Reversible severe anaemia and granulocytopenia caused by procainamide. A case report

A 64-year-old male developed severe anaemia during procainamide therapy. At the same time granulocytopenia was found. Discontinuation of procainamide led to complete recovery. Severe anaemia due to the use of procainamide is not well known. The available data indicate a maturation block of the erythropoiesis as the possible cause of the anaemia, perhaps in combination with an autoimmune haemolysis.