Severe but reversible encephalopathy associated with cefepime.
In this study, a report has been made of 19 cases of severe encephalopathy in patients with renal impairment who were treated during the last three years for various infections with cefepime, a new parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. All patients (aged 57 to 91 years) presented a prolonged confusional state associated with diffuse rhythmic non-reactive triphasic sharp waves on the EEG. All the electroclinical symptomatology disappeared within 24-48 hours after discontinuation of drug administration. A clear relation was found between encephalopathy and cefepime intake. These observations underline the fact that the cefepime dosage should be reduced in renally impaired patients.
Jallon
P
P
Epilepsy and EEG Unit, Geneva Cantonal Hospital, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Fankhauser
L
L
Du Pasquier
R
R
Coeytaux
A
A
Picard
F
F
Hefft
S
S
Assal
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077723:Cefepime; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000139:chemically induced
D002511:Cephalosporins; D000077723:Cefepime; D003404:Creatinine