Increase in serum cholesterol during phenytoin treatment.

Abstract

Increase in serum cholesterol during phenytoin treatmentLong-term treatment with phenytoin is often accompanied by various metabolic and endocrine abnormalities.Particular attention has been paid to effects on pancreatic p-cells, where it inhibits the release of insulin and suppresses the response of plasma insulin to various stimuli.I Phenytoin also influences thyroid function, reducing serum levels of thyroid hormones and increasing thyroid-stimulating hormone.2Since serum lipid levels are increased in both insulin deficiency and thyroid hypofunction a prospective study of serum lipids, glucose tolerance, and insulin response in patients on phenytoin has been carried out. Patients, methods, and resultsEleven formerly untreated patients with epilepsy aged 15-58 years were studied before the institution of phenytoin treatment and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months afterwards.Their weights ranged from 89% to 116% of normal, and their serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels ranged from 4-7 to 9-4