Ertapenem-induced delirium in a patient with preserved renal function: A case report and review

Abstract

Ertapenem induced Encephalopathy (EIE) is a well documented but uncommon side effect of ertapenem mostly reported in patients with renal impairment leading to prolonged recovery periods of upto 2 weeks. The goal of this case report is to report a patient with no renal impairment who developed ertapenem-induced encephalopathy and had rapid recovery after stopping ertapenem. The case highlights the need for clinicians to consider ertapenem induced neurotoxicty in patients with preserved renal function[1], [2]. Given the strong clinical evidence indicating ertapenem as the likely cause, we applied the Naranjo Scale to assess the probability of an adverse drug reaction. Our patient received a Naranjo Scale score of 7, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction, with a logical temporal sequence supporting this conclusion.[3], [4]