OXC monotherapy may cause significant and persistent alterations in lipid and thyroid profiles in children with epilepsy. The increase in LDL-C and TC levels may be associated with liver enzymes induction and thyroid dysfunction. Further long-term prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine their clinical significance.

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A carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli isolate was recovered from rectal swab of a 12-day-old female neonate, which was admitted to a Greek neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Phenotypic testing, polymerase chain reaction assays with sequencing, and plasmid analysis revealed that the isolate harbored a plasmid-mediated bla(VIM-1) metallo-β-lactamase gene. The appearance of a metallo-β-lactamase-producing E. coli in NICU is worrisome. Further surveys are needed to determine whether such Enterobacteriaceae may also be spreading in other NICUs.

Background and aims: Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is recognized as a reliable marker for cardiac dysfunction. Recent studies postulate that intracerebral epileptic activity may trigger BNP secretion by heart or by brain. This prospective study aimed to evaluate BNP concentrations, before and after valproate sodium (VPA) or ox-carbamazepine (OX-CMZ) monotherapy, in children with idiopathic epilepsy.