Can phenytoin lower plasma fibrinogen concentrations?
A strong, independent and positive association between plasma fibrinogen concentrations and cardiovascular disease has been established. To determine if phenytoin lowers fibrinogen levels we measured plasma fibrinogen levels in a subset of participants enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Participants received placebo or 100 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg/day of phenytoin for 14 weeks. Fifty-six subjects had post-treatment and 20 had pre- and post-treatment fibrinogen measurements. The phenytoin-treated subjects with post-treatment measurements had a 0.24 g/l (8%) reduction in mean fibrinogen levels compared to placebo (p = 0.3). Phenytoin may be capable of producing meaningful reductions in fibrinogen levels.
Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, USA.
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C
Goerdt
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Rubins
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W
Swaim
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A
Folsom
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D010672:Phenytoin; D005340:Fibrinogen