S. Haroon Ahmed  ( Department of Neuropsychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )
Imtiazul Haq  ( Department of Neuropsychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) was first described in Americs¹ and later in France². Since then sporadic reports have ap­peared from different parts of the world. Itis anun­commonbutpotentiallyfatal idiosyneratic ireaction to the neuroleptics, characterized by muscular rigidity, fever, autonomic dysfunction and altered state of consciousness³ (Table).

The patbogenesis of NMS is still debated though evidence in favour of central dopaminergic blockade is more convincing and against peripheral toxic effect on skeletal muscles. Very few cases have been reported from tropical and sub tropical countries. Seven cases of NMS admitted in the Depart­ment of Neuropsychiatry, Jinnah Fostgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi are being reported. All were acutely disturbed psychotics seen during hot and humid months of May to October during 1986.

The seven cases included four males and three females. Their ages ranged from 16 to 40 years. One had psychotic episode in the past and one was mentally retarded. All were admitted with history of acute psychotic illness ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks (except for one case who was treated elsewhere for 3 months and transferred to our ward). Two cases had received antipsychotic medications in the past. Hyper-activity and ir­ritability were common symptoms in all of them. The environmental temperature and humidity was recorded but not found to correlate positively. Temperature, diaphoresis and rigidity ap­pearedwithin4 days and altered state of conscious­ness within a week in five cases. In two cases exact appearance of symptoms could not be ascertained. The drugs producing NMS in these cases were Haloperidol in five, Fluphenazine and Flupen­thexol in one case each. All drugs were given through intramuscular route. Signs and symptoms reappeared in two cases when they were rechal­lenged with Injection Haloperidol and Syrup Thioridazine respectively. Clinical and laboratory findings showed fever, rigidity, tremor, tachycardia and aitered state of consciousness in all, diaphoresis and abnormal blood pressure in five, and elevated CPKin four out of six cases. Early recognition of syndrome and dis­continuation of neuroleptics was the major step in the treatment. Bromocriptine was used on the basis of theory that neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a. consequence of CNS dopaniine blockade^4-6.

NMS being a potentially fatal condition has led us to formulate a plan of observation in all patients given neuroleptics specially in hyperactive patients during summer. Special care should be taken when administering baloperidol and long ac­ting phenothiazine. In most of the patients fever and rigidity developed within four days and altered state of consciousness within a week. It is, there­fore, suggested that long acting phenothiazine may be avoided in acutely disturbed patients with effec­tive symptoms. For other neuroleptics, close obser­vation is advised specially for fever, undue rigidity and appearance of confusion within the first four days of theft administration. Antiparkinsonian drugs maybe avoided in hospitalized patients.

1. Preston, J. Central nervous system reactions to small doses of tranquillizers; Report of one death. Am. Pract. Digest. Treatment, 1959; 10:627.
2. Delay, J., Pichot, P., Lemperiere, T., Elissalde, B. and Peigne, P. Non-phenothiazine and non-reserpin major neuroleptic, haloperidol, in the treatment of psychoses. Ann. MedicopsychoL, 1960; 118:145.
3. Levenson, J. L Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Am. J. Psychiatiy, 1985; 142: 1137.