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

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medication.
• While typically seen in psychiatric settings, NMS can present in infectious disease wards.
• Infectious disease specialists must consider NMS in patients with psychiatric medication history and characteristic symptoms.

Observation:

• A case of NMS occurred in a young male patient with schizophrenia admitted for COVID-19.
• The patient developed NMS symptoms after receiving antipsychotics for restlessness.
• This highlights the potential for NMS in critically ill patients on psychiatric medication.

Findings:

• The patient presented with hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic lability, and impaired consciousness.
• Prompt, targeted therapy was initiated in collaboration with psychiatric specialists.
• The patient's NMS symptoms resolved, and his clinical condition improved.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering NMS in diverse clinical settings, including infectious disease and intensive care units.
• Collaboration between infectious disease and psychiatric teams is vital for effective NMS management.
• Awareness of NMS in patients with COVID-19 and on antipsychotics can improve patient outcomes.