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Infections as complications of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Nikolaos Bilanakis1, Vaios Peritogiannis, Georgios Kalampokis

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry
|July 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious antipsychotic side effect, can lead to infections. This study reports four cases of NMS-associated infections, suggesting underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening adverse reaction to antipsychotic medications.
  • Commonly reported complications include rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and cardiovascular instability.
  • Infections, apart from aspiration pneumonia, are infrequently documented in NMS literature.

Observation:

  • This report details four cases of patients experiencing infections during NMS.
  • Three patients developed upper respiratory tract infections.
  • One patient presented with a urinary tract infection.

Findings:

  • The study highlights that infections beyond aspiration pneumonia can occur in NMS.
  • Pathophysiological mechanisms linking NMS and infection development are proposed.
  • These findings expand the understanding of NMS complications.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider the possibility of diverse infections in patients with NMS.
  • Further research into the immunomodulatory effects of NMS is warranted.
  • This may inform preventative strategies and improve patient outcomes in NMS.

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