Serum ferritin levels and early prognosis of stroke.

Iron and ferritin are known to have an important role in stroke as well as in other disorders. This prospective study was designed to determine whether administering ferritin levels might help to estimate the severity and prognosis of stroke. Fifty-one patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke were included in the study within 24 h from onset of symptoms. Serum ferritin and cortisol levels were assayed at admission. Clinical status was determined by the Canadian Stroke Scale at admission and on day 21. Serum ferritin level was found to be higher in patients with large lesion size (P < 0.01), deteriorated neurologic status during clinical follow-up (P = 0.03) and deceased patients (P < 0.01). Serum ferritin level was correlated with neurologic deficit (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). No correlation was found between serum cortisol and ferritin levels (r = 0.07, P = 0.7). Serum ferritin level (P = 0.007; OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03) and large size of lesion (P = 0.021, OR = 11.92; 95% CI; 1.46-197.12) were independently associated with mortality. Increased serum ferritin levels correlate to severity of stroke and the size of the lesion.

Methanol intoxication with bilateral basal ganglia infarct.

Methanol is a toxic agent that affects the central nervous system, especially the optic nerves and basal ganglia. Symmetrical hypodense lesions in the basal ganglia, which can be demonstrated by CT or MRI, is accepted as the most characteristic radiological feature of the disease. A case of a patient with bilateral putaminal hypodense infarcts due to methanol intoxication is presented.

Valproic acid in prophylaxis of refractory migraine.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and safety of valproic acid were assessed as a prophylactic agent in migraine patients who previously derived no significant benefit from conventional prophylactic medications for migraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients aged 23-58 years with the diagnosis of migraine without aura. Response to therapy was determined by using a headache calendar detailing the frequency and severity of attacks. Reduction of 50% or greater in the frequency or severity of headache was considered as improvement. RESULTS: Improvement was observed in headache frequency within 67% of patients. Headache severity had been improved in 60% of patients. The mean average dosage of valproic acid was 1,250 mg daily. Most of the side effects are mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that valproic acid is effective and safe in the treatment of refractory migraine headache.