Diagnostic methods for determining susceptibility to convulsive conditions

Abstract

The present invention exploits the discovery that amounts of uracil and thymine metabolites, especially β-aminoisobutyric acid, in various bodily fluids, especially urine, are correlated with the occurrence of epilepsy when compared to matched control subjects. Analytical and diagnostic protocols, including a novel high performance liquid chromatography system, for use in the invention are disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 318,139, filed Sep. 7, 2001, and U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 378,781, filed May 7, 2002. The contents of each of these aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A variety of clinical methods exist by which a physician is directed to a diagnosis of the cause of apparent seizures in a patient as either epilepsy or otherwise. For example, routine blood studies including electrolyte and glucose measurements, complete blood counts, and toxin screens may be carried out to assist a physician in determining a cause of seizures in a patient. Medical imaging, including CT and MRI, as well as EEG examinations may also yield valuable clinical information in this regard. There are, however, no routinely used prospective or predictive clinical tests which a physician may perform which indicate whether or not a patien...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There are, however, no routinely used prospective or predictive clinical tests which a physician may perform which indicate whether or not a patient is at risk of developing seizures in the future.

Presently, there is no predictive test to distinguish between these two hypothetical individuals.

The treatment for pseudoseizures is often psychological in nature, and patients undergo unnecessary effects if anticonvulsant medication is administered due to a misdiagnosis.

Although epileptic seizures are rarely fatal, large numbers of patients require medication to avoid the disruptive, and potentially dangerous, consequences of seizures.

Furthermore, drugs used for the management of epilepsy have side-effects associated with prolonged usage, and the cost of the drugs can be considerable.

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