Teratogenic effect of carbamazepine
Article Abstract:
The use of anti-epileptic agents during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital abnormalities, or birth defects. Teratogenicity, or the ability to cause fetal abnormalities, is greater with the use of combined anticonvulsive agents as compared with the use of a single drug. The anti-epileptic agent carbamazepine (Tegretol) is usually taken as a single agent and has not been considered to be teratogenic. However, a case is described of a 19-year-old women treated with carbamazepine who delivered a malformed female infant at 38 weeks' gestation (pregnancy). The infant had a prominent forehead, large ears, flat nasal bridge and unusual nostrils, arched palate, and protruding tongue. Chromosomal analysis (of the cell structures that carry the genetic material) was normal. However, her bone age was not consistent with her chronological (actual) age, and examination of the brain revealed dilated ventricles (the cavities within the brain). At 18 months, the child was below average in height and weight, and displayed diminished muscle tone and delayed psychomotor development. The abnormal facial appearance persisted. Other recent studies have reported physical and developmental abnormalities associated with the use of carbamazepine as a single agent during pregnancy. These findings suggest that this anti-epileptic agent may have a teratogenic effect, although a specific pattern of defects has not been identified. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1991
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Psychopathology in alcohol- and cocaine-dependent patients: a comparison of findings from psychological testing
Article Abstract:
The psychological and demographiccharacteristics of 78 male and 21 female cocaine-dependent patients with 70 male and 24 female primary alcoholics are compared. Results showed that cocaine-dependent subjects were younger, usually single and Afro-American, of lower socioeconomic status, less educated and with slightly lower intellectual functioning and less likely family occurrence of addiction as compared to alcoholics. Moreover, cocaine dependents were more distressed and had more psychopathology than the alcoholics. Both cocaine users and alcoholics have a high occurrence of personality disorders.
Publication Name: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0740-5472
Year: 1993
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