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Delayed recovery from ertapenem induced encephalopathy: case-report and a possible mechanism

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Abstract

Case The objective of this case report is to report a patient with moderate renal impairment who developed ertapenem-induced encephalopathy with delayed recovery of up to 2 weeks despite receiving and appropriately adjusted dosage of ertapenem. The patient was managed conservatively with full recovery. Carbapenem related neurotoxicity most commonly manifests as seizure with an estimated incidence of 3 %. There are increasing reports of encephalopathy being related to ertapenem and most commonly subsides within days and extended recovery of up to 2 weeks have only been reported in patients with end-stage renal failure. Conclusions Prolonged ertapenem induced encephalopathy can occur in patients with moderate renal impairment. These patients can be managed conservatively and they should make a complete recovery.

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Correspondence to Yat-fung Shea.

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Shea, Yf., Mok, My.M., Cheng, Kc. et al. Delayed recovery from ertapenem induced encephalopathy: case-report and a possible mechanism. Int J Clin Pharm 35, 535–537 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-013-9812-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-013-9812-x

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