Author:
Zarauskas Audrius,Rodrigues Bruno,Alvarez Vincent
Abstract
Ceftriaxone-induced encephalopathy is an exceptionally rare adverse effect of this commonly used cephalosporin and is generally observed in patients undergoing haemodialysis or suffering from severe renal failure. We present a case of a fit woman in her mid-80s with a normal renal function who developed severe fluctuating neurological symptoms (aphasia, loss of contact, chorea-like tongue movements) while being treated with ceftriaxone for a urinary tract infection with bacteraemia. The symptoms began on day 4 of treatment and an adverse drug reaction was suspected on day 7, after exhaustive investigations failed to reveal another cause. A complete recovery was observed 3 days after discontinuing ceftriaxone. Our case highlights the need to consider the diagnosis of ceftriaxone encephalopathy, even if the traditional risk factors are lacking. In this article, we also provide a brief overview of the pathophysiology as well as a literature review concerning the subject.
Reference36 articles.
1. Sandoz Canada Inc . Ceftriaxone sodium for injection BP, product monograph, control# 255080 ; 2022.
2. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus associated with cephalosporins in patients with renal failure
3. Cephalosporin-induced nonconvulsive status epilepticus in a uremic child;Chedrawi;Pediatr Neurol,2004
4. Ceftriaxone-induced acute reversible encephalopathy in a patient treated for a urinary tract infection;Roncon-Albuquerque;Neth J Med,2009
5. Reversible choreoathetosis after the administration of ceftriaxone sodium in patients with end-stage renal disease;Sato;Am J Med Sci,2010