Nonconvulsive status epilepticus due to cefepime in a patient with normal renal function

Status epilepticus and encephalopathy have been reported with use of cephalosporins in patients with renal failure. We here report the case of a 79-year-old patient with normal renal function who developed subtle mental status changes during cefepime therapy for urinary tract infection. Emergent electroencephalography revealed evidence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), which responded initially to lorazepam. Later, the patient's NCSE gradually resolved only after cefepime was discontinued, with mental status returning to baseline as the electroencephalography changes resolved. It should be recognized that cefepime therapy can cause NCSE even in the presence of normal renal function. Measurement of serum concentrations and changes in dosing guidelines can probably prevent NCSE during cefepime therapy.