Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
medium

May occur due to deterioration. Should be managed aggressively.[46]

Sepsis in adults

short term
low

May occur from dehydration or rhabdomyolysis.

Creatine kinase levels and hydration status should be carefully monitored.

Acute kidney injury

short term
low

Progressively high creatine kinase levels and myoglobinuria. Can be fatal.

Patients may need dialysis if rhabdomyolysis occurs.[59]

Rhabdomyolysis

short term
low

Secondary to immobility associated with catatonia or rigidity.

Pulmonary embolism

short term
low

Secondary to obtundation or dysphagia.

Aspiration pneumonia

long term
low

Cognitive impairment has been reported. It is often difficult to distinguish from preexisting cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, psychosis).[2]

long term
low

The nervous system is very vulnerable to injury by hyperthermia, and in cases where body temperature has been extremely high or hyperthermia has persisted for a long time, patients have suffered permanent injury to the central nervous system or peripheral nerves.

variable
high

Subsequent medication choices may be limited.

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