title: Ifosfamide causes a diazepam-sensitive encephalopathy.
abstract: An encephalopathy characterized by confusion, stupor, and mutism frequently occurs during administration of the chemotherapeutic drug ifosfamide (IFX). We investigated two patients who developed encephalopathy during IFX infusion. Both exhibited a rapid and near-complete restoration of baseline mental status functioning concurrent with EEG improvement after administration of intravenous diazepam. We recommend an EEG and trial of benzodiazepines in patients with IFX encephalopathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Simonian
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Gilliam
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chiappa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003243:Consciousness / Q000187:drug effects; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009155:Mutism / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003975:Diazepam; D007069:Ifosfamide