[Antiepileptic drugs - fast versus slow titration and discontinuation].

The indication and management of an appropriate therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) requires an individualized diagnostic evaluation considering the clinical situation. Based on the current scientific data the therapeutic options and special aspects of the available AEDs are discussed with emphasis on the possibility of rapid initiation (therapeutic loading doses on day 1) or need of slow uptitration over several days or weeks in the context of different clinical situations. A sudden discontinuation or withdrawal of AEDs is only justified due to life-threatening side effects or for diagnostic purposes in the context of a presurgical workup.

TBOA-sensitive uptake limits glutamate penetration into brain slices to a few micrometers.

Removal of neurotransmitter from the extracellular space is crucial for normal functioning of the central nervous system. In this study, we have used high-affinity metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) expressed by hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells to test how far bath-applied glutamate penetrates into slice tissue before being removed by uptake mechanisms. Activation of group I mGluRs by 100 microM DHPG produced an inward current of -48+/-10pA (I(mGluR)), which was blocked by application of group I mGluR antagonists.

Primary cytomegalovirus infection in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is frequently associated with the presence of CMV-specific IgM-antibodies or CMV-DNA in serum. Detection of IgM-antibodies or viremia may indicate primary infection, but also reactivation or reinfection. We identified 46 GBS patients with detectable CMV-specific IgM- or IgG-antibodies, or both.

Presence of cytomegalovirus in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Background: Because poliomyelitis has been almost completely eradicated, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) now accounts for most cases of acute flaccid paralysis. Understanding of the role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the pathogenesis of GBS is still very limited.

Methods: We identified 42 CMV-seropositive patients with GBS between 1998 and 2001.