[Acute renal failure in neuroleptic malignant syndrome]

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, extrapyramidal motion disorder, vegetative symptoms and mental disorientation. This group of symptoms develops abruptly and may lead to serious complications. One of these complications is the acute renal failure. Permanent muscle rigidity causes the damage of muscle cells which result in myoglobinaemia, myoglobinuria and elevations in muscle related creatine phosphokinase. The authors report the case of a young man who underwent neuroleptic medication because of hebephrenia. During the medication the following symptoms were developed: extrapyramidal symptoms, restlessness, muscle rigidity, high fever. These symptoms eventually lead to acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis (characteristic urine finding, significant elevations in serum creatine phosphokinase). With regards to the neuroleptic malignant syndrome dantrolenum and bromocriptin treatment were applied with the discontinuation of neuroleptic medication. As a part of the complex therapy a massive volumen-supplementing and alkalizing treatment was used but haemodialysis had also become necessary. During the above mentioned treatment symptoms referring to the neuroleptic malignant syndrome resolved and the acute renal failure was cured. The case report calls attention to a specific group of symptoms and the possibilities for prevention and treatment. The above case report is the first observation in Hungary.