CEFUROXIME-INDUCED ENCEPHALOPATHY

We describe four patients who developed an encephalopathic syndrome ch aracterized by obtundation or stupor, myoclonic jerks, and asterixis i n association with cefuroxime therapy. Three patients had renal failur e. These cases suggest that cefuroxime in overdose or in conventional doses in patients with renal failure can cause a reversible encephalop athy. This syndrome may have been unrecognized because it usually occu rs in severely ill patients with additional causes for encephalopathy.