The goal of epilepsy treatment is complete seizures control with minimal
adverse drug reactions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of
long exposure to felbamate, anticovulsant drug, on the histological structure of
tracheal and lung tissues of young (neonate) rats.This study could be attributed in
understading of the cau§es which precipitate the upper respiratory tract infections
in felbamate-treated patients. The results of the present work showed that
felbamate induced marked degenerative changes, haemorrhagic fluid
accummulation and cellular infiltration in the tracheal and lung tissues of treated
rats after 45 days. Most of previous changes were resolved after 15 days of
felbamate withdrawal. The results were discussed on the light of the literature's
data. The findings may be supported the suggestion that direct toxic and/or
immune-mediated effects may contribute to the observed degenerative and
haemorrhagic effects of felbamate in the tracheal and lung tissues in the present
study. In conclusion, all epileptic cases which are on felbamate as a monotherapy
should be reviewed carefully to promote drug withdawal when necessary. In
addition, blood count monitoring and pulmonary function evaluation during
felbamate treatment is recommended. |
