Medical doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have shed light on the risks and challenges associated with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain psychiatric medications.
According to Dr Iberedem David, the team lead, the incidence rate of NMS ranges between 0.02 per cent and 0.04 per cent, emphasising its rarity but significant impact when it occurs.
David, who disclosed this at a ground rounds session organised by UPTH, highlighted that key risk factors associated with NMS include medication-related risks such as high-dose antipsychotics, rapid dose increases, sudden medication changes, and the use of multiple dopamine-blocking drugs.
Patient-related risks were also discussed, with factors like male sex, young adulthood, and brain disorders contributing to susceptibility.
Environmental triggers like hot weather, sudden discontinuation of dopamine-boosting drugs, and the use of mood stabilisers and stimulants were also examined.
The session presented three compelling cases spanning two decades of clinical intervention, involving patients with different psychiatric backgrounds who developed NMS.
The cases demonstrated the diverse presentations of the syndrome and the challenges in diagnosis and management.
The discussion emphasised the importance of recognising early warning signs for diagnosis and tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs.
The experts advocated counselling and support groups for students in medical colleges, as well as guidance for pediatric and young adults to get support and necessary referrals to the Neuropsychiatric team.
The UPTH session highlighted the need for increased awareness and understanding of NMS, its risk factors, and challenges in diagnosis and management.
The experts called for collaboration by sharing knowledge and experiences, saying healthcare professionals can work together to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of this rare but deadly condition.
David emphasised that recognising early warning signs for diagnosis and tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs is crucial in managing NMS.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Henry Ugboma, commended the neuropsychiatric, anaesthetic, and pharmacy teams for their success in managing NMS cases.
He encouraged more collaborative effort in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care and assured of management’s commitment to support advancement in training, research, and care.
Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Datonye Alasia, praised the teams for their efforts and emphasised the importance of continued education and training in managing complex cases like NMS.
