Pulmonary Embolism Related to Amisulpride Treatment: A Case Report. (28th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skokou, Maria; Gourzis, Philippos
• Other Names: Jönsson E. Academic Editor.; Matsuzawa D. Academic Editor.; Oyebode F. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in psychiatry. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-02-28
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders; Psychiatry; Psychiatry; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/718950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-682X

Abstract

Abstract : Venous thromboembolism has been associated with antipsychotic drugs, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Hypotheses that have been made include body weight gain, sedation, enhanced platelet aggregation, increased levels of antiphospholipid antibodies, hyperhomocysteinemia, whereas hyperprolactinemia has recently attracted attention as a potential contributing factor. The highest risk has been demonstrated for clozapine, olanzapine, and low-potency first-generation antipsychotics; however, presently there is no data for amisulpride. In the present paper we describe a case of pulmonary embolism in a female bipolar patient, receiving treatment with amisulpride, aripiprazole, and paroxetine. Although a contribution of aripiprazole and paroxetine cannot completely be ruled out, the most probable factor underlying the thromboembolic event seems to be hyperprolactinemia, which was caused by amisulpride treatment. Increased plasma levels of prolactin should probably be taken into account during the monitoring of antipsychotic treatment as well as in future research concerning venous thromboembolism in psychiatric settings.