title: Platelet dysfunction associated with clozapine therapy.
abstract: Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent used in cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is known for its relative absence of extrapyramidal side effects and its potential hazardous effect on white blood cell function. We have described a case of clozapine-associated epistaxis and reduction of the platelet count. Discontinuance of clozapine therapy resulted in cessation of epistaxis followed by normalization of the platelet count. We suggest routine monitoring of platelet count and function in patients treated with clozapine.
authors.affiliation: Talbieh Mental Health Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Durst
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dorevitch
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fraenkel
mesh_terms: D000654:Amobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005476:Fluphenazine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006454:Hemoglobins; C011825:fluphenazine depot; D000654:Amobarbital; D003024:Clozapine; D003975:Diazepam; D005476:Fluphenazine