OBJECTIVE To investigate serum concentration of carbamazepine, valproic acid
in elderly patients with epilepsy. METHODS Monitored the serum concentration
of carbamazepine and valproic acid in 262 patients with epilepsy. RESULTS
About 13.75% patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood
concentration, 5% higher than the effective blood concentration and 81.25%
reached the effective blood concentration in carbamazepine group. About 51.96%
patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood concentration,
3.92% higher than the effective blood concentration and 44.12% reached the
effective blood concentration in valproic acid group. The results showed that the
number of patients reached the effective blood concentration in valproic acid
group significantly lower than that of carbamazepine group (P<0.01), but the
number higher than the effective blood concentration in two groups was similar
(P>0.05). CONCLUSION The two groups’ patients, who were given the initial
dose of carbamazepine or sodium valproate, were different in reaching the
effective concentration. The elderly patients with epilepsy should be implemented
with individual administration. |
