Low serum iron as a possible risk factor for neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Case Report: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a HIV-positive patient

We report a 29-year-old, HIV-positive woman being treated with antipsychotic medication for psychosis (Clopixol 200mg intramuscularly monthly, Risperidone 2mg orally daily Haloperidol 2.5mg twice a day), who presented with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. She was also receiving lorazepam and sodium valproate. The patient was referred to our department as she had developed involuntary upper limb movements and simple permanent focal seizure on the lower part of the left hemiface. Clinically the patient had altered consciousness, autonomic dysfunction, and rigidity. Her blood tests showed elevated creatine kinase (1467U/L) but no leucocytosis. We did a thorough workup for other causes of such a presentation. A comprehensive history was taken from the family to exclude other medications used. Her cerebrospinal fluid results were average. Blood tests did not show evidence of infection or other abnormalities. Computed tomography brain was normal. The patient died a few days after the beginning of the attack, which we have also observed  in other HIV-female patients. As far as we know, it is the first report about this comorbidity reported in the medical literature.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Betalactamase (ESBL) and Metallobetalactamase (MBL) Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Various Clinical Samples

This study was conducted with an objective to find the prevalence of extended spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) and metallobetalactamase (MBL) in P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii isolates obtained from various clinical samples. It was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, over a period of two years from July 2014 to June 2016. Clinical specimens including urine, pus, blood, high vaginal swabs, respiratory samples, and various body fluids were processed and P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii isolates were identified by standard protocols. Antibiotic sensitivity testing for all isolates was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Disc potentiation test was performed to check ESBL and MBL production in these bacteria. Maximum ESBL positive isolates of P. aeruginosa were observed among pus samples and maximum MBL positive isolates were detected in tracheal aspirates. A. baumannii showed maximum positivity for ESBL and MBL production in endotracheal secretions. This study gives an alarming sign towards high prevalence of cephalosporin and carbapenem resistance due to production of extended spectrum betalactamases and metallobetalactamases, respectively. Early detection, stringent antibiotic policies, and compliance towards infection control practices are the best defenses against these organisms.

Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications

The benefits of antipsychotic medications are sometimes obscured by their adverse effects. These effects range from relatively minor tolerability issues (e.g., mild sedation or dry mouth) to very unpleasant (e.g., constipation, akathisia, sexual dysfunction) to painful (e.g., acute dystonias) to disfiguring (e.g., weight gain, tardive dyskinesia) to life-threatening (e.g., myocarditis, agranulocytosis). Importantly, adverse effect profiles are specific to each antipsychotic medication and do not neatly fit into first- and second-generation classifications. This paper reviews management strategies for the most frequent side effects and identifies common principles intended to optimize net antipsychotic benefits. Only use antipsychotics if the indication is clear; only continue antipsychotics if a benefit is discernible. If an antipsychotic is providing substantial benefit, and the adverse effect is not life-threatening, then the first management choice is to lower the dose or adjust the dosing schedule. The next option is to change the antipsychotic; this is often reasonable unless the risk of relapse is high. In some instances, behavioral interventions can be tried. Finally, concomitant medications, though generally not desirable, are necessary in many instances and can provide considerable relief. Among concomitant medication strategies, anticholinergic medications for dystonias and parkinsonism are often effective; beta-blockers and anticholinergic medications are useful for akathisia; and metformin may lead to slight to moderate weight loss. Anticholinergic drops applied sublingually reduce sialorrhea. Usual medications are effective for constipation or dyslipidemias. The clinical utility of recently approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, is unclear.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and serotonin syndrome

The clinical manifestation of drug-induced abnormalities in thermoregulation occurs across a variety of drug mechanisms. The aim of this chapter is to review two of the most common drug-induced hyperthermic states, serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies will be discussed, in addition to differentiating between these two syndromes and differentiating them from other hyperthermic or febrile syndromes. Our goal is to both review the current literature and to provide a practical guide to identification and treatment of these potentially life-threatening illnesses. The diagnostic and treatment recommendations made by us, and by other authors, are likely to change with a better understanding of the pathophysiology of these syndromes.

Ferrosenescence: The iron age of neurodegeneration?

Aging has been associated with iron retention in many cell types, including the neurons, promoting neurodegeneration by ferroptosis. Excess intracellular iron accelerates aging by damaging the DNA and blocking genomic repair systems, a process we define as ferrosenescence. Novel neuroimaging and proteomic techniques have pinpointed indicators of both iron retention and ferrosenescence, allowing for their early correction, potentially bringing prevention of neurodegenerative disorders within reach. In this review, we take a closer look at the early markers of iron dyshomeostasis in neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on preventive strategies based on nutritional and microbiome manipulations.

"Brief" Aripiprazole-induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Symptoms that Only Lasted a Few Hours

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with characteristic symptoms is a potentially lethal reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Atypical NMS usually lacks major symptoms and frequently occurs after treatment using atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. A 64-year-old man developed aripiprazole-induced NMS after surgery, and our early recognition of the NMS was based on high creatine kinase levels and low serum iron levels. His characteristic symptoms (a fever, rigidity, and altered mental status) were only present for a few hours and were resolved by aripiprazole discontinuation and supportive care. Aripiprazole-induced NMS can present with brief but major symptoms, and clinicians may overlook this "brief" appearance of NMS.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A neuro-psychiatric emergency: Recognition, prevention, and management

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life threatening complication of antipsychotic therapy. It is often assumed to be rare. Observations suggest that rather than overestimating its frequency, we are more likely to underestimate it (Pope et al., 1986). It is a rare but potentially fatal disorder characterized by four principal symptoms. These are mental status changes, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis of NMS often presents a challenge because several medical conditions generate similar symptoms. Although less common now than in the past, thanks to greater awareness, it remains a risk in susceptible patients receiving conventional or atypical neuroleptics. Reducing the risk factors, early recognition of suspected cases, and prompt management can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of this dangerous condition. Collaboration between psychiatry and other medical specialities may be the key to a successful outcome.