RED-CELL FOLATE LEVELS IN PREGNANT EPILEPTIC WOMEN

Red cell folate concentrations were determined in 74 epileptic women i n early pregnancy in a prospective study. All patients were treated co ntinuously with antiepileptic drugs since before conception. The most frequently used drugs were carbamazepine (n = 39) and phenytoin (n = 2 6). Sixty-four patients (86%) were on monotherapy. Blood samples for r ed cell folate and antiepileptic drug concentrations were drawn before folate supplementation. Red cell folate levels in patients, 468 nmol . l(-1), did not differ from those in non-epileptic, drug-free, pregna nt women, 416 nmol . l(-1) or from those in non-pregnant age-matched h ealthy controls, 412 nmol . l(-1). No correlation was found between re d cell folate concentrations and doses or plasma levels of phenytoin o r carbamazepine.