ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2021;38(3):299-304

UDC:616.61: 616.8-099
DOI:10.5937/afmnai38-31596

Case report

Ertapenem Neurotoxicity in Patients with Kidney
Damage: A Case Report

Alper Alp¹, Yalkin Dalda²

¹Mugla Sitki Koçman University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Mugla, Turkey 
²University of Health Sciences, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Internal Medicine, Izmir, Turkey

 SUMMARY

Ertapenem, a member of the carbapenem group of antibiotics, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against multidrug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative infections. In patients with acute or chronic kidney damage, one of the most serious side effects of ertapenem is neurotoxicity. Various clinical conditions such as seizures, hallucinations, delirium, confusion, and nystagmus may occur. Previous history of cerebral pathologies is a known risk factor for ertapenem-associated neurotoxicity. Immediate discontinuation of treatment is required. Although the symptoms usually resolve rapidly, cases with longer duration of symptoms have also been reported. Close monitoring of neurological status in such patients is essential.

Key words: ertapenem, seizures, kidney injury