Progress in Medical Sciences. 2021;
5(1):(57-109)
Propofol as a Rare Cause of Serotonin Syndrome
James Richard Allen1, Zohra Razaq Malik2*, Zareen Razaq3 and Nathan Rothman2
Abstract
Serotonin is a hormone that has wide-ranging effects on the body including stabilization of mood, feelings of wellbeing,
and happiness. Serotonin syndrome was first described in the early 1960s in animals. This syndrome was
first fully described in humans by Sternbach in a review of 38 case reports. In this study, it was found that nearly
all reported cases were found in patients taking a combination of antidepressants and other agents [1]1 Serotonin
syndrome is a disease that is easily missed as there are no defining features in most cases. Symptoms such as
confusion and tremors have a gamut of potential causes. Laboratory tests are non-diagnostic with possible changes
including an increase in white blood count, creatinine phosphokinase, and decrease in bicarbonate levels. Here we
present a case of Serotonin syndrome that was caused by Propofol use in which led to the patient presenting with
respiratory arrest. The patient was treated appropriately and was discharged home in good health.
