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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
[Idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis]
Laure Federici1, Thierry Weitten, Martine Alt
1Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Pasteur, F-68000 Colmar, France.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare, life-threatening condition. While its causes are unclear, prompt management of infections and growth factors have reduced mortality to under 5%.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Idiosyncratic drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but severe adverse drug reaction.
- The annual incidence in Europe is below 10 cases per million, stable for 20 years.
- Pathogenesis remains poorly understood.
Purpose:
- To review the epidemiology, associated drugs, clinical presentation, prognostic factors, and management of drug-induced agranulocytosis.
- To highlight recent improvements in patient outcomes.
Summary:
- Commonly associated drugs include antithyroid drugs, certain antibiotics (trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, beta-lactamines), ticlopidine, sulfasalazine, and dipyrone.
- Severe infections occur in over a third of cases.
- Poor prognostic factors include low neutrophil count (<100/mm³), age >65, sepsis, shock, and comorbidities.
Impact:
- Improved management of infectious complications and use of hematopoietic growth factors have decreased mortality to less than 5%.
- This review underscores the importance of recognizing and managing this severe adverse drug reaction.
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