Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor therapy in drug-induced agranulocytosis

Drug-induced agranulocytosis in the outpatient setting is a rare but potentially fatal adverse effect of many classes of medications. Five patients with this disorder presented to Yale-New Haven (Conn) Hospital during 1990 through 1992. Three patients treated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and two patients treated with routine care were studied for relevant clinical outcomes. Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was associated with a shorter duration of neutropenia and a decreased length of hospital stay, consistent with recent case reports. Despite the high cost of the drug, treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was found to be cost-effective for patients with uncomplicated drug-induced agranulocytosis.