[Clozapine screening: white bloodcell counts no longer sufficient].
Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic drug for the treatment of therapy-resistant schizophrenia. Mandatory screening of white blood cells is a safety measure for the early detection of agranulocytosis caused by treatment with clozapine. However, so far, there is no standard screening for two other potentially lethal side-effects, namely diabetic ketoacidosis and gastro-intestinal hypomotility. The current situation is weighed up on the basis of a comparison of the chances that these side-effects can occur and cause death. The conclusion is that weekly or monthly screening should be carried out for all these side-effects.
Vakgroep KLinische Epidemiologie, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Heerhugowaard. d.cohen@ggz-nhn.nl
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D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine