[Fatal agranulocytosis after metamizole reexposure]

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2015 Jan 28;104(3):151-4. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a001916.
[Article in German]

Abstract

We present the case of a 63 year old man who died of severe septic shock in the setting of agranulocytosis induced by dipyrone (metamizole). The patient had previously developed agranulocytosis after dipyrone exposure 18 months prior to this. The case illustrates the seriousness of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis, highlights the risks associated with re-exposure and underlines the need for excellent communication between treating physicians and their patients. The possible underlying mechanisms, epidemiology and management of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis are discussed.

Wir stellen den Fall eines 63-jährigen Mannes vor, der einen schweren septischen Schock mit letalem Ausgang auf Basis einer Agranulozytose entwickelte. Aufgrund des zeitlichen Zusammenhangs, der Verbesserung nach Dechallenge in der Vorgeschichte und aktuellem Rechallenge ist der Kausalzusammenhang für eine erneute Metamizol-induzierte Agranulozytose sicher. Wir diskutieren die Wichtigkeit, Patienten mit einer verdächtigten Metamizol-induzierten Agranulozytose nicht erneut zu exponieren und Patienten sowie behandelnde Ärzte lückenlos zu informieren.

Keywords: Agranulozytose; Metamizol; Septischer Schock; agranulozytosis; metamizole; septic shock.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced*
  • Agranulocytosis / diagnosis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / toxicity*
  • Dipyrone / administration & dosage
  • Dipyrone / toxicity*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Organ Failure / chemically induced
  • Multiple Organ Failure / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections / chemically induced*
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • Polyneuropathies / drug therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Retreatment
  • Shock, Septic / chemically induced*
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / chemically induced*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Dipyrone