title: Rapid anti-epileptic drug assay.
abstract: The usefulness of rapid anti-epileptic drug assay in a paediatric neurology clinic was assessed. Compared with a method in which results were not available for seven to 10 days, there was an increased likelihood that levels would be within the target range, particularly for carbamazepine. Increased parental discussion, and therefore involvement with dosage, was possible. Management of children receiving phenytoin was more efficient and non-compliance could be dealt with immediately. When anti-epileptic drug levels are measured, rapid assay, with results available while the patient is still in the clinic, should be a standard facility.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cosgrove
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pople
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005013:Ethosuximide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D005013:Ethosuximide; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010672:Phenytoin; D010634:Phenobarbital