Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an elderly patient.

The incidence of neonatal septicaemia caused by group B streptococci in our hospital during 1980-6 was 9 1/10 000 births, which is three times higher than the average rate in the United Kingdom.2 Despite this, mortality during this period was only 5% (one death in 20 cases), which is one seventh the national average of 36%1; we ascribe this to the early antibiotic treatment of neonates with tachypnoea. Not all babies with tachypnoea are infected with group B streptococci. The results of one year's experience with a tachypnoea monitor showed that 29 babies were referred to a special care baby unit out ofthe 2789 monitored; of these 29, only four had evidence of colonisation by group B streptococci and none developed septicaemia.4 Conversely, in this series of 20 neonates with proved streptococcal septicaemia five showed no change in respiratory rate. Though monitoring for tachypnoea led to early detection and treatment of four neonates with septicaemia caused by group B streptococci, other bacterial infections may present with a raised respiratory rate-for example, that due to group G Pi haemolytic streptococci.'