title: Retrospective analysis of drug treatment in epileptic patients.
abstract: An epidemiological analysis was performed of the adult, out-patient epilepsy clinic population of a university hospital during the period from 1 January 1981 through 30 June 1985. The number of patients that could be traced amounted to 590. An at random sample of 207 were retrospectively analysed. Gender distribution was male:female = 1.46. The mean age was 37.4 years. The diagnoses were classified according to the classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). A preponderance of partial seizures was present, reflecting the selection in a university out-patient clinic of more difficult to treat forms of epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs used in the treatment varied; monotherapy was obtained in 46% of the cases and carbamazepine was the most frequently prescribed drug (49%). Changes in seizure severity and factors associated with epilepsy are described. A discrepancy was found between the suspected drug levels, based upon the physician's judgement, and the plasma level measured in those patients in whom drug levels were monitored; factors interfering with clinical judgement are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neurology, Sint Radboud Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Rwiza
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keyser
authors.forename: Y A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Hekster
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pool
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Verwey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants