Serum iron and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a fulminant, life-threatening reaction to neuroleptic medications. The only consistently described biochemical abnormalities are increased creatine kinase and leucocytosis. Because of a possible association between NMS and dopaminergic function and between serum iron and dopaminergic function, we prospectively measured serum iron in 26 episodes of NMS in twenty-three patients. In 25 episodes (96%) serum iron concentration was 10 mumol/l or lower--more than 2 SD below the mean normal value. Serum iron in 11 episodes (36%) was 4 mumol/l or lower. In each episode for which data are available, serum iron returned to normal upon resolution of the NMS. Serum iron may be a helpful adjunct for the diagnosis of the disorder. The pronounced reduction in serum iron suggests that the acute phase reaction may have a role in NMS.
Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
P I
PI
Rosebush
M F
MF
Mazurek
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects; D012008:Recurrence
D015415:Biomarkers; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D007501:Iron