Hyponatremia, convulsions and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a male with schizoaffective disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to highlight the diagnostic difficulties occurring when hyponatremia presents concurrently with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Diagnostic issues in the differentiation between hyponatremia and NMS are discussed.


METHODS
A case of dilutional hyponatremia (DH) secondary to psychogenic polydipsia (PP) associated with NMS occurring in a male with schizoaffective disorder is described. The clinical picture was complicated by convulsions, perhaps due to clonazepam withdrawal and possible lithium toxicity.


METHODS
The patient was treated with supportive medical measures.


RESULTS
The patient made a full recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyponatremia and NMS have been found to be associated. This association may be due to an undefined common pathogenesis, or may be coincidental. Hyponatremia may also hinder the diagnosis of NMS.
Looi
J C
JC
Department of Psychiatry, Calvary Hospital, Canberra, ACT.
Cubis
J C
JC
Saboisky
J
J
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000209:etiology*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D014869:Water Intoxication / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018757:GABA Modulators; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D002998:Clonazepam