Relationship Between Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Anticonvulsant Levels in Epileptics

Abstract

Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a recognized negative risk factor for coronary heart disease. In this study, therapy with phenytoin alone, carbamazepine alone, and phenytoin in combination with phenobarbital was associated with elevated plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations. The highest HDL cholesterol levels were seen in subjects treated with the combination of phenytoin and phenobarbital. Plasma HDL cholesterol levels were proportional to the serum phenobarbital and carbamazepine concentrations. In subjects treated with phenytoin alone, low plasma HDL cholesterol levels were associated with low drug concentrations. The results suggest direct links running from the serum anticonvulsant levels to the extent of hepatic microsomal enzyme induction, and further to the plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations.