Enhancement of granulopoiesis by lithium carbonate in a patient with hairy cell leukemia.
A 73-year-old patient with hairy cell leukemia and profound granulocytopenia both before and after splenectomy was treated with lithium carbonate. With serum lithium level maintained in the therapeutic range, granulocyte count steadily increased from a level below 200/mm3 to 800/mm3 over a two-week period. This trend reversed upon withdrawal of lithium. A second hematologic response occurred when the drug was reintroduced. The data support the contention that lithium carbonate may effectively stimulate granulopoiesis on a long-term basis, and this pharmacologic approach may be a useful adjunct to the management of hairy cell leukemia.
D000368:Aged; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008297:Male; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium