Prevalence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in 672 consecutive male in-patients

BACKGROUND: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is the most serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of neuroleptic medications. Although it occurs most frequently with conventional antipsychotic medicines, it may occur with newer antipsychotic medicines also. So far, there is no study available about the prevalence of this condition in the Indian population. AIM: To find the prevalence of NMS in the Indian population MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 672 consecutive male patients who were hospitalized with psychotic breakdowns and treated with neuroleptics were screened for evidence of the development of NMS, clinically, and supported by laboratory investigations. RESULTS: Three patients, all suffering from manic episode, developed NMS within few days of initiation of neuroleptic medicines. Haloperidol injection was given in all three cases CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NMS was 0.45%. All were young males, suffering from manic episode with psychotic symptoms and managed with oral and parentral neuroleptic medicines.