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Amphotericin B-induced seizures in a patient with AIDS

A S Aruna1, S A Al-Samarrai, A S Al-Humaidan

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans 70125-1098, USA. aaruna@aol.com

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|September 28, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case study highlights seizures in an AIDS patient during amphotericin B treatment. Amphotericin B was identified as the likely cause, a rare adverse effect requiring clinical awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and cryptococcal meningitis are known risk factors for seizures.
  • Differential diagnoses for seizures in immunocompromised patients are extensive, including opportunistic infections and medication side effects.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male with AIDS experienced recurrent seizures (grand mal and petit mal) exclusively during intravenous amphotericin B infusions.
  • Seizure activity correlated temporally with amphotericin B administration and decreased with drug cessation.
  • Standard anticonvulsant therapies (phenytoin, lorazepam) were ineffective in preventing seizures during amphotericin B infusion.

Findings:

  • Despite potential confounding factors like didanosine use and a history of alcohol abuse, amphotericin B was identified as the probable causative agent for the seizure activity.
  • This case adds to the limited literature reporting seizures as a rare adverse effect of amphotericin B therapy.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider amphotericin B as a potential cause of seizures in patients, particularly those with AIDS.
  • Increased vigilance and prompt evaluation are necessary when seizures occur during amphotericin B treatment.
  • Further research into the neurotoxic potential of amphotericin B may be warranted.

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