Related Experiment Videos
Diflunisal-induced neutropenia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Diflunisal can cause neutropenia (a low white blood cell count), even after initial use. This adverse drug reaction may involve an immune response, as suggested by bone marrow findings.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Diflunisal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief.
- Drug-induced neutropenia is a rare but serious adverse effect of some medications.
Observation:
- A patient developed neutropenia upon initial administration of diflunisal.
- Neutropenia recurred upon inadvertent rechallenge with diflunisal.
Findings:
- Bone marrow biopsy revealed active granulopoiesis, indicating the bone marrow was producing white blood cells.
- An immune-mediated mechanism is suggested as the cause of diflunisal-induced neutropenia.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to diflunisal.
- Clinicians should consider diflunisal as a potential cause of neutropenia in patients presenting with low white blood cell counts.