Ziprasidone-related neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with Parkinson's disease: a diagnostic challenge

A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) is presented. The syndrome was precipitated by the atypical antipsychotic, ziprasidone. The challenge of recognizing NMS in a patient with underlying parkinsonian symptoms, where prominent symptom overlap can occur, is discussed.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome due to olanzapine

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal complication precipitated by the use of antipsychotic medications, most notably haloperidol. Criteria previously described include: exposure to the neuroleptic class of medications; hyperthermia; muscle rigidity; a cluster of laboratory and physical findings that may include mental status changes, autonomic instability, creatine phosphokinase elevation and leukocytosis, and exclusion of other causes for the patient's condition. A prodrome of mental status changes, autonomic instability, tremors, diaphoresis, excess salivation, and extrapyramidal signs may precede NMS. Prior reports of NMS linked to olanzapine have been in patients who had been previously treated with other neuroleptic agents or in patients who had previous episodes of NMS precipitated by other neuroleptics. Several cases included patients treated with olanzapine in addition to another neuroleptic. This report describes a case of NMS associated with olanzapine in a patient who had not previously been exposed to the neuroleptic drug class. At the time this patient presented, there were no reports in the literature of NMS associated with olanzapine alone. Treatment of NMS includes: immediate withdrawal of all neuroleptics; supportive care; fever control; management of autonomic instability (tachycardia, tachypnea, blood pressure fluctuations); and pharmacologic management with dantrolene and bromocriptine.     

Hyperglycemia as a symptom of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

A 67-year-old schizophrenic woman developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). She had mild diabetes mellitus, which had been controlled with diet therapy only. Upon the onset of NMS, hyperglycemia of up to 490 mg/dl developed. The hyperglycemia persisted during the NMS episode despite insulin treatment, and subsided only after the symptoms of NMS disappeared. The present report suggests that hyperglycemia may develop as a symptom of NMS, especially in patients with pre-existing impaired glucose tolerance, and that blood glucose should be monitored during NMS episodes.     

Neuroleptic-induced catatonia after abrupt withdrawal of amantadine during neuroleptic therapy

Catatonic reactions to high-potency neuroleptic drugs have been described in the literature. Our patient developed neuroleptic-induced catatonia (NIC) after abrupt withdrawal of amantadine, a dopaminergic agent that has been implicated in neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) on its discontinuation. This case report adds support to the hypothesis that NIC and NMS are 2 syndromes on a continuum of dopamine blockade, each of which may be treated with or uncovered by amantadine therapy.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an adolescent receiving olanzapine-lithium combination therapy

A 16-year-old boy developed fever, generalized rigidity, leukocytosis, and increased serum transaminase and creatine kinase levels while receiving treatment with olanzapine and lithium. When both drugs were discontinued, his fever and rigidity subsided and biochemical irregularities spontaneously returned to normal, without any complications. Classic neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was diagnosed. Concomitant administration of lithium with olanzapine may place patients at risk for NMS. Clinicians need to be aware of this rare but potentially fatal side effect in patients of all ages, and especially in adolescents receiving both drugs.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by atypical antipsychotics

A review of the English literature confirms that neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) occurs with both traditional and atypical antipsychotic medications. Published reports of NMS induced by the traditional antipsychotics have given the practitioner valuable information on the prevention and treatment of this adverse effect. Case reports have also been published concerning NMS and clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine. By evaluating the case reports of atypical antipsychotic-induced NMS, valuable information may be obtained concerning similarities or differences from that induced by the traditional antipsychotics. The case reports of NMS with atypical antipsychotics were evaluated for diagnosis, age/sex of patient, risk factors, antipsychotic doses and duration of use, symptoms of NMS, and clinical course.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by atypical antipsychotics

A review of the English literature confirms that neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) occurs with both traditional and atypical antipsychotic medications. Published reports of NMS induced by the traditional antipsychotics have given the practitioner valuable information on the prevention and treatment of this adverse effect. Case reports have also been published concerning NMS and clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine. By evaluating the case reports of atypical antipsychotic-induced NMS, valuable information may be obtained concerning similarities or differences from that induced by the traditional antipsychotics. The case reports of NMS with atypical antipsychotics were evaluated for diagnosis, age/sex of patient, risk factors, antipsychotic doses and duration of use, symptoms of NMS, and clinical course.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome during remoxipride treatment. A case report

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening complication of neuroleptic treatment. The authors describe a case of NMS during treatment with a new atypical neuroleptic, remoxipride. To their knowledge, there are no previously reported cases.     

Acute lithium intoxication and neuroleptic malignant syndrome

A 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after taking an intentional overdose of 90 sustained-released lithium tablets (450 mg each). The patient was stabilized with three sessions of hemodialysis. On day 7 of his hospital stay, his serum lithium level was 0.5 mEq/L. On day 10, he developed high fever, tachypnea, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal insufficiency, mental confusion, and obtundation. His creatine kinase level was 698 IU/L, serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dl. Late-onset neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was diagnosed. The patient died after developing acute renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clinicians should be aware that lithium may cause NMS independent of other neuroleptic agents.     

Management of neuroleptic malignant syndrome with anticholinergic medication

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening adverse reaction arising from the use of neuroleptic medications. While dopaminergic agonists, dantrolrene and supportive care are traditionally utilized in the stabilization and management of NMS, anticholinergic medication may also prove effective therapy. Treatment with anticholinergic medication has been suggested in cases of NMS associated with mild hyperthermia. We describe a case of 17-y-old female, who was brought to the emergency department for a possible "acute dystonic reaction". The patient received 50 mg diphenhydramine i.v., which resulted in improvement in mental status. The patient was readmitted to the emergency department 1 d following discharge with symptoms similar, but now considering the diagnosis of NMS. Diphenhydramine 50 mg i.v. was again administered and resulted in significant improvement.     

恶性综合征10例临床分析

目的：分析恶性综合征的临床特点,以提高对本病的认识,减少误诊率。方法回顾性分析确诊的10例恶性综合征患者的临床资料,并复习相关文献。结果10例患者中,8例有抗精神病药物服用史,2例不规律服用美多芭,临床表现为发热、肌强直、肌酶增高、意识障碍及自主神经功能障碍,影像学等检查排除其他疾病,综合治疗有效。结论恶性综合征临床少见,多有抗精神病药物服药史,主要与药物影响脑内递质有关,临床表现及肌酶增高为主要的诊断依据,及时治疗大多预后良好。     

Neuroleptic rechallenge after neuroleptic malignant syndrome: case report and literature review

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is associated with essentially all of the currently available antipsychotic agents. The signs and symptoms associated with the syndrome are hyperpyrexia, defined by body temperature greater than 38 degrees C; extreme muscle rigidity, with or without elevated creatine phosphokinase or hyperreflexia; and other symptoms such as altered level of consciousness and/or autonomic dysfunction as manifested by labile blood pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea, urinary or fecal incontinence, pallor, or diaphoresis. This potentially fatal syndrome complicates the treatment of patients with recurrent psychotic symptoms because of the possibility for recurrence of the NMS. A case of recurrent NMS is presented in which the patient was rechallenged with an antipsychotic agent. In addition, 41 reported cases of antipsychotic rechallenge after NMS are reviewed. The results of the review suggest that neuroleptic rechallenge following NMS is associated with an acceptable risk of recurrence in most patients. However, close monitoring for NMS and careful selection of patients for antipsychotic rechallenge is mandatory. A minimal time period of five days before rechallenge may also reduce the risk of recurrent NMS. Recurrence was not associated with patient age or gender, nor the antipsychotic agent used.     

Olanzapine induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome

An 18 year old male diagnosed as a case of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) following treatment with olanzapine (20 mg per day), an atypical antipsychotic drug. NMS is usually seen with typical antipsychotic drugs. The patient was diagnosed as a case of NMS, offending agent was immediately withdrawn and prompt treatment with bromocriptine and levodopa produced a good recovery. The various features of the case are discussed in view of the potential mortality of the syndrome.KEY WORDS: Bipolar affective disorder, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, olanzapine     

Aripiprazole and neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic with a novel method of action, has only recently been awarded a license in the UK. We report our first patient to receive this drug, who had treatment-resistant schizophrenia and developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with aripiprazole. To our knowledge, this is the first published case report involving aripiprazole and NMS in a potentially fatal medical emergency. Further experience with this drug should indicate whether this is an isolated case (as described with other atypical antipsychotics) or constitutes a more serious risk than that suggested by the relatively beneficial therapeutic profile described in the literature to date.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with the use of risperidone,an atypical antipsychotic agent

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare and sometimes fatal adverse reaction to neuroleptic drugs. Atypical antipsychotic agents, such as risperidone, are thought to be less likely to cause NMS because of their pharmacological profile. This is a case report of NMS associated with risperidone treatment.     

Olanzapine-associated neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially serious complication of neuroleptic drugs. It may vary in both presenting characteristics and severity. Several different criteria for diagnosis exist, and each differs from the others slightly. We describe a 66-year-old woman with chronic paranoid schizophrenia who was prescribed olanzapine along with several other psychiatric drugs and an antihypertensive drug. The patient displayed several characteristics of NMS during therapy with olanzapine, including fever, elevated creatine kinase level, leukocytosis, and mild muscle rigidity. When olanzapine was held, the signs and symptoms improved and then returned with rechallenge of olanzapine. For this reason, olanzapine was considered strongly associated with this patient's apparent NMS episode. The patient's beta-blocker therapy may have masked additional signs of NMS. In addition, the patient tolerated other neuroleptics that were started in the hospital after the suspected NMS episode. The variation among different diagnostic criteria makes this syndrome a challenging diagnosis at times, in particular when atypical antipsychotics are suspected as the causative agent.     

Ileal and colonic contractions by endothelin-1 in experimentally induced paralytic ileus in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of endothelin-1 on the isolated distal ileum and proximal colon in an experimentally induced ileus in rats. Ileal and colonic contractions by endothelin-1, acetylcholine alone and with endothelin-1 were recorded both in normal and experimentally induced paralytic ileus in rats. In the control group, all the responses to acetylcholine were found to be potentiated significantly when used together with endothelin-1 but in paralytic ileus group, no detectable change was observed in the responses of the amine after administration of acetylcholine together with endothelin-1. This study indicates that endothelin-1 might have an effect on gastrointestinal motility and postoperative paralytic ileus.     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with olanzapine associated with severe hypernatremia

A 30-year-old white man with schizophrenia developed anorexia and nausea, and was admitted to hospital for confusion and delirium. He was on olanzapine, 10 days prior to admission. On admission, typical neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) developed with elevated body temperature (39.7 degrees C), obtundation, tremor, rigidity, diaphoresis, fluctuating pupillary diameter, tachycardia, labile hypertension, elevated serum creatine kinase and severe hypernatremia (190 meq/l). Olanzepine was stopped few days after admission to the hospital and the NMS manifestations resolved by hospital day 12. The patient had all of the major manifestations of NMS. There was no other likely explanation for his illness. This is the first case reported in which NMS was associated with olanzapine and extremely elevated levels of serum sodium. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

中西药联合治疗麻痹性肠梗阻的疗效观察

目的：研究生长抑素联合枸橼酸莫沙必利、大承气汤治疗麻痹性肠梗阻的临床疗效。方法：选择麻痹性肠梗阻患者75例,随机分为3组。治疗1组采用生长抑素联合枸橼酸莫沙比利及内科保守治疗。治疗2组采用生长抑素、构橼酸莫沙必利和大承气汤联合治疗,常规内科保守治疗方法同上。对照组予常规内科保守治疗。治疗120h后,如患者腹痛、呕吐消失,恢复肛门排气排便．经X线检查腹部液平消失视为治疗有效。结果：各治疗组疗效明显优于对照组,其中治疗2组疗效最佳．肠梗阻恢复再通所需时间比其余各组明显缩短。结论：生长抑素、枸橼酸莫沙必利、大承气汤3药对麻痹性肠梗阻的治疗有效,且3药联合使用有效率最高．具有明显的协同作用。     

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a child treated with an atypical antipsychotic

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon potentially fatal side effect of neuroleptic drugs, characterized by movement disorder, altered mental status and autonomic instability. A single dose of clotiapine was administered to an 11-year old male with acute psychosis. The previously healthy child had signs consistent with NMS including hyperthermia, hypertension, motor and mental changes. Repeat examination performed two weeks later, demonstrated that while his hyperthermia subsided, his mental status deteriorated. Olanzapine was administered, after which the child had hyperthermia, dystonia and more pronounced restlessness, once again consistent with NMS. He developed respiratory failure and was intubated and mechanically ventilated. Lorazepam, dantrolene and bromocriptine were administered as treatment of possible NMS. His mental condition, movement disorder and autonomic dysfunction improved significantly. Two weeks later, the patient was discharged in good general condition without the need for any ongoing medical treatment. There are only few case reports of NMS in children treated with olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic. In children, caution must be exercised when prescribing antipsychotics, particularly atypical antipsychotics as these drugs may cause NMS. Because of the low incidence of NMS, a high index of suspicion is needed to identify cases so prompt treatment can be undertaken.