AI Article Synopsis
- - Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIE) is a serious condition linked to long-term use of the antibiotic metronidazole, known to cause symptoms like confusion and balance issues, particularly in cancer patients.
- - A study analyzing data from 4160 cancer patients found two cases of MIE among those treated with metronidazole for anaerobic infections, indicating a significant occurrence rate of 8.6% for patients receiving over 30 grams total.
- - The findings suggest that cancer patients, especially those with genitourinary cancers and existing renal issues, should be closely monitored for MIE, as early detection and stopping metronidazole can improve patient outcomes.
Article Abstract
Background: Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIE) is a rare but serious complication caused by metronidazole, a widely used antianaerobic drug. Previous studies prescribed MIE including dysarthria, cerebellar ataxia, and confusion after long-term use of metronidazole. Malignancy has been proposed one of the predisposing conditions for MIE. However, the occurrence of MIE in cancer patients remains unknown.
Methodology: We investigated the occurrence of MIE and analyzed retrospectively by hospital-based data of 4160 cancer patients from January 2014 to December 2016.
Results: Findings in 793 cancer patients who underwent metronidazole therapy for anaerobic infection revealed two cases of MIE. One had renal cell carcinoma and the other had bladder urothelial carcinoma. Both of their initial presentation were cerebellar dysfunction. The occurrence of MIE was 8.6% for cases who received >30 g of cumulative dose. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, followed by chronic renal disease and diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: In cancer patients, MIE should be monitored in those with genitourinary cancer, especially with renal dysfunction. Longer duration with more cumulative dose also has a greater risk of MIE. Early consideration of MIE with prompt cessation of metronidazole may result in better outcome.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6613425 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/aian.AIAN_523_18 | DOI Listing |
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