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Serotonin syndrome versus neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a challenging clinical quandary.

ABSTRACT: Serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome are two drug toxidromes that have often overlapping and confusing clinical pictures. We report a case of a young man who presented with alteration of mental status, autonomic instability and neuromuscular hyperexcitability following ingestion of multiple psychiatric and antiepileptic medications. The patient satisfied criteria for serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and based on the characteristic clinical features, laboratory findings and clinical course it was concluded that the patient had both toxidromes. The patient was managed with cyproheptadine and supportive measures, and recovered over the course of 3 weeks. A brief review of literature highlighting the diagnostic clues as well as the importance of recognising and distinguishing the often missed and confounding diagnoses follows.

SUBMITTER: Dosi R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4069678 | biostudies-other | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Serotonin syndrome versus neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a challenging clinical quandary.

Dosi Rupal R Ambaliya Annirudh A Joshi Harshal H Patell Rushad R

BMJ case reports 20140623

Serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome are two drug toxidromes that have often overlapping and confusing clinical pictures. We report a case of a young man who presented with alteration of mental status, autonomic instability and neuromuscular hyperexcitability following ingestion of multiple psychiatric and antiepileptic medications. The patient satisfied criteria for serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and based on the characteristic clinical features, laborat ...[more]

PMID: 24957740

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Project description:BackgroundNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, severe, idiosyncratic adverse reaction to antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were originally assumed to be free from the risk of causing NMS, however several cases of NMS induced by SGAs (SGA-NMS) have been reported.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to systematically review available studies and case reports on SGA-NMS and compare the presentation of NMS induced by different SGAs.Data sourcesCitations were retrieved from PubMed up to November 2013, and from reference lists of relevant citations.Study eligibility criteriaEligibility criteria included (a) primary studies reporting data on NMS, with at least 50 % of the sample receiving SGAs; or (b) case reports and case reviews reporting on NMS induced by SGA monotherapy, excluding those due to antipsychotic withdrawal.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsA standardized method for data extraction and coding was developed for the analysis of eligible case reports.ResultsSix primary studies and 186 individual cases of NMS induced by SGAs were included. Primary studies suggest that SGA-NMS is characterized by lower incidence, lower clinical severity, and less frequent lethal outcome than NMS induced by first-generation antipsychotics. Systematic analysis of case reports suggests that even the most recently marketed antipsychotics are not free from the risk of inducing NMS. Furthermore, clozapine-, aripiprazole- and amisulpride-induced NMS can present with atypical features more frequently than other SGA-NMS, i.e. displaying less intense extrapyramidal symptoms or high fever.LimitationsCase reports report non-systematic data, therefore analyses may be subject to bias.Conclusions and implications of key findingsClinicians should be aware that NMS is virtually associated with all antipsychotics, including those most recently marketed. Although apparently less severe than NMS induced by older antipsychotics, SGA-NMS still represent a relevant clinical issue.

Dataset Information

Serotonin syndrome versus neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a challenging clinical quandary.

Publications

Serotonin syndrome versus neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a challenging clinical quandary.

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