1 Additional case reports quickly followed, and in a 1960 study French clinicians gave the syndrome its current name when they reported on the adverse effects of the newly introduced neuroleptic haloperidol and characterized a “syndrome malin des neuroleptiques.” 2 Pooled data from 1966 to 1997 suggested the incidence of NMS ranges from 0.2% to 3.2% of psychiatric inpatients receiving neuroleptics 3 however, as physicians have become increasingly aware of the syndrome and as newer neuroleptic agents have become available, the incidence has declined more recently to around 0.01% to 0.02%. The first reported case of NMS appeared in 1956, shortly after the introduction of the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine (thorazine). Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a severe disorder caused by an adverse reaction to medications with dopamine receptor-antagonist properties or the rapid withdrawal of dopaminergic medications. Maintaining vigilant awareness of the clinical features of NMS to diagnose and treat the disorder early, however, remains the most important strategy by which physicians can keep mortality rates low and improve patient outcomes. Treatment includes immediately stopping the offending agent and implementing supportive measures, as well as pharmacological interventions in more severe cases. Although uncommon, NMS remains a critical consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with fever and mental status changes because it requires prompt recognition to prevent significant morbidity and death. It has been associated with virtually all neuroleptics, including newer atypical antipsychotics, as well as a variety of other medications that affect central dopaminergic neurotransmission. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |