Quinidine-induced agranulocytosis of abrupt onset.
Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a clinical entity characterized by a selective reduction of circulating neutrophils, usually to a level less than 0.2 x 10(9)/l in relation to the administration of the drug. Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic agent widely used on an outpatient basis with some well-known hematological side effects. Its midterm administration has been related to a few cases of agranulocytosis. Herein, we describe the case of a 60-year-old man with atrial fibrillation who presented quinidine-induced agranulocytosis of abrupt onset only 3 days after the exposure to the drug, recovering normal levels of neutrophils during the 3rd hospitalization day. Pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.
Sureda
A
A
Department of Hematology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
Hernández Madrid
A
A
Pérez Vaquero
M A
MA
Pérez de Oteyza
J
J
Escribano
L
L
Odriozola
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011802:Quinidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D011802:Quinidine