Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: clinical expression, complication, course, and atypical clinical picture

Abstract Background Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon and lethal side effect of neuroleptics. The clinical expression this diverse. Even with criteria diagnosis, it hard to recognize easily. We report a series 25 cases NMS among patients hospitalized in psychiatric service at Oujda for 5 years. have described the characteristics these patients, treatments received, management, course syndrome. Results Most are psychotic or affective disorders according Diagnostic Statistical Manual Mental Disorders (DSM V) criteria. 92% received conventional neuroleptic, half them were under injectable form. No patient took long-acting antipsychotics. 36% neuroleptics first time. appeared week after admission 24 patients. most common biological signs muscular rigidity, elevation creatine phosphokinase (CPK), alteration blood pressure. Other symptoms found proportion varied between 24% 72%. 32% did not develop complications. One developed renal failure. All recovered, no deaths recorded. Conclusions Early recognition help rescue patient. It necessary detect even absence main such as fever.