Office-based General Anesthesia for a Patient With a History of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

First described in 1956 subsequent to a reaction reported to the newly introduced antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. All neuroleptics, including newer antipsychotics, have been linked to this condition. Due to similar symptoms, it is debatable if individuals with NMS can be susceptible to malignant hyperthermia (MH). This case report presents the anesthetic care of a 30-year-old male undergoing general anesthesia in the office-based dental environment. The rationale behind the selected total intravenous anesthesia technique without NMS or MH triggering agents is outlined as well as other agents that may still be questionable regarding their trigger effect for NMS.

Catatonia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Patients With Cerebral Palsy: Two Case Reports and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cerebral palsy, a group of movement disorders with motor, and possibly communication and behavioral features that mimic catatonic signs, may benefit from efforts to improve the detection and treatment of comorbid catatonia. Given that cerebral palsy frequently co-occurs with conditions associated with catatonia, such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and mood and psychotic disorders, lifetime prevalence of catatonia in this population may be high. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on catatonia and the related condition of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in patients with cerebral palsy while presenting 2 additional cases of catatonia. METHODS: We used the terms "cerebral palsy" in combination with "catatoni∗," related terms for catatonia, and "neuroleptic malignant syndrome" to query Ovid MEDLINE (1948 to November 28, 2022), PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing, and Allied Health Literature, and Embase for applicable case reports. The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Information Service database was also manually searched. RESULTS: In addition to our 2 catatonia reports, we identified 10 reports of catatonia in patients with cerebral palsy, as well as 8 reports of NMS. Patients with both conditions responded well, and sometimes rapidly, to treatment. Notably, of the 5 patients with catatonia and cerebral palsy who received electroconvulsive therapy, 2 developed recurrent self-limited hyperthermia posttreatment. We also identified several cases of baclofen withdrawal, which can be life threatening because of seizure risk, presenting with NMS-like features in patients with cerebral palsy who had malfunctioning intrathecal baclofen pumps for spasticity management. CONCLUSIONS: Given frequent comorbidity of conditions associated with catatonia in patients with cerebral palsy, as well as routine treatment with medications that can induce NMS, such as metoclopramide and anticholinergics, catatonia and NMS may be underreported in the cerebral palsy patient population, despite being highly treatable. Possible underdiagnosis of catatonia in patients with cerebral palsy may be because of misattribution of overlapping features between the 2 conditions to cerebral palsy. Clinicians should be aware of possible recurrent self-limited fever when using electroconvulsive therapy to treat patients with catatonia and cerebral palsy while also being vigilant for intrathecal baclofen withdrawal when encountering NMS-like features in patients with cerebral palsy.

Multidisciplinary collaboration in diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome complicated with pneumonia: report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a relatively rare and a potentially fatal syndrome. It is a serious complication associated with antipsychotic therapy. NMS is easily prone to pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis and other problems. However, the clinical features of NMS complicated with pneumonia remains largely unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we described three female adult patients of NMS complicated with pneumonia in our own hospital. The symptoms of the patients were controlled with antipsychotic drugs at admission. Symptoms such as high fever, high muscle tone, difficulty in eating, phlegm in the throat, anhelation, rhabdomyolysis and autonomic nervous dysfunction occurred 2 days after the treatment, which mainly concentrated within 1 week. In addition, they are all healed. CONCLUSIONS: NMS is a rare and serious complication in psychiatric department, which is easy to be complicated with pneumonia and respiratory failure. Timely identification and early intervention could help achieve a good prognosis.

[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by olanzapine, risperidone and haloperidol].

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric complication caused by antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include decreased consciousness, fever, muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Creatine kinase concentration is often elevated. This is a case report of a 27-year-old man who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome after administration of olanzapine, risperidone and haloperidol. He was treated with benzodiazepine, dantrolene, amantadine and electroconvulsive therapy with good recovery.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome secondary to olanzapine, a presentation with severe acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present this case to draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis in terms of life-saving, noting that greater awareness is important among healthcare professionals. Our patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) after his neuroleptic drug dosage was increased. His condition was complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) which required hemodialysis. The uniqueness of this case is that the causative agent of NMS is an atypical antipsychotic, and atypical antipsychotics are generally considered to be safer than typical antipsychotics. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old Chinese man with underlying schizophrenia presented to our hospital with aggressive behavior. He was admitted to the psychiatric hospital and started on his regular medications, with an increase in the dose of olanzapine tablet from 5 to 10 mg daily. After 5 days in the ward, the patient was noted to have high fever, restlessness, confusion, increased muscle rigidity, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Antipsychotic therapy was stopped in view of suspected NMS. The first laboratory test for serum creatine kinase (CK) showed a markedly high level of this molecule. His renal profile showed raised serum creatinine in comparison to 2 months prior when the baseline serum creatinine was within the normal range. A diagnosis of NMS with AKI was made. Although the patient was given adequate intravenous fluid hydration with close monitoring of urine output, his renal function did not show improvement but continued to show a worsening trend. In view of this, he was started on urgent hemodialysis. The patient was dependent on intermittent hemodialysis before his AKI showed complete recovery. After 2 weeks, his blood test results returned to normal. He was discharged well. CONCLUSION: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening iatrogenic medical emergency in which high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis and prompt treatment.

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

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.

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.

A Severe Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Treated with Daily Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Case Report. / Günlük Elektrokonvülzif Terapi ile Tedavi Edilen Siddetli Nöroleptik Malign Sendrom: Bir Olgu Sunumu.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by dopamine modulating medications, particularly antipsychotics. First-line treatments of neuroleptic malignant syndrome are supportive care, discontinuation of the offending agent and pharmacotherapy. In drug-resistant and severe situations, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recommended as well. In this paper we present a 23-year old male with bipolar disorder who was treated with multiple injections of zuclopenthixol long acting and depot forms for a recent manic episode and developed NMS. The patient was transferred to an intensive care unit, medical management was initiated including benzodiazepines, bromocriptine and dantrolene. Due to the inadequate response after several days, ECT (bitemporal electrode placement, briefpulse, on a daily basis) was initiated. After 17 sessions, NMS relieved and there was no need for maintenance ECT. The patient is under follow-up care for 3 years with no cognitive and physical sequela. Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, bipolar disorder.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Adrenal Insufficiency After BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination in a Man Taking Valproate: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Considering the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, sufficient information about common and serious adverse events is needed to rapidly distribute COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. We report a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with adrenal insufficiency after initial vaccination with Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2. CASE REPORT A 48-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with fever and an altered mental status 7 days after receiving the first dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. The patient had a history of end-stage renal disease and epilepsy treated with valproate. He was diagnosed with NMS based on the clinical findings of hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, and an elevated creatine kinase level. Additionally, a reduction in the response of cortisol to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation was observed in the rapid ACTH stimulation test. The patient was treated with dantrolene, bromocriptine, and hydrocortisone, and he responded well to treatment. Dantrolene and bromocriptine were tapered off over 4 weeks. Hydrocortisone was also tapered, and the patient was discharged on oral hydrocortisone (30 mg). CONCLUSIONS The present case suggests a possible link between the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine and NMS with adrenal insufficiency based on the temporal relationship between vaccine administration and disease onset, although the patient was taking valproate, a potential cause of NMS. Having a high level of suspicion is important because the diagnosis of NMS with adrenal insufficiency is often challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations. However, this case does not negate the utility of vaccination because these complications are extremely rare and can be treated with early diagnosis and proper management.

[Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)]. / Elektrokonvulsivtherapie (EKT) bei malignem neuroleptischen Syndrom (MNS) auf Intensivstation.

A 57-year-old female patient with unclear somnolence was admitted to an Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) by an emergency physician. Several psychotropic drugs were on the medication list (quetiapine 450 mg/d, paroxetine 40 mg/d and perphenazine 12 mg/d), due to depression with psychotic features. As the patient's state deteriorated on day 3, she was intubated and transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where a malignant hyperthermia (MH) was assumed. The ICU's call to the MH hotline did not give a hint to consider a neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) neither to consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It was not until day 9 that a psychiatric consultation was undertaken, under the suspected diagnosis of NMS. On the same day ECT was performed, followed by a rapid remission of all clinical features and laboratory findings. Early consideration and application of ECT treatment for NMS on an ICU is life-saving.

[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome - unexpected complication in a COVID-19 patient].

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can be fatal if unrecognized and inadequately treated. This disease is rarely seen in infectious diseases wards. As infectiologists, however, we are confronted with an increasingly broader spectrum of diagnoses and this disease should therefore be considered in any patient taking psychiatric medication who develops the typical symptoms of hyperthermia, rigidity and muscle tremors, autonomic lability and impaired consciousness. A case report is presented of a young man with schizophrenia admitted to the intensive care unit with COVID-19, who was treated with antipsychotics (formerly known as neuroleptics) for restlessness and who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome. In cooperation with psychiatrists, a targeted therapy was initiated, after which the symptoms subsided and the patient's clinical condition resolved.

Successful Emergency Treatment of Refractory Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome With Electroconvulsive Therapy and a Novel Use of Dexmedetomidine: A Case Report From California in the Era of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: We describe the case of a patient, hospitalized in a California community medical ICU for over a month, with severe neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), unresponsive to medical management, but responsive to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We discuss the medical, logistical, and legal challenges in providing ECT in this setting. We also describe a previously unpublished use of dexmedetomidine, which aided in the safe and rapid reduction of benzodiazepines and permitted a successful ECT course. The rapid delivery and efficacy of ECT were essential because of the burgeoning coronavirus pandemic. The patient's treatment required exemplary efforts by providers across multiple disciplines, ongoing medicolegal consultation with the county mental health medical director, as well as consultation with expert members of the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation. We conclude with a discussion of the unique challenges of providing emergency ECT to patients in California, including during a serious pandemic, when courts are closed. This case illustrates the importance of cultivating and maintaining high-quality ECT expertise in community hospitals and keeping ECT services available even during pandemics. Also, this case demonstrates that ECT is not "merely an elective procedure" but a vital, life-saving treatment, even during the era of COVID-19. To our knowledge, this is the first such published case of emergency ECT performed in California.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a neurological emergency caused by dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. While it is typically characterized by muscle rigidity, fever and altered mental status, it may have a heterogeneous and non-specific presentation, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Treatment involves cessation of dopamine-receptor antagonists and supportive measures, but in more severe cases, bromocriptine, dantrolene, benzodiazepines and/or electroconvulsive therapy should be considered. We present the case of a 66-year-old man with severe neuroleptic malignant syndrome, diagnosed due to need for continuous invasive ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit, after successful treatment for respiratory sepsis. The patient recovered after electroconvulsive therapy and administration of bromocriptine. This unusually severe case illustrates the need for a high level of suspicion for neuroleptic malignant syndrome in critically ill patients with malignant catatonic syndromes, allowing for an early diagnosis and potentially lifesavingtreatment.

A síndrome maligna dos neurolépticos é uma emergência neurológica causada pela desregulação da neurotransmissão dopaminérgica. Apesar de habitualmente caracterizada por rigidez muscular, febre e alteração do estado mental, pode apresentar-se de forma inespecífica e heterogénea, atrasando o diagnóstico e tratamento. O tratamento engloba a interrupção de antagonistas dos receptores dopaminérgicos, medidas de suporte e, em casos mais graves, bromocriptina, dantroleno, benzodiazepinas e/ou terapia electroconvulsiva. Neste artigo descrevemos o caso clínico de um homem de 66 anos com síndrome maligna dos neurolépticos grave, diagnosticada devido à necessidade de ventilação artificial continuada na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos, após tratamento de uma sépsis respiratória. O doente melhorou significativamente após terapia electroconvulsiva e administração de bromocriptina. Este caso, de gravidade particular, sublinha a necessidade de manter um elevado nível de suspeita de síndrome maligna dos neurolépticos em doentes em estado crítico com síndromes catatónicos malignos, permitindo assim um diagnóstico precoce e tratamento dirigido.

Expanding the Catatonia Tent: Recognizing Electroconvulsive Therapy Responsive Syndromes.

ABSTRACT: Catatonia is a motor and mood disorder of behavior increasingly recognized in systemic medically ill. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, delirious mania, self injurious behaviors in autism, and limbic encephalitis are conditions in which ECT-responsive catatonia is increasingly recognized and effectively treated.

[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome treated with electroconvulsive therapy].

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but severe complication to antipsychotic treatment. Both first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics can induce NMS. This is a case report of NMS induced by second-generation antipsychotic treatment with aripiprazole causing symptoms of rigidity, altered mental status, diaphoresis and creatine kinase elevation. A 27-year-old man was admitted to an ICU and underwent ECT treatment on day ten, 11 and 12 after presentation of the symptoms. There was significant symptom improvement after ECT treatment and full recovery after two weeks.

Outcomes of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome With Depot Versus Oral Antipsychotics: A Systematic Review and Pooled, Patient-Level Analysis of 662 Case Reports.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and pooled, patient-level analysis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) case reports and series compared NMS characteristics and outcomes during long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) versus oral antipsychotic (OAP) treatment. DATA SOURCES: Two authors independently searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for articles in English from database inception until October 9, 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Case reports with author-defined NMS during ongoing antipsychotic treatment or within 1 injection interval of LAIs in adults aged 18-65 years. DATA EXTRACTION: Demographic, clinical, treatment and outcome data were independently extracted following PRISMA guidelines. NMS severity was rated using the Francis-Yacoub scale. Characteristics and outcomes of NMS were compared when occurring during LAI versus OAP treatment, adjusting for significant between-group differences. RESULTS: Of 662 reported cases (median age = 36 years, male = 61.2%), 122 (18.4%) involved LAIs (second-generation antipsychotic [SGA] LAIs [SGA-LAIs] = 10, 1.5%), whereas 540 (81.6%) involved OAPs (SGA-OAPs = 159, 24.0%). The 2 groups did not differ in age, illness duration, comorbidities, or presence or severity of NMS symptoms (median Francis-Yacoub score: LAIs = 26 vs OAPs = 23, P = .8276). Antipsychotic formulation was not significantly associated with longer duration of hospitalization (LAIs = 5.0 weeks vs OAPs = 3.8 weeks, P = .8322), post-NMS sequelae (LAIs = 8.8% vs OAPs = 7.0%, P = .7489), or death (LAIs = 10.7% vs OAPs = 6.7%, P = .0861). When different, post hoc confounder-adjusted models were used, duration of NMS (but not hospitalization for NMS) was longer with LAIs than with OAPs (median = 2.6 vs 1.8 weeks, P = .0339), driven by FGAs rather than SGAs. CONCLUSIONS: These data, plus the fact that only 10 published NMS cases exist with SGA-LAIs, should mitigate safety concerns regarding LAIs, but results should be interpreted cautiously since they are based on case reports.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a severe medical case.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, idiosyncratic medical emergency usually associated with the use of dopamine antagonists, commonly typical antipsychotic drugs. However, it has been observed that it can occur with atypical antipsychotics as well. NMS is characterized by altered consciousness, fever, rigidity, autonomic instability and high creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels. Here, we report a case of a 44-year-old female patient with history of a treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. She was admitted to our psychiatric ward for severe psychomotor agitation and treated with a therapy based on typical and atypical antipsychotics. During the course of the hospitalization she developed NMS. In this case, the diagnosis was delayed due to the slow and insidious symptom presentation, therefore requiring a differential diagnosis. Autoimmune NMDA receptor encephalitis, catatonic syndrome and malignant catatonia have been excluded. The patient met all the DSM-5 criteria for NMS: exposure to dopamine-blocking agent, severe muscle rigidity, fever, diaphoresis, dysphagia, altered level of consciousness, mutism, tremors, tachycardia, high or labile blood pressure, leukocytosis, high creatine phosphokinase. Since robust evidence-based protocols are lacking, here we discuss the relevance of this case in order to highlight the hurdles of a prompt diagnosis, clinical management of associated complications and treatment possibilities for such emergency.