Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in pregnancy.

Abstract

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