Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
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Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has been recognized as a useful guide in the clinical management of patients with epilepsy, in particular those on therapy with traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The demonstration of significant drug interactions and the introduction of the concept "therapeutic range" have also contributed to the view that monotherapy should be considered the "gold standard" in the treatment of epilepsy. Ten new AEDs have been approved and released to the market in the last fifteen years. ⋯ However, in selected cases or in response to a specific clinical question, a wise use of TDM of some new AEDs could represent a useful tool in the management of epileptic patients. Exceptions are thus represented by special conditions such as renal failure, dialysis, ascertainment of non-compliance, and pregnancy. For some new AEDs, TDM could be selectively and properly used in response to a single patient-specific pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic issue.
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Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can remyelinate injured spinal cord and the peripheral nerve system, but little is known about its effect on the transected olfactory nerve. We investigated recovery of olfactory epithelium after transplanting allogeneic OECs in transected rat olfactory nerves. ⋯ Transplanted OECs may be used to treat transected olfactory nerves.