Effects of dextropropoxyphene on the steady-state kinetics of oxcarbazepine and its metabolites

The effects of dextropropoxyphene on the steady-state kinetics of oxcarbazepine and its metabolites were investigated in eight patients with epilepsy or trigeminal neuralgia. One patient dropped out of the study, presumably due to side-effects of dextropropoxyphene. Dextropropoxyphene did not affect the plasma levels of the principal active metabolite, 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-carbamazepine. Since dextropropoxyphene is known to increase the plasma levels of carbamazepine, leading to toxicity, the findings of this study suggest that oxcarbazepine is a useful alternative to carbamazepine when concomitant dextropropoxyphene therapy is required.     

Acute effects of lamotrigine (BW430C) in persons with epilepsy

Sixteen epileptic patients took single doses of lamotrigine, 120 mg or 240 mg. Six photosensitive patients showed reduction (with abolition in two) in photosensitivity after lamotrigine administration. Five subjects with frequent interictal spikes showed reduction in spike frequency over 24 h after lamotrigine administration. The half-life (t1/2) of lamotrigine in subjects taking sodium valproate was prolonged, whereas the t1/2 in subjects taking carbamazepine and/or phenytoin was reduced. The area under the curve of co-medication plasma levels was not affected by a single dose of lamotrigine. Five patients reported mild and generally transitory side effects; some of which represented exacerbation of preexisting complaints.     

Protection of breastfeeding in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea the bottle-feeding of babies has been increasing, predominantly among unemployed women of low educational status. Many women are unaware of their legal right to have breaks at work for the purpose of breastfeeding, and a high proportion of workplaces have no facilities for mothers who wish to breastfeed their children. The laws on the feeding of infants should be updated and implemented, and an effort is needed to explain the benefits of breastfeeding and the rights of working mothers.     

Rapid maxillary expansion in the primary and mixed dentitions: a cephalometric evaluation

The present study evaluated the skeletal alterations induced by rapid maxillary expansion procedures in 30 patients in the primary and mixed dentitions. The results were obtained with the use of lateral cephalometrics before and immediately after the active phase of expansion. The time span between these two cephalometric films ranged from 14 to 21 days; therefore the "growth factor" was not considered. Based on the differences in the cephalometric measurements studied on the first and second tracings, it seems that anterior displacement of the maxilla with significant changes in the SNA angle should not be expected, although point B was repositioned more posteriorly (SNB) because of the mandibular downward and backward rotation, with subsequent increase of the inclination of the mandibular plane. The alterations in the A-P position of the mandible was reflected in the increase of ANB and NAP angles. The maxilla always dislocates downward, displaying a downward and backward rotation in the palatine plane, significantly altering the following measurements: N-ANS, PNS-PNS', A-A', SN.PP. The anchoring molars also follow the downward maxillary displacement (M-M') and, as a direct consequence of the vertical displacement of the maxilla and upper molars (N-ANS, A-A', ANS-Me, N-Me, PNS-PNS'), the facial heights increase.     

Geschlechtskrankheiten

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