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[Increase of serum procalcitonin levels during a neuroleptic malignant syndrome]
1Unité gériatrique aiguë, UFR Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 6, France.
Abstract:
When fever occurs in a patient treated with a neuroleptic, the diagnosis of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome is difficult to differentiate to that of an infectious event. Among inflammation biomarkers of inflammation, serum procalcitonin levels increase both quickly and specifically during a bacterial infection. We report the first case of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with a significant increase of serum procalcitonin levels, without concomitant septic syndrome. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome might be a non-infectious clinical situation associated with an increased serum procalcitonin concentration.
Insights
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can present with elevated serum procalcitonin, mimicking infection. This case shows procalcitonin may rise in this non-infectious condition, aiding differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Differentiating neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) from infection in patients on neuroleptics is challenging due to overlapping symptoms like fever.
- Serum procalcitonin is a specific biomarker for bacterial infections, rising rapidly during sepsis.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of NMS with a significant elevation in serum procalcitonin levels.
- The patient presented with NMS but showed no signs of a concurrent septic syndrome.
Findings:
- Elevated serum procalcitonin levels were observed in a patient diagnosed with NMS.
- The procalcitonin increase occurred in the absence of a bacterial or septic condition.
Implications:
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome should be considered a potential non-infectious cause of elevated serum procalcitonin.
- This finding may help clinicians in the differential diagnosis of fever in patients treated with neuroleptic medications.
