Neuroleptic malignant syndrome from aripiprazole in an agitated pediatric patient.
OBJECTIVE
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome was induced by aripiprazole in a 12 1/2-year-old boy. The patient had a history of reactive airway disease, pervasive developmental disorder, and learning disability.


METHODS
The patient was interviewed and examined, and additional history was taken from the medical records. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction rating scale was applied.


RESULTS
The patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome 2 days after starting aripiprazole 10 mg/d. This patient had no history of exposure to dopamine-blocking drugs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or of neurological disorder, movement disorder, or substance use. Aripiprazole discontinuation and supportive treatment led to resolution. The Naranjo scale indicates high probability of neuroleptic malignant syndrome from aripiprazole.


CONCLUSIONS
Aripiprazole can rapidly induce neuroleptic malignant syndrome in adolescents.
Palakurthi
Hima B
HB
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Medical School, Hershey, PA, USA.
Parvin
Matthew M
MM
Kaplan
Stuart
S
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole