Reversible agranulocytosis related to azidothymidine therapy

Hematopoietic toxicity from Zidovudine (AZT) is fairly common, resulting in a requirement for red cell transfusions in up to 25% of patients. Reversible agranulocytosis occurred following approximately 1 week of AZT therapy in a man with AIDS. He recovered from the episode without incident. There was no evidence for underlying bone marrow dysfunction or an adverse drug reaction. Careful monitoring of AZT therapy continues to be of great importance.