A Case Report of Low-dose Baclofen-induced Severe Encephalopathy in a Chronic Kidney Disease Patient
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Aim and background: Baclofen is a lipophilic analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).It acts as a muscle relaxant by its inhibitory action on spinal motor neurons.The drug is predominantly metabolized by the kidneys, accounting for about 85%.Critically ill patients are likely to develop baclofen toxicity, especially in those with kidney dysfunction.We present a case of Baclofen-induced encephalopathy.Case description: An elderly individual with nonoliguric chronic kidney disease presented with encephalopathy and quadriparesis after lowdose baclofen therapy (50 mg over 3 days) for intractable hiccups and possibly exacerbated by benzodiazepines and opioid coadministration.The patient's deep tendon and brainstem reflexes were absent, mimicking brain death.He was managed with mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis to ease the drug clearance.Conclusion: Baclofen toxicity is an under-recognized cause of encephalopathy, which has a varied spectrum of central nervous system presentation ranging from lethargy and confusion to coma.Clinical significance: The use of baclofen in elderly patients with renal impairment should be with caution.
Institution: Fortis Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7133234070