[Autonomic nervous function and plasma catecholamine levels of perioperative patients treated with antipsychotic drugs].

The RR intervals on ECG and the coefficient of variation of R-R interval (CV) and perioperative plasma catecholamine levels were measured in patients receiving long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs. CV was significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) in patients on antipsychotic drugs. Preoperative plasma catecholamine levels increased significantly and elevation of plasma catecholamine levels on the first postoperative day was less than that of the control group. These findings suggest that the patients on antipsychotic drugs have disturbed autonomic nervous function. Therefore, a careful perioperative care is mandatory.