A case of suspected antibiotic-associated encephalopathy in a patient undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

A man undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis who had no history of mental illness suffered psychosis and auditory hallucination 2 days after clindamycin was initiated at a single dose of 0.6 g per day for pulmonary infection. His mental symptoms disappeared after clindamycin was discontinued and peritoneal dialysis was strengthened. The patient’s body temperature was mildly elevated the day before he was admitted to the hospital, and no abnormalities were observed on head and chest computed tomography imaging at admission, except for a slow rhythm on electroencephalogram. Many factors were involved in this case; antibiotic-related encephalopathy caused by clindamycin may be one factor. Physicians should carefully consider the use of antibiotics, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease.