Over 2,500 women with epilepsy get pregnant each year in the UK, most taking one of two medications throughout pregnancy to control their seizures. The levels of one of these tablets drops significantly (60-90% in some women) and unpredictably during pregnancy, and measuring blood levels is the only way to gauge this. In clinical practice it can take two weeks to get a result back and by then the woman may have had seizures damaging her health and that of her unborn child. Although 1% of pregnancies are to women with epilepsy, epilepsy is a cause or complication of 7% of all deaths in pregnancy. However, there are legitimate concerns about the safety of epilepsy medication in pregnancy, as the neurodevelopmental impact of these drugs on the unborn child are dose related and using the lowest possible dose is critical.
We propose a wearable device, integrated with digital health technology, to monitor epilepsy drug levels in the community. The Peeters lab has a track record of studying biomarkers including endogenous (such as troponin) and exogenous (such as levodopa), and designing real-time drug monitoring devices.
Hypothesis
It is possible to measure anti-seizure medications with a wearable device that can non-invasively monitor biomarkers in interstitial fluid (ISF).
Methods
In this research study, students will be involved in developing an electrochemical sensor for anti-seizure medication. The receptors used for selective detection of the analyte of interest (e.g. antibodies, polymers) will contain an electrochemical probe molecule. When binding occurs at the receptor, there will be a change in electrochemical signal that can be correlated to the concentration of the drug compound.
The Peeters lab has been successfully collaborating with an industrial partner who have a platform for non-invasive (e.g. without pain or marking the skin) extraction of ISF. ISF is the fluid just below the skin and is rich in biomarkers that are <100 kDa, which includes drug molecules. This platform is currently being trialled for measuring of glucose and lactate in ISF and can be easily adapted to measure anti-seizure medication.
Potential Impact
If successful this device would have the potential to be the new standard of care, with the potential to be lifesaving for women with epilepsy. This study would facilitate a major clinical trial of this device in pregnancy.
Long term monitoring of epilepsy medication may bring many benefits including measuring drug clearance in pregnancy and monitoring adherence.
Supervisory Team
Dr Marloes Peeters is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University. She runs the Peeters Research Group focusing on drug delivery, in vivo sensing, and continuous monitoring. Her background is in the development of polymer-based sensing platforms were used for the electrochemical and thermal detection of neurotransmitters.
Dr Rhys Thomas is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Neurologist, looking after adults with epilepsy. He works closely with SUDEP Action, the UK’s primary resource for epilepsy related death support, advocacy and research. He is helping to lead a wearable diagnostic technology study in epilepsy (NIHR funded).
How to Apply:
FURTHER DETAILS AND A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/transformative-neuroscience/studentship/ . Please read the information there before submitting your application. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.
Applications should be made by emailing [Email Address Removed] with:
- a completed copy of the Application Form. A blank copy of the form can be found at: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/transformative-neuroscience/studentship/
- a CV (including contact details of two academic referees).
- a covering letter. This should explain your particular interest in the projects selected, and include any additional information you feel is pertinent to your application
- copies of your degree transcripts and certificates
- a copy of your passport (photo page).
- your English language certificate (IELTS or TOEFL certificate, where applicable)
Informal enquiries may be made to the supervisors.
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