Hyperammonemia Presenting as Refractory Status Epilepticus after Lung Transplant in a Patient Positive for <i>Ureaplasma parvum</i>

Abstract

Hyperammonemia following lung transplant is a rare, but often fatal complication. The majority of these patients have normal hepatic function. Some studies have linked the occurrence of hyperammonemia to a deficiency of hepatic glutamine synthetase activity; however, the exact pathophysiology is unknown. ] se report A 65-year-old male underwent lung transplant for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He progressed well following transplant; however, his mental status waxed and waned and he had other postoperative issues including atrial fibrillation, hypoxemia requiring reintubation, and periods of hypotension requiring vasopressors. His medication regimen included narcotics for postoperative pain and calcineurin inhibitors for immunosuppression.