ABSTRACT
We describe two patients who developed granulocytopenia (granulocyte count < 1.0 x 10(9)/1) after treatment with antithyroid drugs. Although, perhaps, an already known side-effect of these drugs, we present these cases in order to stay alert for this serious complication. The first patient developed granulocytopenia upon reinstitution of propylthiouracil after an uncomplicated first course of ATD-treatment. In the second case we report the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treatment of a patient with methimazole-induced granulocytopenia. Furthermore, we discuss current concepts concerning pathophysiology, prevention and therapy.
Subject(s)
Agranulocytosis/chemically induced , Antithyroid Agents/adverse effects , Fever/chemically induced , Graves Disease/drug therapy , Pharyngitis/chemically induced , Adult , Agranulocytosis/diagnosis , Agranulocytosis/physiopathology , Antithyroid Agents/therapeutic use , Disease-Free Survival , Emergencies , Female , Graves Disease/surgery , Humans , Middle Aged , ThyroidectomyABSTRACT
A letter to the Editor on fractures of the vertebrae in newborn calves is commented upon (Tijdschr. Diergeneesk., 104, 557, (1979)). Supplementary data is supplied and a theory regarding the pathogenesis is suggested. Intense muscular contractions during an attack of asphyxia could be the cause of these fractures of the vertebrae. Although non-genetic factors are bound to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asphyxia, genetic factors (probably showing a hereditary pattern which is more complex than singly recessive) also may help to produce these fractures.
