New study raises mortality signal for cefepime in adults
A global Bayesian meta-analysis of 110 randomized trials (over 22,000 patients) found cefepime, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, was associated with higher all-cause mortality than other beta-lactams (about 6.6% vs 6.2%), with the strongest signal in adults treated for febrile neutropenia. The study shows association, not proven causation, and potential explanations include dosing issues or neurotoxicity; researchers call for more guidance and research while not recommending stopping cefepime outright.
