1/2. carbamazepine. What physicians should know about its hematologic effects.Transient leukopenia and, less commonly, neutropenia may occur with carbamazepine therapy. Discontinuation of therapy is usually not indicated unless symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by infection. patients with a low leukocyte or neutrophil count before treatment may be at increased risk for carbamazepine-induced leukopenia or neutropenia. Careful monitoring of blood counts, particularly during the first month of therapy, is essential. The frequency of monitoring can be determined on an individual basis. If a hematologic abnormality develops, the frequency of monitoring should be increased, especially if carbamazepine is not discontinued. Only when the neutrophil count falls below 500/mm3 does a severe risk of infection exist.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Successful treatment course with carbamazepine despite initial significant leukopenia: case report.A case of carbamazepine-induced leukopenia with subsequent successful carbamazepine management is presented. Despite WBC suppression to a level of 2000/cu mm on an initial trial of carbamazepine, a challenge with a much lower dose and gradual titration permitted a full treatment course with therapeutic blood levels. Although many physicians are wary of the leukopenia associated with carbamazepine, it is a distinct entity from the rare agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia that have been associated with the drug. With careful clinical management, carbamazepine can be successfully used in patients with neurologic disorders despite significant WBC suppression.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.25keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |