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[Cefepime-induced encephalopathy: clinical and electroencephalographic features in seven patients]

José Augusto Bragatti1, Roberto Rossato, Sofia Ziomkowski

  • 1Unidade de Eletroencefalografia, Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. jabragatti@terra.com.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|April 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cefepime antibiotic can cause reversible encephalopathy, a severe brain condition. This study highlights a unique EEG pattern of triphasic waves associated with this cefepime-induced encephalopathy in seven patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cefepime is a broad-spectrum, fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.
  • It is frequently used for severe hospital-acquired infections.
  • Recent reports indicate potential for severe, reversible cefepime-induced encephalopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe seven cases of reversible cefepime-induced encephalopathy.
  • To characterize a peculiar electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern associated with this condition.
  • To explore the link between EEG abnormalities and nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Main Methods:

  • Case series reporting on seven patients.
  • Clinical and electrophysiological assessments, including EEG.
  • Analysis of EEG patterns and correlation with clinical presentation.

Main Results:

  • Seven patients presented with reversible cefepime-induced encephalopathy.
  • A distinct EEG pattern of semiperiodic diffuse triphasic waves was observed.
  • EEG abnormalities were associated with nonconvulsive status epilepticus in these patients.

Conclusions:

  • Cefepime can induce a specific, reversible encephalopathy.
  • The characteristic EEG pattern of diffuse triphasic waves is a key finding.
  • This encephalopathy may be linked to nonconvulsive status epilepticus, warranting further investigation.

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