ObjectiveThe aim of this investigation was to study the effect of felodipine extended release (ER) 5 and 10mg once daily compared with placebo on performance in psychometric testing and Target Complaints in patients with toxic encephalopathy (TE).DesignThe study was conducted as a double-blind, crossover study with each treatment given for 6 weeks. The patients were examined on five occasions, using semistructured interviews (Target Complaints), questionnaires Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB) and psychometric tests of visuo-spatial capacity and memory functioning.PatientsTwelve male patients with organic solvent-induced chronic TE and a median age of 47 years. All were skilled workers who had been exposed to organic solvents for a median of 26 years (range 9 to 39 years). The baseline examinations revealed severe symptoms such as memory impairment, sleep disturbance and personality change. Impaired test performance and reduced cerebral blood flow were also noted. Because of the severity of the symptoms only 3 patients were able to work (part-time).ResultsNo difference was observed between felodipine treatment and placebo in the psychometric testing and the PGWB index. However, in the Target Complaints a statistically significant (p 0.05) reduction of the severity of the symptoms was noted when the patients were treated once daily with felodipine ER 5mg compared with placebo. This reduction was especially pronounced in five of the patients, the so-called responders.ConclusionThe findings indicate that felodipine can be used in the treatment of TE patients to reduce their symptoms.
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