Copeptin in Childhood Epilepsy

Background: Copeptin is a surrogate marker of the pituitary-secreted nonapeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and has gradually replaced AVP in several clinical studies largely due to its structural and methodological advantages. Copeptin is a marker of non-specific stress response, and has been suggested to have clinical implications in a variety of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions. However, up to now there are no data available on copeptin in seizure disorders, neither in adults nor in children. Working hypotheses: 1. Circulating copeptin concentrations are increased after generalized seizures, including FS. 2. Copeptin is predictive for complexity and relapse in FS. Specific aims: 1. to determine copeptin concentrations in children below six years after generalized seizures, either unrelated or related to fever (FS), and in control children below six years without seizures. 2. to compare copeptin concentrations with blood-gas parameters (including hydrogen ion concentration (pH), base deficiency, and carbon dioxide), lactate, sodium, chloride, C reactive protein (CRP), and prolactin.