Drug monitoring of lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine combination during pregnancy
SummaryLittle is known about pregnancy‐induced alterations in the pharmacokinetics of the newer antiepileptic drugs, especially when used in combinations. Two women receiving combination therapy of lamotrigine (LTG) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) were followed prospectively during pregnancy and puerperium. Steady‐state concentrations of LTG and the active metabolite of OXC, 10‐hydroxycarbazepine (MHD), were measured at regular intervals using a dried blood spot method, and clearances were calculated. A strong effect of pregnancy on the clearance of both LTG and MHD was seen. An increase in seizure frequency occurred in both women. This stresses the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring of LTG and MHD during pregnancy. In case of breakthrough seizures or increased seizure frequency, dosa...

Docs win most malpractice suits, but road is long
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Malpractice claims against U.S. doctors are often dismissed, and when they go to trial, the verdict is usually in the doctor's favor, according to a new study. (Source: Reuters: Health)div id=medwormpbiMedWorm Sponsor Message:/i/b Have a look at a href=http://www.thepsychologydaily.comThe Psychology Daily/a, the new psychology portal powered by MedWorm, with all the latest psychology news and research updated daily./p/div