Effects of long‐term antiepileptic drug monotherapy on vascular risk factors and atherosclerosis
SummaryPurpose: Long‐term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been associated with metabolic consequences that lead to an increase in risk of atherosclerosis in patients with epilepsy. We compared the long‐term effects of monotherapy using different categories of AEDs on markers of vascular risk and the atherosclerotic process.Methods: One hundred sixty adult patients who were receiving AED monotherapy, including two enzyme‐inducers (carbamazepine, CBZ; and phenytoin, PHT), an enzyme‐inhibitor (valproic acid, VPA), and a noninducer (lamotrigine, LTG) for more than 2 years, and 60 controls were enrolled in this study. All study participants received measurement of common carotid artery (CCA) intima media thickness (IMT) by B‐mode ultrasonography to assess the exten...
Falling TVs have killed 4 Chicago-area kids since October
More precautions urged after 4 Chicago-area youngsters die in 4 months beneath TV sets that toppled on them. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)
