Drug-induced encephalopathy in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

In five patients who had been on chronic maintenance haemodialysis for more than eight months a syndrome involving altered consciousness, asterixis, and abnormal electroencephalogram developed after they had been given flurazepam and diazepam. All five patients were adequately treated by haemodialysis. Hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac decompensation were not present. The encephalopathy and other abnormalities cleared when the drugs were withdrawn. Symptoms were also produced by accidental rechallenge.