Ifosfamide causes a diazepam-sensitive encephalopathy.
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.
Simonian
N A
NA
Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Gilliam
F G
FG
Chiappa
K H
KH
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
D003975:Diazepam; D007069:Ifosfamide