Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a neuroimmunologic hypothesis

The Effect of Nutritional Status in the Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) continue to be a complication that plagues arthroplasty. Albumin is a surrogate marker for nutrition as well as chronic inflammation, and hypoalbuminemia increases the risk of complications in arthroplasty. Patients with PJI are at increased risk for malnutrition and complications. This study's objective was to analyze patients who underwent treatment of PJI following total hip arthroplasty and investigate the outcome with regards to albumin levels.

METHODS

Overall, 48 patients who underwent surgery for a total hip PJI at 1 institution were reviewed. Albumin and C-reactive protein were recorded preoperatively and 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Treatment failure was determined by further surgical treatment for PJI or repeat infection, as determined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society guidelines.

RESULTS

A debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention procedure was performed in 39 patients, and explant with the placement of an antibiotic spacer was performed in 9. Preoperative mean albumin levels were significantly decreased in patients who failed to clear their infection compared to patients who remained infection-free (2.5 versus 3.3, P < .001). Postoperative albumin levels decreased in this same population (2.6 versus 3.8, P < .001). C-reactive protein was elevated in patients who failed to clear their infection preoperatively (19.9 versus 7.5, P < .001) and postoperatively (7.0 versus 1.7, P < .001). The average time to repeat surgical treatment for their PJI was 9 months CONCLUSIONS: Lower albumin levels are observed in patients with PJI who failed to remain infection-free after surgery. Albumin is a surrogate marker for nutrition, and low albumin is associated with poor immune function. Hypoalbuminemia is found with chronic inflammation as well as malnutrition. Nutritional reserves are diverted to the acute inflammatory response during an infection, which can lead to a deficient state. Further research may develop treatments to alter this modifiable risk factor.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

Molecular and immunological origins of catatonia

Catatonia occurs secondary to both primary psychiatric and neuromedical etiologies. Emerging evidence suggests possible linkages between causes of catatonia and neuroinflammation. These include obvious infectious and inflammatory etiologies, common neuromedical illnesses such as delirium, and psychiatric entities such as depression and autism-spectrum disorders. Symptoms of sickness behavior, thought to be a downstream effect of the cytokine response, are common in many of these etiologies and overlap significantly with symptoms of catatonia. Furthermore, there are syndromes that overlap with catatonia that some would consider variants, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and akinetic mutism, which may also have neuroinflammatory underpinnings. Low serum iron, a common finding in NMS and malignant catatonia, may be caused by the acute phase response. Cellular hits involving either pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) danger signals or the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) danger signals of severe psychosocial stress may set the stage for a common pathway immunoactivation state that could lower the threshold for a catatonic state in susceptible individuals. Immunoactivation leading to dysfunction in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)/mid-cingulate cortex (MCC)/medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)/paralimbic cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, involved in motivation and movement, may be particularly important in generating the motor and behavioral symptoms of catatonia.

The diagnostic dilemma in a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic: A significant increase in acute phase reactants

Key Clinical Message

In some patients, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is accompanied significant high levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP).

Abstract

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an idiosyncratic life-threatening adverse reaction and usually triggered in response to antipsychotic drugs. In addition, leukocytosis and increased muscle enzymes levels (especially creatine phosphokinase) are observed in NMS. In addition, a transient increase in different types of acute phase reactants in NMS has been mentioned. This article describes a woman treated with haloperidol, perphenazine, escitalopram, and alprazolam because she developed catatonic symptoms after psychological stress. She suffered from NMS symptoms and had elevated CRP and ESR levels, among other signs and symptoms. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and reports of co-occurrence of catatonia and NMS and COVID-19 and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), this patient was a diagnostic dilemma. After consultation with the consultation-liaison psychiatry units, she was managed adequately with electroconvulsive therapy and lorazepam.

Consultation-Liaison Case Conference: Malignantly Catatonic and Unable to Receive Electroconvulsive Therapy

We present the case of a 65-year-old female with a past psychiatric history of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety who recently underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in the setting of a recent computerized tomography scan revealing a peritoneal mass. Postoperatively, she was delirious and soon found to be malignantly catatonic. This patient's treatment was complicated by an acute stroke, which was a relative contraindication for electroconvulsive therapy. Top experts in the consultation-liaison psychiatry and electroconvulsive therapy fields provide guidance for this clinical scenario based on their experience and a review of the available literature. Key teaching points include a review of diagnosing and treating catatonia, a review of electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of catatonia, as well as a review of the role of the consultation-liaison psychiatrist in medically complex cases. Specifically, we offer guidance in treating patients that have malignant catatonia when electroconvulsive therapy is unavailable.

R, Patel PH, Bazan DZ, Mora A, Samuel N, Mingle AC, Leon LR, Varon J, Surani S. Drug-Induced Hyperthermia Review

Humans maintain core body temperature via a complicated system of physiologic mechanisms that counteract heat/cold fluctuations from metabolism, exertion, and the environment. Overextension of these mechanisms or disruption of body temperature homeostasis leads to bodily dysfunction, culminating in a syndrome analogous to exertional heat stroke (EHS). The inability of this thermoregulatory process to maintain the body temperature is caused by either thermal stress or certain drugs. EHS is a syndrome characterized by hyperthermia and the activation of systemic inflammation. Several drug-induced hyperthermic syndromes may resemble EHS and share common mechanisms. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature and compare exertional heat stroke (EHS) to three of the most widely studied drug-induced hyperthermic syndromes: malignant hyperthermia (MH), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), and serotonin syndrome (SS). Drugs and drug classes that have been implicated in these conditions include amphetamines, diuretics, cocaine, antipsychotics, metoclopramide, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and many more. Observations suggest that severe or fulminant cases of drug-induced hyperthermia may evolve into an inflammatory syndrome best described as heat stroke. Their underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment approaches will be reviewed to assist in accurate diagnosis, which will impact the management of potentially life-threatening complications.

A Case of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome After COVID-19 Vaccination and Possible Mechanisms of Vaccines in the Formation of This Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by muscle stiffness, hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction, elevation in serum creatine phosphokinase, and changes in consciousness, which usually occur due to the side effects of life-threatening neuroleptic and antipsychotic drugs, and it can cause high mortality. A few cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and vaccination have been reported in the literature. Our case presented with epileptic seizure and neuroleptic malignant syndrome signs 10 days after receiving a single dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine when under low-dose olanzapine treatment with a diagnosis of autism and epilepsy. According to the laboratory test, the creatine kinase value was very high, there was hyponatremia, and the iron value was low. The patient died. Our aim in reporting this case is to draw attention to the possibility that coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines may trigger neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can be a fatal complication in patients taking antipsychotics, albeit very rare among the large vaccinated population.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome cases in a Moroccan intensive care unit: a retrospective analysis and literature review

Background: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric emergency. The aim of our study was to update our bedside procedures by investigating NMS cases managed in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This retrospective study included all NMS patients admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and December 2019. The variables analyzed included demographics, diagnosis, therapeutics, and outcomes.Results: This study included 20 patients, with an average age of 36.6 years. The male to female ratio was 1:4. No patient had a history of NMS, and 60% of the patients had schizophrenia. First-generation neuroleptics (NLs) were the most commonly prescribed drugs (80%). The mean time between the introduction of NLs and onset of symptoms was 7.6 days. Rigidity was observed in 90% of the patients, hyperthermia and neuropsychic syndrome in 65%, and dysautonomia in 50%. The creatine phosphokinase level in all patients was four times the normal value. Mechanical ventilation was required in 20% of the patients and hemodialysis in one patient. None of the patients received specific therapy. The mean duration of ICU stay was 10 days. The mortality rate was 10%,, mainly associated with renal failure. The analysis of the predictors of mortality was limited by the size of our cohort.Conclusion: NMS is a rare condition requiring multidisciplinary implementation of contextualized and updated procedures. Early detection and supportive treatment could improve the prognosis in resource-limited settings, where specific treatments are not available. Predictive risk factors should be investigated in larger multicenter cohorts.

Can Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Be a Useful Criterion for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in the Absence of Leukocytosis?

Objective: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but severe side effect of antipsychotic medication. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple marker used to measure systemic inflammation. Method : In this case report we explore the relationship of inflammation in the etiology of NMS. In our case involving NMS, although there was no leukocytosis, the NLR was increased up to systemic infection levels. Conclusion: We hypothesized that systemic inflammation may take a role in developing NMS. If so, NLR could be a new marker of NMS that may be able to provide more sensitive results than leukocyte levels.

A systematic review and pooled, patient-level analysis of predictors of mortality in neuroleptic malignant syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal, idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotics. Due to low incidence of NMS, research on risk factors of mortality associated with NMS is limited.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched Medline/Embase/Cochrane/CINAHL/PsychINFO databases for case reports with author-defined NMS published in English until 05/30/2020. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome data were independently extracted following PRISMA guidelines. NMS severity was rated using the Francis-Yacoub scale. Mortality risk factors were identified using a multivariable regression analysis including all characteristics that were significantly different between NMS cases resulting vs. not resulting in death.

RESULTS

683 cases with NMS were analyzed (median age = 36 years, males = 62.1%). In a multivariable model, independent predictors of NMS mortality were lack of antipsychotic discontinuation (odds ratio (OR) = 4.39 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.14-8.99; p < 0.0001), respiratory problems (OR = 3.54 95%CI = 1.71-7.32; p = 0.0004), severity of hyperthermia (Unit-OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.16-1.46; p < 0.0001), and older age (Unit-OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.02-1.07; p = 0.0014). Even in univariate, patient-level analyses, antipsychotic formulation was not related to death (oral antipsychotic (OAP): n = 39/554 (7.0%) vs. long-acting injectable (LAI): n = 13/129 (10.1%); p = 0.2413). Similarly, death with NMS was not related to antipsychotic class (first-generation antipsychotic: n = 38/433 (8.8%) vs. second-generation antipsychotic: n = 8/180 (4.4%); p = 0.0638). Non-antipsychotic co-treatments were not associated with NMS mortality.

CONCLUSION

Despite reliance on case reports, these findings indicate that presence of respiratory alterations, severity of hyperthermia, and older age should alert clinicians to a higher NMS mortality risk, and that antipsychotics should be stopped to reduce mortality, yet when NMS arises on LAIs, mortality is not increased vs. OAPs.

Higher Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Catatonic Patients: A Comparison to Non-catatonic Patients and Healthy Controls

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome defined by a constellation of predominantly motor symptoms. The aim of the present study was to determine whether recently admitted psychiatric patients with catatonia exhibited higher serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels compared to non-catatonic psychiatric patients and healthy controls (HCs). Recently admitted psychiatric patients were screened and evaluated for the catatonia syndrome using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The study sample was formed by 150 individuals (39 male and 111 female), including 51 catatonic patients, 55 non-catatonic patients, and 44 HCs. Serum hs-CRP levels were processed with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), immunoglobulin G (IgG), complement component 3 (C3), and complement component 4 (C4) were also determined. There was a significantly higher percentage of patients with high inflammatory levels (hs-CRP > 3000ng/ml) in the catatonic (43.1%) than in the non-catatonic (14.5%) or HCs group (9.1%) (χ 2 =18.9, P < .001). Logistic regression showed that catatonic patients had significantly higher hs-CRP levels compared to non-catatonic patients even after controlling for other clinical and laboratory variables (OR = 3.52, P = .015, 95% CI 1.28-9.79). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that log-transformed hs-CRP was independently predicted by body mass index and log-transformed C4, ACTH, and Cortisol in catatonic patients. Findings of the present study suggest that catatonia is specifically linked to a higher level of systemic inflammation, not merely attributable to the overall psychopathology, or alterations in the stress level and complement system.

Cingulate-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical aspects of catatonia and implications for treatment

The catatonic syndrome is an example of a multifactorial neurobehavioral disorder that causes much morbidity and mortality but also has the potential to unlock the mystery of how motivation and movement interact to produce behavior. In this chapter, an attempt is made to understand better the catatonic syndrome through the lens of neurobiology and neuropathophysiology updated by recent studies in molecular biology, genomics, inflammasomics, neuroimaging, neural network theory, and neuropsychopathology. This will result in a neurostructural model for the catatonic syndrome that centers on paralimbic regions including the anterior and midcingulate cortices, as they interface with striatal and thalamic nodes in the salience decision-making network. Examination of neurologic disorders like the abulic syndrome, which includes in its extreme catatonic form, akinetic mutism, will identify the cingulate cortex and paralimbic neighbors as regions of interest. This exploration has the potential to unlock mysteries of the brain cascade from motivation to movement and to clarify catatonia therapeutics. Such a synthesis may also help us discern meaning inherent in this complex neurobehavioral syndrome.

Catatonia and the immune system: a review

Catatonia is a psychomotor disorder featuring stupor, posturing, and echophenomena. This Series paper examines the evidence for immune dysregulation in catatonia. Activation of the innate immune system is associated with mutism, withdrawal, and psychomotor retardation, which constitute the neurovegetative features of catatonia. Evidence is sparse and conflicting for acute-phase activation in catatonia, and whether this feature is secondary to immobility is unclear. Various viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections have been associated with catatonia, but it is primarily linked to CNS infections. The most common cause of autoimmune catatonia is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, which can account for the full spectrum of catatonic features. Autoimmunity appears to cause catatonia less by systemic inflammation than by the downstream effects of specific actions on extracellular antigens. The specific association with NMDAR encephalitis supports a hypothesis of glutamatergic hypofunction in catatonia.

Clinical utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Background: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hypothesis of inflammation via neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the etiology of NMS. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, data were collected using digital database of Bakırköy Mental Health Research and Training State Hospital by screening NMS diagnosis according to 'International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) code: G21.0' between the years of 2007 and 2017. We included 32 hospitalizations with the diagnosis of NMS and 31 other acute psychiatric hospitalizations without NMS of same patients. NLR was calculated as proportion of absolute neutrophil count to absolute lymphocyte count. Significance level was accepted as p < .05. Results: The mean NLR value of NMS group was 9.55 ± 5.13 and control group was 2.06 ± 0.71 (p < .001). According to ROC analysis in our study group, we found a mean NLR cutoff value ≥4 and lymphocyte percent cutoff of ≤18.4% have the probability of correctly identifying patients with NMS with the 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, we considered that higher NLR value in NMS episode might be a resemblance of systemic inflammatory state. In addition, our results suggest that both NLR and lymphocyte percentage may be alternative minor criteria which are more sensitive and specific than leukocyte levels and CPK.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome following reintroduction of an antipsychotic after overdose

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially lethal adverse drug reaction. We report a case of NMS potentially induced by dehydration in a female patient suffering from schizoaffective disorder. We discuss possible aetiologies and triggering factors alongside the existing literature.

The pathophysiological basis and consequences of fever

There are numerous causes of a raised core temperature. A fever occurring in sepsis may be associated with a survival benefit. However, this is not the case for non-infective triggers. Where heat generation exceeds heat loss and the core temperature rises above that set by the hypothalamus, a combination of cellular, local, organ-specific, and systemic effects occurs and puts the individual at risk of both short-term and long-term dysfunction which, if severe or sustained, may lead to death. This narrative review is part of a series that will outline the pathophysiology of pyrogenic and non-pyrogenic fever, concentrating primarily on the pathophysiology of non-septic causes.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in trauma patient

In recent years, there has been an increased use of neuroleptic agents in the unit care in trauma patients. There is a lack of prospective data, and most of the information is obtained from related cases. It is needed to have a high index of suspicion with regard to excluding neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in patients taking neuroleptics and presenting with hyperthermia, because of the potentially fatal consequences. It is a rare syndrome in the burn patient with a lack of proven treatments, and high morbidity and mortality are related. In the actual literature there are few related cases of NMS in the polytrauma patient, particularly in association with psychiatric conditions. In burn NMS is a rare complication with difficult diagnosis, because of the similar symptoms that can occur either in patients in the Burn Unit Care with other fatal conditions that are present in the acute phase response. Actually, there is no marker for the NMS, which difficult the early diagnosis and prognosis. The treatment still is based on case reports, with lack of clinical trials, but remain as standard and universally accepted. Besides that, the neural signaling of the NMS indicates possibilities for better understanding of the pathophysiology treatment protocol.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Review from a Clinically Oriented Perspective

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening side-effect that can occur in response to treatment with antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms commonly include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction and altered mental status. In the current review we provide an overview on past and current developments in understanding the causes and treatment of NMS. Studies on the epidemiological incidence of NMS are evaluated, and we provide new data from the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online database to elaborate on drug-specific and antipsychotic drug polypharmacy instances of NMS reported between 1965 and 2012. Established risk factors are summarized with an emphasis on pharmacological and environmental causes. Leading theories about the etiopathology of NMS are discussed, including the potential contribution of the impact of dopamine receptor blockade and musculoskeletal fiber toxicity. A clinical perspective is provided whereby the clinical presentation and phenomenology of NMS is detailed, while the diagnosis of NMS and its differential is expounded. Current therapeutic strategies are outlined and the role for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies in alleviating the symptoms of NMS are discussed.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by lamotrigine

This case report describes a 54-year-old man with bipolar I disorder who was treated with aripiprazole (ARP) and lithium. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of aggravation of depressive symptoms, and treatment with lamotrigine (LTG) was initiated. Two weeks after admission, we discontinued administration of ARP after the appearance of a tremor. Three weeks after discontinuing ARP, the patient developed a high fever, rigidity of the arms, diarrhea, dysphagia, and diaphoresis. We suspected these symptoms were consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome and therefore removed the application of LTG. After 2 days, most of the patient's symptoms and blood results had improved, leading us to conclude that the LTG treatment had induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Thus, the purpose of this case report was to warn psychiatrists against therapy with LTG, as it may be conducive to neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Combination of Steven-Johnson syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome following carbamazepine therapy: a rare occurrence

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe, episodic, acute mucocutaneous reaction that is most often elicited by drugs and occasionally by infections. The drugs commonly implicated as the cause of SJS are anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Carbamazepine (CBZ) has been commonly implicated in SJS. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening but potentially treatable condition. Among the neuroleptics, haloperidol (parenteral) is implicated as a most common drug for NMS. Though rare, association of NMS with CBZ and association of NMS with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in a single patient after administration of neuroleptics has been reported in the literature before. However, a combination of NMS and SJS in a single patient after administration of CBZ has not been reported so far. We present a patient with seizure who developed SJS and NMS following administration of CBZ.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome following combination of sertraline and paroxetine: a case report

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rarely observed life-threatening medical condition due mostly to antipsychotic use. Additionally, a few case reports have suggested an association between NMS and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alone or in combination with antipsychotics. This case report presents a female patient developing NMS following the use of a combination of sertraline and paroxetine.

[Drug-induced fever: a diagnosis to remember]

Drug fever (DF) is a febrile reaction induced by a drug without additional clinical features like skin eruption. This adverse drug reaction is probably common but under diagnosed. While its outcome is generally favourable, DF generates unnecessary diagnostic procedures as well as hospitalisations or hospitalisation prolongations. Clinical presentation and biological findings are not specific. Fever is generally well tolerated but may be accompanied by general symptoms mimicking sepsis. Moderate biological disorders could be expected, including elevation or decrease in white blood cell count, eosinophilia, liver cytolysis, and increased C-reactive protein. An infection should be systematically ruled out. Clinical or biological signs of severity should question DF diagnosis. When DF is suspected, the involved drug(s) should be stopped after a reliable assessment of imputability. Antibiotics represent the most often implicated drugs. Fever disappearance after discontinuing the suspected drug is the cornerstone of DF diagnosis. Before stopping the administration of the suspected drug(s), a risk/benefit ratio assessment is necessary. Consistently, it may be complicated to stop an antimicrobial drug when treating an infection or an immunosuppressive drug if required.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with bromocriptine withdrawal in Parkinson's disease--a case report

A 74-year-old man had 15-year history of Parkinson's disease and received bromocriptine monotherapy for 3 years. We present the first case report of neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with the withdrawal of bromocriptine. The symptoms were alleviated by adequate replenishment of intravenous fluid, temperature reduction and replacement of bromocriptine. Clinicians need to be aware of this potential complication and that a thorough history of current medications is crucial to its identification.