Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neuroleptic malignant syndrome based on 12 cases
Sczesni, B.; Becker, H.; Schröder, J.; Bittkau, S.; von Baumgarten, F.; Truong, D.D.; Przuntek, H.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 103(1): 21-26
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 1673042 Document Number: 372996
Symptomatology, diagnostic problems and therapy of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are discussed on the basis of 12 cases. Despite typical clinical findings in these cases, diagnosis and, hence, commencement of therapy was considerably delayed. This time lag constitutes a risk to the patients. Although drug therapy was effective in combating NMS symptoms, three patients died of pulmonary embolism during remission. Therapeutic management consisted in 6 cases of dantrolene, bromicriptine or a combination of these drugs and in 4 cases i.v. infusion of the dopamine agonist lisuride was effective. Diazepam and electroconvulsive therapy were each successful in 1 case. Lisuride proved effective in alleviating symptoms, particularly in severe cases of the NMS. Advantages and side effects of this therapy are discused in detail.