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Case Report
Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity
Submitted: 09 November 2024 | Published: 30 April 2025
About the author(s)
Jessica Taylor, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South AfricaHannah M. Gunter, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Karen Cohen, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
We present a case of severe cefepime-induced neurotoxicity following acute kidney injury in a patient with a fracture-related infection. Despite stopping cefepime, the patient required intubation, ventilation, multiple antiepileptic drugs for seizure control, and haemodialysis.
Contribution: Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is a reversible cause of encephalopathy. Early recognition and cefepime withdrawal are crucial. As cefepime use in South Africa increases due to antimicrobial resistance, healthcare workers must be aware of this under-recognised, under-reported serious adverse drug reaction.
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Crossref Citations
1. Real-world efficacy and safety of cefepime for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia: a propensity score-matched study
Changxin Liu, Jiayu Deng, Yudi Xing, Yanqing Song
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology vol: 15 year: 2025
doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1616184