Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity after flap surgery: a rare case report

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin that covers gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. A 48-year-old male patient underwent a posterior tibial artery perforator-based fasciocutaneous turnover flap and was administered cefepime. After 2 days, the patient showed neurological symptoms, such as cognitive decline and aphasia. We immediately stopped cefepime and changed to ciprofloxacin. In addition, thiamine was administered and additional dialysis was performed. The neurological symptoms were resolved after tapering cefepime and hemodialysis. In patients undergoing flap surgery, especially those with impaired renal function, cefepime should be administered carefully considering the risk of neurotoxicity.