Thyroid hormones in children treated with antiepileptic drugs

Serum thyroid hormones balance were assessed in 43 epileptic children receiving antiepileptic drugs [AED] therapy. 8 patients were receiving phenytoin [PHT], 8 Carbamazepine [CBZ], 9 Valproate [VPA], 10 PHT-CBZ and 8 PHT-VPA. Serum total thyroxine [T4] and free thyroxine [FT4] concentrations were low in patient receiving CBZ and/or PHT. Despite the decrease in serum T4, FT4 levels in these patients, serum thyrotropin [TSH] concentrations were normal. In the VPA group, the findings were different from those in other patients, T4, FT4 serum levels were unchanged and Tri-iodothyronine T3 and TSH levels increased. The decrease in serum thyroid hormone levels during CBZ and/or PHT medication probably is caused by an accelerated hepatic plasma clearence of these hormones due to induction of hepatic microsomal enzyme systems by these AEDs. VPA, and AED with no liver enzyme-inducing properties, does not cause similar changes, the feedback mechanism is not activated possibly because serum T3 may he sufficient to maintain thyroid hormone action at the tissue level or because of a hypothalamic interference by PHT or CBZ. The effects of VPA on serum thyroid hormone and TSH levels may be mediated by effects on the protein binding of thyroid hormones and TSH secretion

toxic effects of pyrimethamine in albino rats

Pyrimethamine has a marked effect in malaria, but is also useful in toxoplasmosis, cutaneous Ieishmaniasis and polycythaemia vera. In the present study, the acute toxicity, LD and subchronic toxicity of the drug were determined in albino rats. Sublethal doses given to the animals daily for 2 weeks, produced marked changes in the blood picture, bone marrow, liver and kidneys. There was a significant elevation of serum alanine amino transferases, alkaline phosphatases, GGT, marked pancytopenia and depression in reticulocyte response. The bone marrow was acutely hypocellular. The hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects appeared in the form of clowdy swelling, congestion and tissue necrosis. It was concluded that the drug should not be prescribed unless indicated and should be given under medical observations regarding blood picture and liver function

Pentostam: the drug of choice in visceral leishmaniasis in Egypt

Recently, human visceral leishmaniasis has been diagnosed in Alexandria, Egypt. Infants were afflicted and local dogs and rodents were found infected. Pentostam is the drug of choice in V.L. The effect of this drug on the blood picture, blood sugar, blood urea, SGPT, SGOT A.P. and G.G.T as well as on the different organs and tissues in albino rats was studied. The laboratory findings were further confirmed by the histopathological examination of the various parenchymatous organs. The results were discussed

effect of diazinon and neguvon on the liver of experimentally intoxicated mice

Argas persicus, the fowl tick, is a common ectoparasite of domestic and wild birds. In Egypt, two new acaricides, Diazinon [an organo phosphorus compound] and Neguvon are now on use. Many toxic cases have been encountered among farmers and workers in fowl-houses. The LD[50] and the toxic effect on the liver of experimentally intoxicated mice, with each compound separately, were studied. It was concluded that both compounds had dangerous effects on the liver especially Diazinon