Serotonin syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Serotonin syndrome or serotonin toxicity is defined as an iatrogenic drug-induced toxidrome associated with increased intrasynaptic serotonin concentration in the central nervous system. Most cases are provoked by therapeutic doses of a combination of two or more serotonergic agents. The incidence of serotonin syndrome is on the rise, because of increased use of serotonergic medications in current clinical practice. However, the actual incidence of perioperative serotonin syndrome and its morbidity are likely unknown. The diagnosis is difficult in the perioperative period, as clinical features may mimic other conditions commonly seen in the perioperative period or may be masked by the use of anaesthetic medications. Therefore, anaesthetists must be proactive in preventing, identifying and managing serotonin syndrome in the perioperative period.