Epilepsy and its therapy, including the newer drugs, are risk factors for low bone density, irrespective of vitamin D levels. Skeletal monitoring with the institution of appropriate therapy is indicated in patients on chronic antiepileptic therapy.

In ambulatory adults on antiepileptic drugs, high-dose vitamin D therapy substantially increased bone mineral density at several skeletal sites. In children, both doses resulted in comparable increases in bone mass.

No abstract

We report a case of a patient who developed acute encephalopathy following coronary angioplasty with iohexol contrast. The patient's clinical condition was associated with slowing on the EEG. Studies did not reveal any other etiology or contributing cause for the encephalopathy. The patient recovered spontaneously in 24 hours with only supportive measures. This report suggests that such a drug reaction could occur with iohexol injected in the coronaries, but reassures that the encephalopathy is self limiting.

Toxocariasis is a common helminthic infection that has a worldwide distribution. However, data from Lebanon about the prevalence of this infection are non-existent. We conducted a Toxocara seroprevalence study with 150 subjects attending the outpatient clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between May and June 2004. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for infection. The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis was 19%. Male gender and below high school education were significantly associated with a positive serological test (odds ratios = 3.1 and 2.8, respectively). Higher numbers of persons in the household, and low family income during childhood, were significant on bivariate analysis only. Toxocariasis is common in Lebanon. A large population-based survey is needed to confirm these results.