Prevention of clozapine-induced granulocytopenia/agranulocytosis with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in an intellectually disabled patient with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
While clozapine is an effective treatment for refractory schizophrenia, its use is limited by haematological side effects. Treatment options that allow continued prescription of clozapine by tackling these side effects will greatly aid patients for whom this medication is all too often their only hope of recovery.


METHODS
In this case report, we describe what we believe are two 'firsts' in the clozapine literature: the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on a prophylactic basis in an intellectually disabled patient receiving clozapine for refractory schizophrenia.


RESULTS
Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor prevented discontinuation of clozapine, enabling our intellectually disabled patient's recovery from a schizophrenic illness.
Rajagopal
G
G
Carseview Centre, Ninewells Medipark, Dundee, UK. ganesan.rajagopal@tpct.scot.nhs.uk
Graham
J G
JG
Haut
F F A
FF
D000328:Adult; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D019891:Leukopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D003024:Clozapine