Nonconvulsive status epilepticus cases arising in connection with cephalosporins


Bora I., Demir A., Uzun P.

EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS, cilt.6, ss.23-27, 2016 (ESCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2016
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2016.04.005
  • Dergi Adı: EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.23-27
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Cephalosporins, particularly cefepime, exert neurotoxic side effects that can lead to status epilepticus. These neurotoxic side effects include myoclonus, dystonic movements, tremor, asterixis, seizure, status epilepticus, encephalopathy, and sometimes coma. Status epilepticus, particularly nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), is a well-known but unusual complication in patients with altered renal function who were receiving treatment with intravenous cephalosporins, especially cefepime. We reviewed the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of 7 patients with renal failure who developed consciousness alterations with changes in EEG activity while being treated with cephalosporins. All patients developed renal failure: six patients had chronic renal failure, one patient had acute renal failure, and two patients were administered hemodialysis. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus was observed between 2 and 8 days (average of 5.6 days) after initiation of cephalosporins. Cephalosporins are epileptogenic drugs, especially when used in excessive doses or when renal function is impaired. Critically ill patients with chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to cefepime neurotoxicity. Clinical and electrophysiological results of patients guide the diagnosis of NCSE by healthcare providers. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.