Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Effect of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drug Therapy on Gastric Motility and Emptying With Point-Of-Care Gastric Ultrasound
Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Summary
People with epilepsy often need surgery, but it is not fully known whether their stomachs empty food and liquids at the same rate as people without epilepsy. Some seizure medications, special diets, and nerve changes related to epilepsy may slow digestion, which could increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to find out whether people with epilepsy still have food or liquid in their stomachs before surgery, even after following standard fasting rules. To do this, researchers will use a simple bedside ultrasound scan of the stomach before surgery. The scan takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles, radiation, or pain and will determine what food and/or liquid may be present in the stomach before surgery. About 30 adults with epilepsy scheduled for surgery will take part in this study. The results of this study may help to inform whether or not the surgical fasting guidelines for epilepsy patients need to be modified. This is a prospective, observational study that will take place at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.
Official title: Effect of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drug Therapy on Gastric Motility and Emptying by Comparing Gastric Volume With Point-Of-Care Gastric Ultrasound in Epileptic Patients After Standard CAS/ASA Fasting Guidelines
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2028-04-30
Last Updated
2026-02-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Gastric Ultrasound
Patients who provide consent to participate will have one gastric ultrasound performed in the preoperative preparation area. Each ultrasound will will be done in both the supine position and right lateral decubitus (RLD) position. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the patient's abdomen and the ultrasound probe will be placed on the abdomen midline just below the sternum using a curvilinear probe (usually 2-5 MHz). The following imaging and assessment will be performed: Gastric cross-sectional area: It will be assessed both in supine and Right Lateral Decubitus position as a full stomach (presence of solids or thick liquids) can be confirmed in the supine position but accuracy is significantly higher in RLD. Peristalsis: Frequency of contractions will be noted over a full 3-minute period.