Methimazole-induced agranulocytosis in Japanese patients with Graves' disease.
We reviewed the records of approximately 7000 Japanese patients whose hyperthyroidism was treated with methimazole (MMI) alone. Four patients (Group I) developed agranulocytosis during a second course of MMI therapy and eight patients (Group II) during an initial course. Six patients (three in each group) received less than 30 mg MMI daily. Agranulocytosis occurred after more than 2 months of therapy (12 weeks-1 year) in five patients. Seven patients were less than 40 years of age. One patient displayed a gradual protracted development of agranulocytosis. These results indicate that agranulocytosis after MMI may occur irrespective of dose, age, duration of treatment, and with a second exposure.
Tamai
H
H
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Takaichi
Y
Y
Morita
T
T
Komaki
G
G
Matsubayashi
S
S
Kuma
K
K
Walter
R M
RM
Kumagai
L F
LF
Nagataki
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008713:Methimazole / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests
D008713:Methimazole