Lamotrigine

MONDAY, July 29, 2024 -- For patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), seizure duration of 60 to 69 seconds induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with the highest remission rates compared with seizure duration of less than 20 seconds, according to a study published online July 25 in JAMA Network Open . Cecilia Gillving, from the University Health Care Research Centre at Örebro University in Sweden, and colleagues conducted a population-based cohort study using data from the Swedish National Quality Register for ECT to examine the association between seizure duration, potential confounding variables, and ECT treatment outcome. A total of 6,998 patients with unipolar MDD treated with unilateral electrode placement were included. The analysis used electroencephalographic (EEG) seizure duration from the first ECT treatment session for each patient. The researchers found that 39.3 percent of patients achieved remission after ECT. The highest remission rates were seen for patients with EEG seizure duration of 60 to 69 seconds compared with those with seizure duration of less than 20 seconds (odds ratio, 2.17). Associations were seen for anticonvulsant medications with shorter seizure duration and lower remission rates (e.g., lamotrigine: β coefficient, −6.02; adjusted odds ratio, 0.67). "This cohort study is the largest yet supporting the association between seizure length and remission from MDD after ECT," the authors write. "Seizure duration appeared to be indicative of adequate treatment quality." Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Abstract/Full Text Editorial Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

New research is uncovering genetic predispositions to developing DRESS Syndrome RICHMOND, Va., July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National DRESS Syndrome Day, July 16, the DRESS Syndrome Foundation is raising awareness about genetic predispositions to developing severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) like DRESS Syndrome. DRESS is a life-threatening condition that results from taking medications, most commonly antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Researchers are working to reveal the link between our genes and these drugs. The goal is to more effectively treat — and prevent — DRESS Syndrome. Continue Reading National DRESS Syndrome Day 2024 Tasha Tolliver, Executive Director DRESS Syndrome Foundation Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, Vanderbilt University Medical Center "Worldwide, patients are often prescribed medications without a full understanding as to whether these drugs are safe for them to take," explains Tasha Tolliver, Executive Director of the DRESS Syndrome Foundation. "We're thankful that a global team of dedicated researchers is identifying genetic markers that make people susceptible to developing severe drug reactions. This will be a huge step forward in preventing DRESS Syndrome while helping to manage risk and prevent harm." To date, the medical community has discovered that select drugs carry genetic risk factors for getting DRESS Syndrome and other SCARs. The prevalence of individual genes can vary, depending on the population, like Asian, European, Thai, etc. When patients carry a genetic risk, they have a greater chance of developing DRESS or another SCAR from that specific medication. Dr. Elizabeth Phillips is a globally renowned severe drug reaction researcher at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She and her team are uncovering genetic markers that can predict a patient's likelihood for developing SCARs. They recently discovered that the gene HLA-A*32:01 can increase a person's chance for developing DRESS from the commonly prescribed antibiotic Vancomycin. Dr. Phillips and her team have also developed genetic tests for Vancomycin. Although relatively cheap and easy to do, the tests are not yet widely implemented. With more widespread use, medical providers could prevent and better diagnose DRESS Syndrome cases. Before prescribing a medication like Vancomycin, they could weigh the benefit of receiving it against someone's drug reaction risk. "We are entering an era where these decision support tools can be a tremendous help," says Dr. Phillips. "However, clinical practice is still behind in implementing these tests effectively in pharmacogenomics education. In this rapidly changing field, it is crucial to help doctors, nurses, and pharmacists understand and make decisions." Dr. Phillips suggests that to better prevent and manage SCARs, general medical board certification and CME requirements should also require pharmacogenetics knowledge. National DRESS Syndrome Day takes place each year on July 16. The 2024 theme is "Voices for DRESS." Among other actions, they will recognize medical professionals as "DRESS Heroes" and invite patients and medical experts to share their personal DRESS experiences. What Is DRESS Syndrome ? DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms A severe, cutaneous adverse reaction to medication. Symptoms are delayed (2 – 8 weeks) and can occur from taking one of over 50 prescription drugs like antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Five prescription drugs account for over 50% of cases and 56% of reported deaths: Allopurinol, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim) and Vancomycin. One in every 1,000 to 10,000 drug exposures will result in DRESS. 10% of people with DRESS will die. DRESS usually begins with rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and facial swelling; and leads to blood abnormalities and organ injury, typically of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. It can result in long-term autoimmune complications. About The DRESS Syndrome Foundation The DRESS Syndrome Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Richmond, Virginia. We are a collaborative network of patients, families, researchers, and physicians dedicated to educating about severe adverse drug reactions, while advocating for the advancement of research, treatments, and prevention. We serve patients and their loved ones worldwide. Learn more at: DRESSsyndromefoundation.org Contact: Deanna Lorianni Communications Director DRESS Syndrome Foundation 804.307.6703 [email protected] SOURCE DRESS Syndrome Foundation