Hyperleucocytosis following G-CSF treatment for sulfasalazine-induced agranulocytosis. (15th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Kenneth; Farooq, Redwan
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-07-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-210709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of sulfasalazine treatment. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman receiving sulfasalazine for inflammatory arthritis presenting with sore throat, fever, lethargy and leucopenia (white cell count 0.9×10 9 /L). After 9 days of treatment with filgrastim (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, G-CSF), her white cell count increased to 77.4×10 9 /L. This case highlights the importance of recognising sulfasalazine-induced agranulocytosis and the management of hyperleucocytosis following G-CSF treatment, to prevent harmful sequelae.