Looking beyond the Obvious: Cefepime-induced Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cephalosporins are widely used antibiotics.
• Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin, is associated with neurotoxicity.
• Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a rare but serious neurological complication.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old female patient with impaired renal function was treated with cefepime.
• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a neurological event.
• Diagnosis of NCSE is primarily based on electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.

Findings:

• The patient developed nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE).
• The NCSE was attributed to cefepime administration.
• Compromised renal status likely contributed to the cefepime neurotoxicity.

Implications:

• Highlights a rare adverse effect of cefepime.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering cefepime-induced neurotoxicity in patients with renal impairment.
• Underscores the diagnostic challenges of NCSE, requiring EEG confirmation.