OGILVIES-SYNDROME IN SCHIZOPHRENICS - INV OLVEMENT OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS

The authors propose to confer on the Ogilvie's syndrome the same impor tance that the sudden death or the malignant syndrome have, with regar d to the complications of schizophrenia and of neuroleptic drugs. Lite rature, medical teaching and research are concerned. This functionnal occlusion can be letal through an intestinal necrosis, with or without a surgical intervention - a total colectomy being the therapeutic rul e. The anticholinergic effects of neuroleptics are incriminated, but o ther non-psychotropic drugs as well as non-anticholinergic drugs can b e involved Preventive measures based upon pharmacoepidemiologic survey s or on neuroleptic monotherapy remain hazardous. All the intervenants in the field could benefit from both formation and information. The c linical and radiological emergence of an intestinal dilatation is the only alarming sign that is constant and relevant. Three cases are reca lled and three others are described here.