[Drug-induced agranulocytosis in rheumatology. A retrospective study of 12 cases].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

the aim of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics of drug-induced agranulocytosis in rheumatology.

PATIENTS AND METHOD:

it is a retrospective monocentric study, including all cases of rheumatologic drug-induced agranulocytosis followed between January 1985 and December 2005.

RESULTS:

eight female and 4 men, mean age 62.5 years (range: 17-79), were included in the present study. The causative drugs were: anti-inflammatory agents (n=5, 41.6%), methotrexate (n=3, 25%), sulfasalazine (n=2, 16.6%), noramidopyrine (n=1) and dapsone (n=1). Main clinical features included infectious disorders in 9 cases (75%) with 4 cases of septicemia (33.3%) and 2 cases of septic shock (16.6%). The mean neutrophils count was 0.132 x 10(9)/L (range, 0-0.4). Outcome was favorable in 11 patients (91.6%). One patient died of septic complications.

CONCLUSION:

in rheumatology, drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening disorder.

• Authors: K Serraj, L Federici, F Maloisel, J Sibilia, E Andrès
• Journal: Annales de biologie clinique (Ann Biol Clin (Paris)) 2007 Jul-Aug Vol. 65 Issue 4 Pg. 431-6 ISSN: 0003-3898 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Agranulocytoses médicamenteuses en rhumatologie : étude rétrospective de 12 cas.
• PMID: 17627927 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antirheumatic Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Agranulocytosis (chemically induced)
• Antirheumatic Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Selection
• Retrospective Studies
• Rheumatic Diseases (drug therapy)