title: Cefuroxime-induced encephalopathy.
abstract: We describe four patients who developed an encephalopathic syndrome characterized by obtundation or stupor, myoclonic jerks, and asterixis in association with cefuroxime therapy. Three patients had renal failure. These cases suggest that cefuroxime in overdose or in conventional doses in patients with renal failure can cause a reversible encephalopathy. This syndrome may have been unrecognized because it usually occurs in severely ill patients with additional causes for encephalopathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Soroka Medical Center and Goldman Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Y O
authors.initials: YO
authors.lastname: Herishanu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zlotnik
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mostoslavsky
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Podgaietski
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frisher
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wirguin
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000139:chemically induced; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002511:Cephalosporins; D002444:Cefuroxime