Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with severe liver failure

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2003 Sep;47(8):1041-3. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-6576.2003.00193.x.

Abstract

A schizophrenic patient on long-time neuroleptic medication was admitted with ileus. Secondarily, a high fever, rigidity, mental confusion, tachycardia and hypotension developed. After bromocriptine was given, the temperature dropped by 2 degrees C and the patient improved markedly. A diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome was made. Five years later she was re-admitted with similar symptoms and also severe liver failure. Meanwhile the discontinued neuroleptic medication had been reinstituted. Again bromocriptine reduced the temperature of approximately 2 degrees C, and was paralleled by a normalization of liver function. To our knowledge this is the second report on severe liver failure in conjunction with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The efficacy of bromocriptine in the treatment of this syndrome is underlined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / etiology*
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / complications*