[Drug-induced blood dyscrasias in Tohoku district]

One hundred and thirty-four cases were identified in seven prefectures of the Tohoku district. Fifty-seven per cent of them were over 50 years old, and the incidence had no differences between sexes. They consisted of 51 leukopenia, 32 thrombocytopenia, and nine anemia cases which included seven hemolytic anemia and two pure red cell aplasia. Agents associated with blood dyscrasias were those acting on the central nervous system (CNS) (49 cases), cardiovascular drugs (25 cases), and antimicrobial agents (48 cases). Leukopenia occurred to five patients with cinepazidemaleate (Brendil) administration, 11 with thiamazole (Mercazole), and 14 with antimicrobial agents which were mainly penicillins and cephalosporins. Thrombocytopenia was induced by H2-receptor antagonists (six cases) and antimicrobial agents mostly of penicillins and cephalosporins (12 cases). Anemia contained seven cases of hemolytic anemia, including two patients caused by methyldopa (Aldomet) and two by dried human immunoglobulin (Glovenin). Among 15 cases, 12 out of 19 agents were those affecting the CNS. Six cases were dead from drug-induced blood dyscrasia.