Antipsychotics-induced leukopenia and neutropenia: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction

Antipsychotic drugs effectively control psychotic symptoms, but may cause important side effects, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality. Hematologic abnormalities are frequent and may be life-threatening in some patients. Many prospective investigations confirmed neutropenia as a frequent occurrence with virtually all atypical antipsychotics.

Objective and methods

Define epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of antipsychotics – induced leukopenia and neutropenia through a case report and a review of literature.

Case report

Patient 28 years old native of Tunis, with family history: brother who suffer of undifferentiated schizophrenia. Since the age of 16 years he has been followed for disorganized schizophrenia (DSM IV). He was initially put under Haldol Decanoate (2 months), fluphenazine (2 months), amisulpride (3 months), sulpride (2 months), olanzapine (3 months), Rispreridone (1 month), aripiprazole (5 months) leukopenia/neutropenia is occurring during treatment with each molecule and which promptly resolved after discontinuation. Reduced white blood cell count has also been reported after addition of lithium. Actually an ECT is proposed for this patient.

Conclusion

This case report shows the importance of hematological monitoring during the course of typical or atypical treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.