APOE genetic associations with seizure development after severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: The purpose of the current study is to assess the role of the APOE genotype in post-traumatic seizure (PTS) development.

Research design: A retrospective study of 322 adult Caucasians with a severe TBI and APOE genotype.

Methods and procedures: Medical records were searched for PTS. Time to first seizure was categorized as early, late or delayed-onset PTS. Potential PTS associations by genotype, grouped genotype and allele were investigated.

Main outcome and results: No statistically significant associations were found. However, two out of the four individuals (50%) with the E4/E4 genotype had late/delayed-onset PTS. Furthermore, none with a E2/E2 or E2/E4 genotype seized in the late periods.

Conclusions: The results of this study may suggest 4/4 as a risk genotype for late/delayed onset PTS and a potential neuroprotective role of the E2 allele. However, this study did not definitively support a role for the APOE genotype in PTS susceptibility and indicates that larger populations are needed to fully evaluate the potential impact of APOE on PTS.

• Traumatic brain injury
• post-traumatic seizures
• APOE
• genetic susceptibility