Product Code Database
An adrenergic storm is a sudden and dramatic increase in serum levels of the adrenaline and noradrenaline (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine respectively), with a less significant increase in dopamine transmission. It is a life-threatening condition because of extreme tachycardia and hypertension, and is especially dire for those with prior heart problems. If treatment is prompt, prognosis is good; typically large amounts of diazepam or other are administered alongside . Beta blockers are contraindicated in some patients, so other antihypertensive medication such as clonidine may be used. are also used to treat the most severe psychiatric reactions such as psychosis, paranoia or terror, after their use was formerly discouraged because of their potential to prolong the QT interval; however, more recent research performed since 2019 has revealed that this and other severe side effects are rare and their occurrence does not warrant banning antipsychotics from the treatment of adrenergic crises for which they can be extremely useful.
Adrenergic storms are usually caused by overdoses of , especially cocaine or methamphetamine, or eating foods high in tyramine while taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors. A subarachnoid hemorrhage can also cause an adrenergic storm. A catecholamine storm is part of the normal course of rabies infection, and is responsible for the severe feelings of agitation, terror, and dysautonomia present in the pre-coma stage of the disease.
Physical symptoms are more serious and include heart Heart arrhythmia as well as outright heart attack or stroke in people who are at risk of coronary disease. Breathing is rapid and shallow while both pulse and blood pressure are dangerously elevated.
Other complications would include rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of the voluntary muscles because of the excessive physical movement, causing the components of the muscle, most notably myoglobin, to be released into the bloodstream and then clog the kidneys, causing renal failure. In all, rhabdomyolysis is especially common in adrenergic storms caused by the use of stimulant drugs, most notably those of the phenethylamines such as cathinones or amphetamines.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down many compounds; basically, anything with a primary amine moiety is likely to be Redox by monoamine oxidase. An important substrate of the enzyme MAO is tyramine. MAOIs inhibit the enzyme either reversibly, in which MAO is inhibited only until the drug is cleared from the system, or irreversibly, in which the substrate binds permanently to the enzyme, rendering it inactive and effectively destroying it. Irreversible MAOIs are potentially more dangerous, because the body takes about two weeks to regenerate MAO enzymes to functional levels. Two subtypes of MAO exist: MAO-A and MAO-B; this is relevant to adrenergic storms, as there are significant differences between the two types, such as their differential Gene expression throughout the body, and range of substrates. While both MAO-A and MAO-B metabolize tyramine, only MAO-A is present in the gastrointestinal tract and singularly metabolizes the majority of consumed tyramine. (2025). 9780123864673 ISBN 9780123864673 (The small portion normally passing into circulation is mostly degraded in the liver where both MAO types act.)
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an extremely serious condition in which a neural membrane is breached and the brain itself is compromised. The onset is sudden, described as "the worst headache of one's life," and many grave symptoms follow. Adrenergic storm is often present among these symptoms, and is responsible for some of the dangers, both long-term and short, of subarachnoid hemorrhage adrenergic storm, through a complex cascade of processes starting with the movement of subarachnoid blood into the brain. Apparently, as the intracranial pressure increases, the brain is squeezed and catecholamines are forced out of their vesicles into the synapses and extracellular space. (1993). 9781879284425, AANS Publications Committee (American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)). . ISBN 9781879284425
Serotonin syndrome, in which an excess of serotonin in the synapses causes a similar crisis of hypertension and mental confusion, could be confused with an adrenergic storm. Serotonin, being a tryptamine (non-catecholamine) involved in higher brain functions, can cause dangerous hypertension and tachycardia from its effects on the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms caused by excessive adrenergic signalling can occur alongside those of serotonergic signalling. Abnormal or chest pain are indicative of adrenergic storm. On the other hand, uncontrollable slow, rhythmic, or jerky movements, contractions and tension—often in every part of the body, Hyperpyrexia, eye rolling, and bruxism are more indicative of serotonin syndrome.
The first-line treatments are diazepam and a non-selective beta blocker; other antihypertensive drugs may also be used. It is important to note that not all Benzodiazepine and beta blockers are safe to use in an adrenergic storm; for instance, alprazolam and propranolol; alprazolam weakly agonizes dopamine receptors and causes catecholamine release while propranolol mildly promotes some catecholamine release – each worsening the condition.
Antipsychotics are also used to treat the psychiatric symptoms such as aggression, agitation, psychosis, paranoia, or anxiety. Originally, the use of antipsychotics was discouraged because of their potential to prolong the QT interval; however, newer research has revealed that their careful use does not carry the potential for any significant side effects and today their judicious use is encouraged.
Adrenergic storms are often idiopathic in nature; however if there is an underlying condition, then that must be addressed after bringing the heart rate and blood pressure down.
|
|
