Clozapine-induced transient white blood count disorders

The aim of the study was to shed more light on the incidence and course of clozapine-induced transient white blood count (WBC) disorders. In an analysis of our clozapine drug monitoring program, we evaluated the data of 68 patients receiving clozapine for the first time. Incidence rates were calcula...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe journal of clinical psychiatry Vol. 55; no. 10; p. 429
Main Authors Hummer, M, Kurz, M, Barnas, C, Saria, A, Fleischhacker, W W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.10.1994
Subjects
Actuarial Analysis
Adult
Agranulocytosis - chemically induced
Agranulocytosis - epidemiology
Austria - epidemiology
Clozapine - adverse effects
Clozapine - therapeutic use
Drug Monitoring
Eosinophilia - chemically induced
Eosinophilia - epidemiology
Female
Humans
Incidence
Leukocytosis - chemically induced
Leukocytosis - epidemiology
Male
Neutropenia - chemically induced
Neutropenia - epidemiology
Prevalence
Prospective Studies
Schizophrenia - drug therapy
Austria
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Summary:The aim of the study was to shed more light on the incidence and course of clozapine-induced transient white blood count (WBC) disorders. In an analysis of our clozapine drug monitoring program, we evaluated the data of 68 patients receiving clozapine for the first time. Incidence rates were calculated by actuarial life table analysis. The potential influence of sex, age, dose, and plasma level was evaluated using discriminant analysis. Two patients developed progressive neutropenia, leading to agranulocytosis in one case. We also found the following transient hematologic dysfunctions: neutropenia (22.0%), eosinophilia (61.7%), and leukocytosis (40.9%). One patient showed chronic leukocytosis. Additionally, minor changes in the number of lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophilic granulocytes were detected in the study population. Hematologic side effects are frequently induced by the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. Next to agranulocytosis, a progressive and potentially lethal hematologic adverse effect, most of the WBC disorders are transient and appear to be harmless.
ISSN:0160-6689