The epilepsy genetic association database (epiGAD): Analysis of 165 genetic association studies, 1996-2008

Abstract

We have created the Epilepsy Genetic Association Database (epiGAD, http://www.epigad.org, an online database of epilepsy genetic association studies. A systematic search using several search engines identified 165 studies. Herein we analyze the types of studies available, the sample sizes used, and the strength of the findings. Common questions examined were susceptibility to idiopathic generalized epilepsy, focal epilepsy, or febrile seizures, and pharmacogenomic approaches to drug-resistant epilepsy. Sample sizes were generally small; 80% of studies had 200 or fewer cases, although more recent studies published from 2005-2008 incorporated slightly larger sample sizes. No association was ju..