Experience with eleven cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Abstract

During chemotherapy of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, 11 cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) were diagnosed and treated from 1991 to 1995. The ages varied from 12 to 57. The majority of patients were diagnosed in March and July. In nine cases (82%) symptoms developed within four weeks of drug exposure and high potency drugs were involved in most cases. Muscular rigidity, urinary problems, altered consciousness, autonomic nervous system abnormalities and hyperthermia were the main clinical symptoms. Elevated ESR, increased CPK, WBC and liver enzymes were among abnormal laboratory findings. Treatment consisted mainly of the discontinuation of neuroleptics, supportive care, and the use of dopamine agonist drugs. The mortality rate of the disorder in this study was 27%.