Generalized Periodic Discharges With Triphasic Morphology in the Setting of Aztreonam Neurotoxicity.

Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology (GPDs + TWm) have been reported with multiple metabolic and drug toxicities. Beta-lactam antibiotics in some cases can cause neurotoxicity with GPDs + TWm on EEG. There are no reports in the literature of aztreonam causing neurotoxicity and GPDs + TWm. Here we describe GPDs + TWm and encephalopathy developing in a patient with underlying dementia and acute kidney injury who was started on aztreonam for cystitis. Neurotoxic effects of beta-lactam antibiotics have been well studied at this point, likely related to GABA receptor antagonism by the beta lactam ring. Risk factors for toxicity include, advanced age, prior neurological injury and decreased renal clearance. This patient carried multiple risk factors for beta-lactam neurotoxicity. Discontinuation of aztreonam led to a resolution of GPDs + TWm on EEG, and regression of encephalopathy.

Parkinson's disease and skin.

Parkinson's disease is associated with a variety of dermatologic disorders and the study of skin may provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this common neurodegenerative disorder. Skin disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease can be divided into two major groups: 1) non-iatrogenic disorders, including melanoma, seborrheic dermatitis, sweating disorders, bullous pemphigoid, and rosacea, and 2) iatrogenic disorders related either to systemic side effects of antiparkinsonian medications or to the delivery system of antiparkinsonian therapy, including primarily carbidopa/levodopa, rotigotine and other dopamine agonists, amantadine, catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors, subcutaneous apomorphine, levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel, and deep brain stimulation. Recent advances in our understanding of the role of α-synuclein in peripheral tissues, including the skin, and research based on induced pluripotent stem cells derived from skin fibroblasts have made skin an important target for the study of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, drug discovery, novel stem cell therapies, and diagnostics.