Epilepsy - Genetic Marker and Enzyme Study
Potential Role of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and Phase II Biotransformation Enzymes in Adverse Drug Reactions in Phenytoin
Protocol ID
Protocol Description
The purpose of this research study is to understand the potential role of specific enzymes called Cytochrome P450 (CYP 2C9 and CYP 2C19) and related enzymes to the allergic reaction of phenytoin in epileptic patients.
Phenytoin, also known as Dilantin, is a commonly used anticonvulsant, especially in status epilepticus, a prolonged seizure lasting longer than 15 minutes which can be a life threatening situation. An allergic reaction to phenytoin prevents the patient from continuing use of phenytoin and may also result in severe skin rash, gastrointestinal and respiratory damage.
If we can understand why specific patients will have the allergic reaction and find genetic markers such as one of the subtype of P450 and/or related enzymes, then we can test every patient before they are given the maintenance dose of phenytoin.
Eligibility Criteria
Patients with epilepsy
Primary Investigator(s)
- Li Kan, MD