Abstract
Agranulocytosis is a life-threatening disorder characterised by a greatly decreased number of circulating neutrophils below 500/μL. This article presents two cases of agranulocytosis in patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin due to chronic hepatitis C. Interferon induced hyperthyroidism, which required the use of a tyreostatic. Anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) used to treat hyperthyroidism can cause agranulocytosis. The synergistic reaction of ATD and interferon on bone marrow cannot be excluded.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Agranulocytosis / chemically induced*
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Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
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Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Female
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Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
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Humans
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Hyperthyroidism / chemically induced*
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Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
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Methimazole / adverse effects
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Middle Aged
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Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
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Propylthiouracil / adverse effects
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Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects
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Ribavirin / adverse effects
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Time Factors
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Viral Load
Substances
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Antithyroid Agents
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Antiviral Agents
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha
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Recombinant Proteins
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Polyethylene Glycols
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Ribavirin
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Methimazole
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Propylthiouracil
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peginterferon alfa-2b
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peginterferon alfa-2a