Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis in a native American: HLA typing and further support for an immune-mediated mechanism

G. M. Pfister, D. R. Hanson, J. L. Roerig, R. Landbloom, M. K. Popkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Approximately 30% of schizophrenic patients defined as treatment refractory significantly improve with clozapine. However, clozapine produces agranulocytosis in approximately 1% to 2% of patients in the United States. The mechanism of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis has not been established, but evidence suggests an immune-mediated mechanism. Method: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing was performed in a native American with clozapine-induced agranulocytosis. Results: Our findings support previous observations of a role of the HLA-B16, DR4, DQw3 haplotype in predicting susceptibility to agranulocytosis in clozapine-treated patients. Conclusion: We suggest that HLA typing of clozapine candidates may be useful for predicting the risk for clozapine-induced agranulocytosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)242-244
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry
Volume53
Issue number7
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

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