Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome: From Diagnosis to Management. Experience at Ar-Razi Hospital

Abstract

Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome (MNS) is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency that poses a threat to a patient's life. It represents a rare but severe complication of neuroleptic treatment. It can occur with any antipsychotic, regardless of dosage or administration route. Its exact cause remains unknown. We present a series of 20 cases of MNS in patients hospitalized at Ar-Razi Hospital over a 3-year period, spanning from January 2018 to October 2021. We describe the clinical characteristics of MNS in these patients, the treatments received, the management, and the outcome of this syndrome. The clinical presentation of MNS is heterogeneous, with some patients not meeting all the criteria for MNS. 85% of the patients experienced a favorable outcome without complications. Early recognition of MNS can save lives. In the presence of fever, altered consciousness, generalized rigidity, tachycardia, and labile blood pressure in a patient taking antipsychotics, consider malignant neuroleptic syndrome and discontinue any suspect medication.