Ceftazidime-Induced Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) in a Pediatric Patient with Literature Review.

Abstract

Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics routinely prescribed for a variety of pediatric infections. Among uncommon adverse effects, cephalosporins can be neurotoxic and epileptogenic, particularly in patients with reduced renal function. Neurotoxic effects are most frequently observed in adults with impaired renal function, and they have rarely been recorded in children. An 11-year-old boy with chronic renal failure experienced non-convulsive status epilepticus two days after initiating intravenous cefazolin and ceftazidime with a pre-diagnosis of peritonitis. The patient's mental condition reverted to baseline within hours after intravenous antibiotic treatment was discontinued and appropriate antiepileptic and anticonvulsive therapy was started. Providers should investigate cephalosporin-induced non-convulsive status epilepticus clinically and electrophysiologically in any child with renal impairment who demonstrates acute changes in mental status or decreased awareness after initiating intravenous cephalosporins.