Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Seitz, D. P. Articles by Gill, S. S. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Seitz, D. P. Articles by Gill, S. S. Atypical Neuroleptics Conventional Neuroleptics Syndromes Secondary to General Medical Disorders Other Neuroleptics

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Complicating Antipsychotic Treatment of Delirium or Agitation in Medical and Surgical Patients: Case Reports and A Review of the Literature

Received October 30, 2007; revised February 3, 2008; accepted February 5, 2008. From the Dept. of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont., Canada; and the Dept. of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont., Canada. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Dallas Seitz, Dept. of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu Hospital, 166 Brock St., Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 5G3. e-mail: seitzd{at}hdh.kari.net
© 2009 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

BACKGROUND: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal adverse event associated with the use of antipsychotics. OBJECTIVE: The authors provide information on the development and outcome of NMS during antipsychotic treatment of delirium or agitation in medically ill patients. METHOD: The authors present case reports and a literature review of NMS arising during antipsychotic treatment of delirium. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases of NMS occurring in patients with delirium or agitation were identified. Most cases involved men with agitated delirium who received relatively high doses of parenteral haloperidol. The signs and symptoms of NMS episodes were similar to those reported in other settings, and most patients had a complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Clinicians utilizing antipsychotics in managing delirium or agitation are advised to be vigilant for NMS. Further study is required to determine whether certain patient characteristics or medications present greater risk for this serious adverse event.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2009 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us