- Florey researchers have found a medication commonly used for blood pressure control holds promise in reducing the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
- The study, which used mouse models, provides strong evidence that protecting the heart during epileptic seizures can reduce the risk of sudden death.
- There is currently no effective method to predict or prevent SUDEP, the leading cause of premature death in epilepsy.
Targeting the heart in epilepsy research
A recent Florey study, published in Epilepsia, has found a common heart medication called atenolol shows promise in reducing the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
SUDEP is a devastating and poorly understood outcome for thousands of people living with epilepsy each year. The cause of SUDEP remains largely unknown, and there is currently no effective method to predict or prevent it.
What is known is that SUDEP often occurs during sleep and certain factors, such as frequent seizures and seizures beginning at a young age, can place a patient at increased risk.
Led by Professor Christopher Reid and Dr Ming Soh, the study found atenolol, a medication commonly used for blood pressure control, significantly improved survival in mice with epilepsy and heart rhythm problems.
The researchers studied genetic mouse models of epilepsy and long-QT syndrome, a condition that affects the heart’s electrical rhythm.
Compared to mice with normal hearts, they found mice with abnormal heart rhythms were much more likely to die suddenly after experiencing epileptic seizures. When treated with atenolol, however, their survival rates improved dramatically, despite the frequency and severity of their seizures remaining the same.
Lead researcher Professor Christopher Reid says the discovery marks an important step in understanding and reducing the risk of SUDEP.
“We now have strong evidence that protecting the heart during seizures can reduce the risk of sudden death. With further support, we can take this from the lab to the clinic and help save lives.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their research by testing atenolol in other severe epilepsy models and exploring the underlying mechanisms of SUDEP.
They are particularly interested in understanding how seizures affect heart function and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates unconscious processes such as heart rate and breathing.
The researchers also intend to investigate how the presence of heart conditions and other important physiological changes may increase susceptibility to SUDEP. These studies could help clinicians determine which patients are most at risk of SUDEP and how best to protect them.
“Our study opens a new door to SUDEP prevention by targeting the heart. It is also a powerful reminder that protecting the heart may be just as important as treating the brain in epilepsy,” says Dr Ming Soh.
This breakthrough was made possible by generous support from Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council, CURE Epilepsy in the United States, and philanthropic donations.
