[Neurologic sequelae of the neuroleptics-lithium combination: role of hyperthermia].
The combination of lithium carbonate and neuroleptic is frequently used in the treatment of bipolar disorders. Four patients exhibited permanent neurological sequelae including cerebellar, pyramidal and extra-pyramidal signs after a long-term therapy with this association. Fever, stupor and pulmonary event were initially present. Neuropathological findings in one case only showed selective degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells, also noted as a characteristic feature in heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia. Lithium carbonate may be the main factor of neurotoxicity but hyperthermic states are probably involved in determinating brain damage, particularly cerebellar lesions.
Pelletier
J
J
Clinique neurologique, CHU Timone, Marseille.
Habib
M
M
Pellissier
J F
JF
Crevat
A
A
Khalil
R
R
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008094:Lithium
Séquelles neurologiques de l'association neuroleptiques-lithium: rôle de l'hyperthermie.