When the fever will not stop, stop the pills! A case report

ABSTRACT Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a neurologic emergency potentially fatal. This rare side effect is most commonly associated with first-generation antipsychotics and less frequently with atypical or second-generation antipsychotics. The diagnosis relies on both clinical and laboratory criteria, with other organic and psychiatric conditions being ruled out. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female patient, who is institutionalized and completely dependent, has a medical history of recurrent urinary infections and colonization by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Her regular medication regimen included sertraline, valproic acid, quetiapine, risperidone, lorazepam, diazepam, haloperidol, baclofen, and fentanyl. The patient began experiencing dyspnea. Upon physical examination, she exhibited hypotension and a diminished vesicular murmur at the right base during pulmonary auscultation. Initially, after hospitalization, she developed high febrile peaks associated with hemodynamic instability, prompting the initiation of antibiotic treatment. Despite this, her fever persisted without an increase in blood inflammatory parameters, and she developed purulent sputum, necessitating antibiotherapy escalation. The seventh day of hospitalization showed no improvement in symptoms, suggesting NNMS as a differential diagnosis. All antipsychotic and sedative drugs, as well as antibiotherapy, were discontinued, after which the patient showed significant clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Antipsychotic agents are commonly employed to manage behavioral changes linked to various disorders. However, their severe side effects necessitate a high degree of vigilance, the cessation of all medications, and the implementation of supportive care measures. A prompt and accurate diagnosis of NMS is crucial to alleviating the severe, prolonged morbidity and potential mortality associated with this syndrome.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno

El síndrome neuroléptico maligno (SNM) es una reacción adversa medicamentosa potencialmente fatal asociada comúnmente a medicamentos antipsicóticos. Este artículo presenta una revisión actualizada sobre el SNM, aborda su epidemiología, factores de riesgo, presentación clínica, posibles mecanismos subyacentes y tratamiento. Se busca mejorar el reconocimiento temprano, diagnóstico y manejo del SNM en el ámbito clínico para reducir su morbimortalidad. La búsqueda de literatura se realizó en PubMed, fueron priorizados ensayos aleatorizados, revisiones sistemáticas, estudios retrospectivos y reportes de caso. La incidencia del SNM ha disminuido en los últimos años, posiblemente debido a una mejor prescripción y titulación de la medicación. Los factores de riesgo incluyen el uso de antipsicóticos de alta potencia, dosis elevadas, incremento rápido de la dosis y uso de antipsicóticos inyectables de depósito. Se han identificado factores ambientales como la deshidratación, sujeción mecánica y temperaturas extremas. Algunas características psicopatológicas, como la agitación psicomotriz y la confusión, también se han asociado al SNM. Los factores hereditarios y los polimorfismos genéticos pueden influir en la susceptibilidad al SNM, pero se requieren estudios adicionales. La fisiopatología del SNM se relaciona con el bloqueo excesivo de los receptores dopaminérgicos, pero otros cofactores y sistemas neurotransmisores también podrían estar involucrados. El cuadro clínico del SNM se caracteriza por cambios en el estado mental, rigidez muscular, hipertermia, síntomas catatónicos y sudoración profusa. Existen diversas formas de tratamiento, desde medidas generales hasta intervenciones farmacológicas.

The Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal adverse drug reaction commonly associated with antipsychotic medications. This article presents an updated review of NMS, addressing its epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, possible underlying mechanisms, and treatment. The aim is to improve early recognition, diagnosis, and management of NMS in the Peruvian clinical setting to reduce morbidity and mortality. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, prioritizing randomized studies, systematic reviews, retrospective studies, and case reports. The incidence of NMS has decreased in recent years, possibly due to better medication prescription and titration. Risk factors include the use of high-potency antipsychotics, high doses, rapid dose escalation, and the use of depot injectable antipsychotics. Environmental factors such as dehydration, mechanical restraint, and extreme temperatures have been identified. Some psychopathological characteristics, such as psychomotor agitation and confusion, have also been associated with NMS. Genetic factors and genetic polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to NMS, but further studies are needed. The pathophysiology of NMS is related to excessive blockade of dopaminergic receptors, but other cofactors and neurotransmitter systems may be involved. The clinical presentation of NMS is characterized by changes in mental status, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, catatonic symptoms, and profuse sweating. There are various treatment approaches ranging from general measures to pharmacological interventions.

La terapia electroconvulsiva en el síndrome neuroléptico maligno / Electroconvulsive therapy in neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Resumen: Uno de los efectos adversos más importantes de los neurolépticos es la posibilidad de desencadenar el síndrome neuroléptico maligno (NMS). El diagnóstico se determina por exclusión y el manejo terapéutico inicial será retirado por neurolépticos por la administración de benzodiacepinas y, en casos extremos, el uso de la terapia electroconvulsiva (ECT). La ECT es una opción terapéutica eficaz en estos pacientes y en esos casos se obtiene una mala respuesta a la administración con fármacos antipsicóticos. Basándonos en el caso del artículo «Rocuronium-sugammadex for electroconvulsive therapy management in neuroleptic malignant síndrome. A case report¼ donde se describe el manejo exitoso del uso de relajantes no despolarizantes y su reversor específico en terapias electroconvulsivas en pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome neuroléptico maligno, comentamos la fisiopatología e implicaciones anestésicas además de similitudes con otras entidades hipertérmicas, como es la hipertermia maligna.

Abstract: One of the most important adverse effects of neuroleptics is the possibility of triggering neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The diagnosis is determined by exclusion and the initial therapeutic management will be withdrawn by neuroleptics by the administration of benzodiazepines and, in extreme cases, the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is an effective therapeutic option in these patients and in these cases a poor response to administration with antipsychotic drugs is obtained. Based on the case of the article «Rocuronium-sugammadex for the management of electroconvulsive therapy in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A case report¼ where the successful management of the use of non-depolarizing relaxants and their specific reversal in electroconvulsive therapies in patients diagnosed with of malignant neuroleptic syndrome, we comment on the pathophysiology and anesthetic images as well as similarities with other hyperthermic entities, such as malignant hyperthermia.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno asociado a antipsicóticos atípicos: a propósito de un caso

Introducción: El síndrome neuroléptico maligno (SNM) es infrecuente, con una incidencia del 0,01 al 3,23%, y tiene relación con el consumo de fármacos que interfieren con la dopamina; genera hipertermia, rigidez muscular, confusión, inestabilidad autonómica y la muerte. Caso clínico: Un varón de 35 arios, con antecedentes de catatonía, epilepsia refractaria y deterioro funcional, en tratamiento anticonvulsivo y antipsicótico, requirió cambio frecuente por efectos adversos de este. En julio de 2019 se cambió la clozapina por amisulprida; en septiembre se inicia un cuadro de 2 semanas de fiebre, rigidez muscular, estupor, diaforesis y taquipnea; los paraclínicos mostraron aumento de la creatininasa (CK) y leucocitosis, por lo que se consideró SNM. Se retiró el antipsicótico y se trató con bromocriptina y biperideno, que obtuvieron buena respuesta. A los 10 días del egreso, se inició tratamiento con olanzapina, que generó en diciembre un cuadro clínico similar al descrito, con posterior tratamiento y resolución. Discusión: El diagnóstico se basa en la toma de fármacos que alteren la dopamina, más alteración del estado de conciencia, fiebre e inestabilidad autonómica, junto con paraclínicos como leucocitosis y elevación de la CK. Se debe descartar diagnósticos diferenciales. El diagnóstico temprano generalmente lleva a la remisión total; algunos tendrán complicaciones, secuelas a largo plazo o recidivas. La recurrencia en este caso derivó de la reintroducción temprana del neuroléptico después del primer episodio. El tratamiento se debe individualizar según la gravedad para evitar la muerte. Conclusiones: Rara vez se sospecha que los antipsicóticos atípicos generen SNM; a su vez se debe tener en cuenta el tiempo a la reintroducción después de un episodio.

Introduction: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is uncommon, with an incidence of 0.01% to 3.23%, and is associated with the use of drugs that intervene with dopamine, causing hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability and death. Case report: A 35-year-old man with a history of catatonia, refractory epilepsy and functional impairment, required frequent changes in his anticonvulsant and antipsychotic treatment, due to adverse effects. During 2019, in the month of July, clozapine was changed to amisul-pride, in September he developed fever, muscle stiffness, stupor, diaphoresis and tachypnea over a two-week period; paraclinical tests showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and leukocytosis, so NMS was considered. The antipsychotic was withdrawn and he was treated with bromocriptine and biperiden, with a good response. Ten days after discharge, he began treatment with olanzapine, which generated a similar episode to the one described in December, with subsequent management and resolution. Discussion: The diagnosis is based on the use of drugs that alter dopamine levels, plus altered state of consciousness, fever, autonomic instability and paraclinical tests showing leukocy-tosis and elevated CPK. Differential diagnosis must be ruled out. Early diagnosis generally leads to total remission, although some patients will suffer complications, long-term sequelae or recurrences. The recurrence in this case derived from the early reintroduction of the neuroleptic after the first episode. Treatment should be individualised according to severity to avoid mortality. Conclusions: Atypical antipsychotics are rarely suspected of generating NMS. Moreover, the time to reintroduction after an episode must also be taken into account.

NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME: AN UNUSUAL CASE TO INCREASE CLINICAL ATTENTION

A 26-year-young man was taken to the hospital with symptoms of schizophrenia, and treatment began with a high dose of antipsychotic medication. After receiving medication for 3–4 days, the patient experienced persistently high body temperatures, tight muscles, and raised blood levels of CK-MB and CK-NAC. The results of all other investigations were normal. A rare Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) was made and treatment started with immediate withdrawal of the causative drug, and timely supportive therapy led to a successful recovery. This case illustrates the importance of adopting a broad differential diagnosis for fever, carefully reviewing the prescription lists of all patients, and taking NMS into account in patients who have both fever and stiffness.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno en un hospital general

Describimos la presentación clínica y dificultades diagnósticas de un caso de síndrome neuroléptico maligno en un hospital general. El paciente fue un varón de 18 años con diagnóstico de retraso mental grave e historia de convulsiones que recibía tratamiento irregular con risperidona y fenitoína. Tras presentar irritabilidad, agresividad y agitación psicomotriz acude a hospital psiquiátrico en donde le indican incremento de dosis de risperidona. Posteriormente por persistencia de agresividad, acude a hospital psiquiátrico en donde se indicó haloperidol, midazolam y levomepromazina, a los pocos días presentó distonía oro mandibular, alza térmica y distonía generalizada con dificultad para la deglución de alimentos, motivo por el cual acudió a hospital general y fue diagnosticado de síndrome neuroléptico maligno. El paciente recibió tratamiento con bromocriptina y diazepam durante hospitalización y tuvo evolución favorable de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos. El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es un evento adverso raro y fatal. Está asociado al uso de psicotrópicos, especialmente antipsicóticos.

We describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties of a case of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a general hospital. The patient was an 18-year-old male with severe mental retardation and a history of seizures who received irregular treatment with risperidone and phenytoin. After presenting irritability, aggressiveness, and psychomotor agitation, he went to a psychiatric hospital where received an increase in the dose of risperidone. Subsequently, due to persistence of aggressiveness, he went to a psychiatric hospital where haloperidol, midazolam and levomepromazine were indicated, after few days developed oromandibular dystonia, temperature rise and generalized dystonia with difficulty swallowing food, which is why he went to hospital general and was diagnosed with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Patient received treatment with bromocriptine and diazepam during hospitalization with favorable evolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a rare and fatal adverse event. It is associated with the use of psychotropics, especially antipsychotics.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno asociado con intoxicación aguda por un organofosforado: reporte de caso / Neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with acute organophosphate poisoning: Case report

El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es una condición clínica rara y potencialmente letal que frecuentemente se asocia con el uso de antipsicóticos. En la literatura especializada se encontró únicamente un reporte de caso relacionado con la ingestión de organofosforados. Se presenta un paciente con un cuadro clínico correspondiente al síndrome neuroléptico maligno posterior a la ingestión de clorpirifós. Como resultado de un intento de suicidio con el mencionado organofosforado, el hombre de 57 años presentó deterioro agudo del estado de consciencia, evolución neurológica tórpida e inestabilidad autonómica asociada a rigidez e hipertermia persistentes, así como incremento de la creatina-fosfocinasa (creatine phosphokinase, CPK). Se le administró tratamiento con bromocriptina, con lo cual el cuadro clínico remitió, y fue dado de alta sin secuelas. El diagnóstico del síndrome neuroléptico maligno es clínico y debe contemplarse en cualquier caso de exposición a sustancias que puedan resultar en una desregulación de la neurotransmisión dopaminérgica, con el fin de iniciar el tratamiento oportuno y contrarrestar efectivamente los efectos.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal clinical condition frequently associated with the use of antipsychotics. In the literature, there is only one case report associated with the intake of organophosphates. We present the case of a patient who presented with a clinical picture compatible with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, after the ingestion of an organophosphate (chlorpyrifos). A 57-year-old man who consulted for attempted suicide, acute deterioration of consciousness, torpid neurological evolution, and associated autonomic instability associated with rigidity, persistent hyperthermia, and elevated CPK. Bromocriptine treatment was offered, which resolved the clinical picture. The association with the ingestion of an organophosphate was established, and he was discharged without sequelae. The diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is clinical and should be considered in any case of exposure to substances that may lead to dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission in order to initiate timely therapy and impact outcomes.

Síndrome neurológico maligno: a propósito de un caso / Malignant neurological syndrome: about a case

RESUMEN Fundamento: los neurolépticos con efecto antipsicótico, son eficaces para controlar los síntomas de la esquizofrenia, delirios y alucinaciones. El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es el efecto adverso más grave ocasionado por los antipsicóticos. Objetivo: presentar un caso inusual de un paciente con diagnóstico de cuadro psicótico que presentó un síndrome neuroléptico maligno ocasionado por los antipsicóticos. Presentación del caso: se ingresa un paciente que escucha voces dentro de su cabeza y el médico lo nota hiperconcentrado además realizaba movimientos estereotipados con dificultades para deambular. Al septimo día de hospitalización comienza con rigidez generalizada, temblor, trastornos del lenguaje y disfagia que se interpreta como un síndrome extrapiramidal de causa medicamentosa, con cifras de creatininfosfoquinasa aumentadas. Se emplea la bromocriptina 2,5 mg cada 12 horas, además de hidratación enérgica, anticoagulación profiláctica con heparina de bajo peso molecular y evaluación periódica de la función respiratoria y renal. Conclusiones: el síndrome neurológico maligno corresponde a una reacción de tipo idiosincrático, producida por cualquier fármaco bloqueador del receptor de la dopamina asociada clásicamente a los fármacos antipsicóticos de alta potencia como haloperidol y flufenazina, como se observó en el caso, por lo que fue necesario identificar los signos prodrómicos de forma precoz y realizar las modificaciones terapéuticas de forma oportuna a fin de prevenir el cuadro grave y restablecer la salud del enfermo con mínimo riesgo.

ABSTRACT Background: neuroleptics with an antipsychotic effect are effective in controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia, delusions and hallucinations. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is the most serious adverse effect caused by antipsychotics. Objective: to present an unusual case of a patient with a diagnosis of psychotic symptoms who presented a neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by antipsychotics. Case report: a patient who listens to voices inside his head is admitted and the doctor notes that he was hyperconcentrated and performed stereotyped movements with difficulties in wandering. At the 7th day of hospitalization he begins with generalized rigidity, tremor, language disorders and dysphagia that is interpreted as an extrapyramidal syndrome of drug cause, with increased creatinine phosphokinase (CK) levels. Bromocriptine 2.5 mg every 12 hours is used, in addition to vigorous hydration, prophylactic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin and periodic assessment of respiratory and renal function. Conclusions: the malignant neurological syndrome corresponds to an idiosyncratic reaction, produced by any dopamine receptor blocker drug classically associated with high potency antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol and fluphenazine, as observed in the case presented in the article, so it was necessary to identify the prodromal signs early and make the therapeutic changes in a timely manner in order to prevent the serious condition and restore the health of the patient with minimal risk.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno inducido por risperidona y facilitado por sepsis de origen urinario: clínica y fisiopatología / Malignant neuroleptic syndrome induced by risperidone and facilitated by sepsis of urinary origin: clinical aspects and physiopathology

La risperidona es un antagonista selectivo monoaminérgico, con una elevada afinidad por receptores dopaminérgicos, que puede producir síndrome neuroléptico maligno (SNM), considerado una emergencia médica con alto riesgo de muerte. Tiene una incidencia de hasta el 3% y su mortalidad está entre el 10 y 20%. Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 56 años, que reunía los criterios clínicos del SNM, inducido por el uso de risperidona y facilitado por una sepsis de origen urinario. El tratamiento se condujo con un agente agonista dopaminérgico y cambio del antipsicótico, procedimientos que resultaron en una adecuada evolución clínica. El SNM es una entidad de baja prevalencia, para la cual existen criterios diagnósticos con especificidad y sensibilidad mayor del 90%, por lo que debe diferenciarse claramente de otras patologías. Se discute el mecanismo mediante el cual la infección urinaria facilitaría la ocurrencia de esta enfermedad. El diagnóstico precoz mejora la respuesta al manejo adecuado que se establezca en cada caso.

Risperidone is a selective monoaminergic antagonist with a high affinity for dopamine receptors that can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), considered a life-threatening medical emergency. It has an incidence of up to 3% and its mortality is between 10 and 20%. The case of a 56-year-old female who met the clinical criteria of NMS, induced by the use of risperidone and facilitated by a sepsis of urinary origin, is reported. It was managed with a dopamine agonist and the change of antipsychotic, which resulted in a favorable clinical course. The NMS is a low-prevalence entity whose diagnosis has specificity and sensitivity greater than 90%, reason for which must be clearly differentiated from other pathologies. The mechanism by which urinary infection could facilitate the occurrence of this disease is discussed. Early diagnosis improves the response to an adequate management to be established in each case.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno debido a ziprasidona: reporte de un caso / Neuroleptic malignant syndrome due to ziprasidone: a case report

El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es una rara y potencialmente fatal reacción adversa medicamentosa, asociada usualmente al uso de antipsicóticos. Tiene por características la presencia de fiebre, rigidez muscular, estado mental alterado y disfunción autonómica. Los hallazgos de laboratorio son inespecíficos, sin embargo, la presencia de leucocitosis y elevación de la creatina fosfoquinasason hallazgos frecuentes. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 51 años, natural de Lima con antecedentes médicos de tuberculosis pulmonar y esquizofrenia que acude a nuestro hospital con un cuadro de psicosis quien, luego de ser tratado con ziprasidona administrada por vía intramuscular, presentó los síntomas característicos de un síndrome neuroléptico maligno. Conocer la clínica y la fisiopatología de este síndrome nos permitirá un mejor abordaje, ya que por su poca frecuencia podría no llegar a plantearse dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, lo que resultaría perjudicial para el paciente.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal drug adverse reaction, usually associated with antipsychotics. Signs and symptoms include: fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic dysfunction. Laboratory findings are nonspecific, however the presence of leukocytosis and elevated creatinine phosphokinase are frequent findings. We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient from Lima with a medical history of pulmonary tuberculosis and schizophrenia that comes to our hospital with psychotic symptoms. After being treated with ziprasidone, administered by intramuscular injection presents with typical symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Knowing the clinical features and the pathophysiology of this syndrome will allow us to better approach the condition. Due to its infrequent presentation, it may not be considered within the differential diagnosis, which could be harmful to the patient.

Rhabdomyolysis and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Associated with Very Low-dose Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescent

Along with the field of adult psychiatry, antipsychotic agents are increasingly used in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Although neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and rhabdomyolysis are rare complication associated with antipsychotic agent, clinicians should need to pay attention to all potential adverse drug reaction (ADR). Also, ADRs in child and adolescent could show different signs and symptoms compared with those in adult. In this case report, we present a case of NMS in a child which occurred shortly after the resolution of rhabdomyolysis which was induced by low-dose risperidone.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno con mielinolisis central pontina / Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with central pontine myelinolysis

RESUMEN El síndrome neuroléptico maligno (SNM) es una complicación severa de los antipsicóticos, en especial los de primera generación como el haloperidol, que fue el primero en el que se describió esta patología, caracterizada por fiebre, rigidez, alteración del estado de conciencia y disautonomías. Por otro lado, la mielinólisis central pontina (ahora llamada síndrome de desmielinización osmótica) resulta de las alteraciones agudas séricas del sodio, como las que ocurren en las reposiciones de hiponatremia, y podría poner en riesgo la vida al igual que el SNM. La asociación de estas dos patologías es inusual y hasta el momento no se conoce con claridad su relación causal, producto de los pocos casos reportados. Aunque se conoce la mortalidad del síndrome neuroléptico maligno, la compañía de la mielinolisis central pontina podría aumentar la morbimortalidad de esta entidad, por lo cual es necesario reconocerla rápidamente para prevenir la aparición de complicaciones, ya que no cuenta con un tratamiento específico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente joven que cursó con estas dos patologías, y consideramos que la causa de la mielinolisis central pontina fue el haloperidol, así como del SNM. A pesar de ello, este medicamento continúa siendo muy seguro en la práctica clínica ya que la aparición de estas complicaciones es una reacción idiosincrática por algún tipo de susceptibilidad genética desconocida.

SUMMARY Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a severe complication of antipsychotics, especially those of first generation such as haloperidol, which was the first in which this pathology was described, characterized by: fever, rigidity, alteration of the state of consciousness and dysautonomies. On the other side, central pontine myelinolysis (Now Called Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome), search results of acute sodium alterations of sodium, as those occurring in hyponatremia replenings and could put life at risk just like the NMS. The association of these two pathologies is unusual and until now, their causal relationship, the result of the few cases reported, is not clearly known. Although the relationship of the neurological syndrome may be limited, the company of central myelolysis could increase the morbidity of this entity, so it is necessary to be required quickly to prevent the onset of complications, which does not have a specific treatment. We present the case of a young patient who has these pathologies and we consider that the cause of centralized myelinolysis is haloperidol as well as NMS, despite this, this medication continues to be very safe in clinical practice since the appearance of These complications is an idiosyncratic reaction due to some type of unknown genetic susceptibility.

A Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Without Rigidity

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon but potentially lethal idiosyncratic reaction which may emerge in the aftermath of the treatments with neuroleptics demonstrating itself with the symptoms of altered consciousness, high fever, impaired autonomic functions, and muscle rigidity. Although various risk factors have been identified for NMS, its etiology is not completely known. The mortality and morbidity related with NMS could be reduced by early diagnosis, interruption of the neuroleptics used within a short period and aggressive treatment. Our case is different from general NMS cases due to lack of rigidity. A NMS case which developed within a short time in the aftermath of multiple antipsychotic use and wherein no rigidity was observed shall be discussed in this case report.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno like

RESUMEN El síndrome neuroléptico maligno like o crisis acinética es una rara y potencialmente letal complicación del abandono de medicación de los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino de 52 años de edad, con antecedente de enfermedad de Parkinson de 10 años de evolución que se encuentra en tratamiento con levodopa-carbidopa. Acude a consultar por disminución del estado de conciencia y rigidez muscular generalizada, relacionado con el abandono de medicación 7 días antes del inicio de los síntomas.

ABSTRACT Neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome or akinetic crisis is a rare and potentially lethal complication of the withdrawal of medication of patients with Parkinson's disease. We present the clinical case of 52-year man with 10-year history of Parkinson's disease who is being treated with levodopa-carbidopa. He consults for decreased level of consciousness and general muscular rigidity, related to the withdrawal of the medication 7 days before the onset of symptoms.

Clozapine Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / 대한구급학회지

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening adverse event associated with the use of neuroleptic agents. We describe the case of a 47-year-old schizophrenic woman who was treated with clozapine for years. The patient developed acute renal failure with pulmonary edema, and underwent mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis.

Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus in an Intellectually Disabled Patient Mimicking Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

We present a case of 32-year-old male with profound mental retardation and autism spectrum disorder who had presented with seizures, rigidity and elevated creatine kinase and was initially diagnosed as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The patient subsequently had a complicated clinical course, developing refractory status epilepticus, which lead to the eventual diagnosis of progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM). We discuss the clinical similarities and differences between NMS and PERM, and highlight the need to consider alternative diagnoses when the clinical picture of NMS is atypical, particularly in this patient group where the history and clinical examination may be challenging.

Clozapine Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / 대한중환자의학회지

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening adverse event associated with the use of neuroleptic agents. We describe the case of a 47-year-old schizophrenic woman who was treated with clozapine for years. The patient developed acute renal failure with pulmonary edema, and underwent mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Associated with Valproate in an Adolescent

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction that usually occurs after the administration of antipsychotic drugs. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antiepileptic drugs are also suggested to be associated with NMS. It is believed to result from a dopaminergic blockade in the central nervous system. NMS is manifested by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, altered mental status, leukocytosis, and elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase. Valproate is commonly used in the treatment of many psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Valproate can precipitate NMS, especially when used with antipsychotic drugs concurrently. A 17-year-old male patient, who presented with fever, muscular rigidity, confusion, sweating, and tachycardia was admitted to the emergency room. He had been taking only valproate for the last two months for bipolar disorder. His laboratory analyses revealed raised serum hepatic enzymes, creatinine phosphokinase, and myoglobin levels. Considering fever, rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, cognitive alteration, and high creatinine phosphokinase levels, the patient was diagnosed with NMS. In this paper, we aim to discuss the association between valproate and NMS.

Heat stroke during long-term clozapine treatment: should we be concerned about hot weather? / Heat stroke durante tratamento de longo prazo com clozapina: devemos nos preocupar com o tempo quente?

Objective To describe the case of a patient with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment who had an episode of heat stroke. Case description During a heat wave in January and February 2014, a patient with schizophrenia who was on treatment with clozapine was initially referred for differential diagnose between systemic infection and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but was finally diagnosed with heat stroke and treated with control of body temperature and hydration. Comments This report aims to alert clinicians take this condition into consideration among other differential diagnoses, especially nowadays with the rise in global temperatures, and to highlight the need for accurate diagnosis of clinical events during pharmacological intervention, in order to improve treatment decisions and outcomes.

Objetivo Descrever o caso de um paciente com esquizofrenia em tratamento com clozapina acometido por um episódio de heat stroke. Descrição do caso Durante uma onda de calor em janeiro e fevereiro de 2014, um paciente com esquizofrenia em tratamento com clozapina foi inicialmente encaminhado para diagnóstico diferencial de infecção sistêmica e síndrome neuroléptica maligna, tendo obtido o diagnóstico final de heat stroke, tratado com controle de temperatura corporal e hidratação. Comentários Este relato de caso tem como objetivo alertar os clínicos para este diagnóstico diferencial, que pode surgir com mais frequência à medida que as temperaturas globais continuarem a aumentar, e também destacar a importância da realização de um diagnóstico mais acurado, que possa melhorar as decisões de tratamento e os desfechos clínicos para os pacientes.

Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery of Globus Pallidus Pars Internus in Cerebral Palsy / 대한구급학회지

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially lethal outcome caused by sudden discontinuation or dose reduction of dopaminergic agents. We report an extremely rare case of NMS after deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in a cerebral palsy (CP) patient without the withdrawal of dopaminergic agents. A 19-year-old girl with CP was admitted for DBS due to medically refractory dystonia and rigidity. Dopaminergic agents were not stopped preoperatively. DBS was performed uneventfully under monitored anesthesia. Dopaminergic medication was continued during the postoperative period. She manifested spasticity and muscle rigidity, and was high fever resistant to anti-pyretic drugs at 2 h postoperative. At postoperative 20 h, she suffered cardiac arrest and expired, despite vigorous cardiopulmonary resuscitation. NMS should be considered for hyperthermia and severe spasticity in CP patients after DBS surgery, irrespective of continued dopaminergic medication.