A prospective analysis of 24 episodes of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

The authors prospectively studied 24 consecutive cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome occurring in 20 patients in a general hospital over a 6-year period. They present detailed data concerning the clinical setting in which neuroleptic malignant syndrome occurs, the associated clinical and laboratory features, the favorable outcome that can be achieved with vigorous supportive therapy, and the factors that might help predict whether patients with neuroleptic malignant syndrome will subsequently be able to tolerate the reintroduction of neuroleptic medication.