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Life threatening agranulocytosis and toxic epidermal necrolysis during low dose penicillamine therapy

Irish Journal of Medical Science volume 150, pages 252–253 (1981)Cite this article

Summary

A case of life-threatening agranulocytosis due to low dose penicillamine therapy is reported. The patient, who had primary biliary cirrhosis, presented with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN—staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome). Agranulocytosis had occurred following a 7 week course of 250 mgs penicillamine daily. The white cell count rose from the fifth day following treatment with antibiotics and granulocyte transfusions. Recovery was complicated by hepatic decompensation and pre-coma, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, renal tubular necrosis and pyomyositis.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Sir Patrick Dun's, Dublin

    K. Ward & D. G. Weir

  2. Department of Medicine, St. James's Hospitals, Dublin

    K. Ward & D. G. Weir

Authors
  1. K. Ward
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  2. D. G. Weir
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Ward, K., Weir, D.G. Life threatening agranulocytosis and toxic epidermal necrolysis during low dose penicillamine therapy. I.J.M.S. 150, 252–253 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938248

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938248

Keywords

  • Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
  • Agranulocytosis
  • Penicillamine
  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
  • Fusidic Acid