Cefepime-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus: case report and review.
BACKGROUND
A case of cefepime-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus in a 15-year-old child with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis is reported. Clinical symptoms and EEG dramatically improved 48 h after discontinuation of cefepime.


METHODS
Twenty-five cases of nonconvulsive status epilepticus associated with cefepime that have been reported in the literature are reviewed.


RESULTS
The average age was 60 years [15-86], our patient is the second pediatric patient reported, and 56% of cases occurred in women. The cefepime dosage was adjusted to the renal function in 5 cases. All except 1 patient have impaired renal function (CRF: 17 cases, ARF: 7 cases). The symptoms start 1-15 days after starting cefepime, mean 6 days. The outcome was good after discontinuation of cefepime therapy and anticonvulsant treatment, but lethal outcome was also reported in 2 cases. One fatality was related to status epilepticus.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinicians' awareness must be increased about cefepime-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
Thabet
Farah
F
Department of Pediatrics, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, P.O. Box 1347, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Al Maghrabi
Mohamed
M
Al Barraq
Ahmed
A
Tabarki
Brahim
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077723:Cefepime; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D000077723:Cefepime