infant. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better management of epilepsy during pregnancy and identify therapeutic doses of medication for mothers.
This study will consist of 6 total visits, as well as at-home activities with the potential for up to ten additional blood draw visits throughout the study. These will occur throughout pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-partum, and these visits include interviews, brief physical and neurological exams, blood draws, and completion of self-report diaries. This is an observational study, so your clinical treatment will not be changed. There is no cost to participate, and you will be compensated a total of $625-875.
You are eligible if:
- You are a woman between 18-45 years old
- Have a diagnosis of epilepsy
- Not currently pregnant but are planning pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will I be asked to do for the study?
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There will be 6 study visits. 5 visits will take place at the Kaufmann building in Oakland and 1 visit will be at delivery. At visits 1-4, you will complete a survey, provide blood and urine samples, and a physical and neuro exam will be performed. In addition to the above, the post-partum visit will collect breast milk samples. Outside of study visits, participants will complete 6 fingerstick micro sampling collections at selected weeks prior to delivery, as well as post-partum and complete daily paper diary entries.
- Is there a cost to participate?
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There is no cost to participate. You will be compensated $625 for your time.
- Who may participate?
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We are enrolling persons with an epilepsy diagnosis on anti-seizure medications who are currently planning pregnancy.
- How do I participate?
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To get more information or to be screened for the study, please email epilepsyresearch@upmc.edu and we will get in touch with you to confirm eligibility.
For more information please contact:
- Page Pennell, MD (Principal Investigator)
- Kerry Oddis and Nikhil Khongbantabam (Research Coordinators)
- epilepsyresearch@upmc.edu