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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
The Isolation and Characterization of Low- and Normal- Density Neutrophils from Whole Blood
Published on: February 7, 2025
The effect of COVID-19 on absolute neutrophil counts in patients taking clozapine
1Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
Abstract:
Clozapine is associated with haematological side effects, including neutropaenia, which can signal impending life-threatening agranulocytosis. Patients with COVID-19 infection frequently experience lymphopaenia, but not neutropaenia. We present 13 patients established on clozapine who developed COVID-19 infection. There were no significant differences in total white cell or neutrophil counts between pre-COVID-19, intra-COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 periods. We therefore suggest that patients who develop COVID-19 should generally have their clozapine treatment continued. Patients taking clozapine who develop neutroapaenia during COVID-19 infection should be investigated and monitored as in normal practice, because changes in neutrophil counts cannot be assumed to be due to the viral infection.
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