Korean J Psychopharmacol.  1998 Apr;9(1):91-97.

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor(G-CSF) Treatment of Clozapine-induced Agranulocytosis

• Kim C
• Shin S

Abstract

After 31 weeks of treatment with clozapine, severe agranulocytosis was diagnosed in a 35-year-old male schizophrenic patient. The patient was treated sucessfully with a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The leukocyte court was 300/mm(3) on admission. After 10 days treatment with G-CSF, the hematological status normalized. Despite its clinical advantages, the use of clozapine has been limited by a propensity to induce agranulocytosis in 1-2% of the patients who are treated with this compound. In addition to case report, authors reviewed the indications for clozapine treatment and the present knowledge base regarding the incidence, monitoring and management of agranulocytosis. Unfortunately, clozapine-induced agranulocytosis cannot be prevented, so regular blood examination and education for patient and family member are very important and early treatment with G-CSF seems warranted in severe cases of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis.

Keyword

Clozapine; Agranulocytosis; G-CSF

MeSH Terms

Adult
Agranulocytosis*
Clozapine
Education
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Humans
Incidence
Knowledge Bases
Leukocytes
Male
Clozapine
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor