Spectrum concept of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Although neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was initially thought to be a rare, idiosyncratic complication, the incidence estimates have been rising over the years. A part of this increase can be explained on the basis of an over-inclusive definition of NMS. The unitary concept of NMS has been challenged recently and a spectrum concept has been enunciated on the basis of findings of retrospective chart-reviews which have used too broad a definition of NMS. The authors describe three cases of neuroleptic-related toxicity with different clinical presentations which appeared in a manner apparently supporting the spectrum concept. They discuss this controversial concept critically, however, and caution against its overzealous use in routine clinical practice owing to its far-reaching clinical implications.
Adityanjee
Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Singh
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Singh
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Ong
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011674:Pulse
D003402:Creatine Kinase