IFOSFAMIDE CAUSES A DIAZEPAM-SENSITIVE ENCEPHALOPATHY

An encephalopathy characterized by confusion, stupor, and mutism frequ ently occurs during administration of the chemotherapeutic drug ifosfa mide (IFX). We investigated two patients who developed encephalopathy during IFX infusion. Both exhibited a rapid and near-complete restorat ion of baseline mental status functioning concurrent with EEG improvem ent after administration of intravenous diazepam. We recommend an EEG and trial of benzodiazepines in patients with IFX encephalopathy.