The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic therapy which sometimes can be fatal because of the various associated complications. We describe a schizophrenic patient who, after commencement of haloperidol, developed this reaction which was complicated by acute oliguric renal failure and aspiration pneumonia. It is mandatory that the patient is treated in a medical intensive care unit once the syndrome is recognised. The management of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome and its complications is discussed.
A 38-year-old man with an underlying psychiatric illness presented with altered sensorium and abnormal behaviour. He was febrile at 38°C and weak looking; otherwise no other abnormalities were detected. A blood film conducted for malarial parasite (BFMP) revealed Plasmodium falciparum; hence a diagnosis of cerebral malaria was made. He was treated with antimalarial drugs for 2 days prior to being transferred out to the ward following clinical improvement. He subsequently developed episodes of stupor and refusal of feeding. Following an evaluation by the psychiatrist, a diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia was made and he was started on oral sulpiride and benhexol. Unfortunately, he developed high-grade fever at 40°C with muscle rigidity and fasciculation. The diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was clinched and the antipsychotics were discontinued. However he succumbed to NMS several days later due to multiorgan failure.