Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can be a serious neurologic complication of drug therapy during pregnancy.


METHODS
A young woman was admitted to the intensive care unit with worsening varicella pneumonia. After being given haldol for agitation, she developed fever, increasing agitation, rigidity, tachycardia, and tremors; she was diagnosed as having neuroleptic malignant syndrome. She was treated successfully with bromocriptine and dantrolene.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the common use of antipsychotic medications, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is seen infrequently during pregnancy. The diagnosis can be difficult to make, but if suspected, it can be treated successfully.
Russell
C S
CS
Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307, USA. russell@pinehurst.net
Lang
C
C
McCambridge
M
M
Calhoun
B
B
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000523:psychology; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol