Do patients presenting to accident and emergency departments have low serum anticonvulsant concentrations?

Arch Emerg Med. 1991 Mar;8(1):41-4. doi: 10.1136/emj.8.1.41.

Abstract

It is often felt that poorly controlled epileptic patients, who are taking anticonvulsant medication, are over represented in A&E departments compared to the general population. This A&E based study set out to determine whether such patients do have inadequate serum anticonvulsant levels, when they present following a seizure, to A&E departments. All epileptic patients, taking medication, who presented to the A&E departments of St. Bartholomew's and Hackney Hospitals, London, over a 4-month period were studied. Serum anticonvulsant concentrations were measured on their arrival in the departments. Forty-six patients were studied. Only 21% of anticonvulsant drug concentrations were within 'therapeutic' ranges. A total of 66% were below 'therapeutic' ranges and 13% were potentially toxic. The implication of these findings is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / blood*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Epilepsy / blood
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants