Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome
Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a rare and devastating condition characterized by the sudden onset of refractory seizures following a febrile illness. Our company's dedication to innovative research and development, as well as our comprehensive range of services, positions us at the forefront of FIRES therapy development.
Overview of Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome
Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome, also known as FIRES, is a severe neurological disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of refractory seizures, typically following a febrile illness. The seizures associated with FIRES are often prolonged, frequent, and resistant to standard antiepileptic drugs. It is believed that an underlying genetic predisposition, combined with an inflammatory response triggered by a febrile infection, leads to the development of FIRES. This inflammatory response may disrupt normal brain function and contribute to the refractory nature of seizures.
Fig.1 Therapeutic course of cryptogenic FIRES. (Sakuma H., et al., 2020)
Therapy Discovery and Development for FIRES
There are limited drugs and therapies available for FIRES. However, several therapeutic approaches have shown promise in relieving FIRES symptoms and improving outcomes.
| Therapeutic Approaches | Description |
|---|---|
| Ketogenic Diet (KD) | This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet induces a state of ketosis, where the body utilizes ketone bodies as an alternative energy source. |
| Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) | IVIG therapy involves administering a high dose of pooled human immunoglobulins, which can modulate the immune response and potentially reduce inflammation associated with FIRES. |
| Burst-Suppression Coma with Barbiturates | This therapy aims to suppress brain activity and halt refractory seizures temporarily. |
| Others | Several other therapeutic approaches, such as high-dose intravenous steroids, plasmapheresis, anakinra, tocilizumab, and vagus nerve stimulation, have been explored in the management of FIRES. |
At our company, we are dedicated to the advancement of diagnostics and the development of cutting-edge therapies for FIRES. We invite you to delve deeper into the extensive knowledge base surrounding our exceptional therapeutic development solutions by exploring the links provided below.
Our Services
With a strong focus on drug and therapy development, we strive to provide professional solutions to global pharmaceutical companies. Our comprehensive services encompass various stages of therapy development, including preclinical research, animal models, and in vitro model development.
Induced Animal Models
Through our expertise in developing the kainic acid injection model and bicuculline-induced model, we provide valuable tools to investigate the pathophysiology, potential therapeutic targets, and intervention strategies for FIRES.
By utilizing primary neuronal cell cultures derived from rodent or human sources, we can recreate the complex neuronal networks affected by FIRES. These cultures allow us to study the excitability of neurons, and the impact of inflammatory mediators on neuronal function.
Our company specializes in developing organoid models to investigate the intricate mechanisms underlying FIRES. Our organoid models enable us to mimic the complexity of the human brain and study the immune-brain interactions underlying FIRES.
Our preclinical research services play a crucial role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of FIRES and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Beyond the aforementioned repertoire of services and models, our expertise extends to crafting personalized solutions and designing disease models that impeccably align with your unique needs. If our comprehensive range of offerings has piqued your interest, we wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with us without any hesitation.
References
- Sakuma Hiroshi, Asako Horino, and Ichiro Kuki. "Neurocritical care and target immunotherapy for febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome." Biomedical journal 43.3 (2020): 205-210.
- Lee Yun-Jin. "Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome: refractory status epilepticus and management strategies." Annals of Child Neurology 28.1 (2020): 8-15.