The nervous system adverse effect induced by β-lactam antibiotics in patients on hemodialysis

Objective To discuss the reasonable utilization of β-lactam antibiotics in patients with renal failure on hemedialysis. Methods The clinical characteristics of patients with renal failure on hemodylysis,who de-veloped the adverse effect of nervous system and psychiatric symptom while being treated with β-lactam antibiotics,were retrospectively analyzed. Results The adverse effect of nervous system and psychiatric symptom showed dur-ing and after hemodialysis,including: mental confusion,hyperexcitabiliy,incoherent speech,lethargy and amyestasia in two cases. Physical examination did not show signs of cerebral focal injury in all cases. Computed tomography of brain in 7 patients did not show acute lesions. The symptoms completely disappeared after withdrawal of β-lactam antibiotics but bemodialysis or hemodiafiltration continued. Conclusion β-lactam antibiotics used in conventional dose could cause temporary adverse effect of nervous system in patients with renal failure on bemodialysis,which is related to prolongation of drug half life. Key words: β-lactam antibiotics ; Adverse effect; Nervous system; Renal failure; Hemodialysis