Cyst Formation Seven Years After a Cutis Graft Repair of Hernia

Comment For two reasons it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that chlorpromazine was responsible for this fatal agranulocytosis. Firstly, the agranulocytosis developed six weeks after the first dose of chlorpromazine; this interval corresponds with that tioted in other recorded cases. Secondly, the agranulocytosis followed definite evidence of sensitivity to chlorpromazine. Transient fever, jaundice, and skin rashes are well recognized as complications of treatment with chlorpromazine. The other drugs used before treatment with chlorpromazine began can scarcely be incriminated. They do not carry the reputation of toxicity towards the bone marrow, and they had been faken frequently and harmlessly by this same patient on previous occasions. This case suggests that evidence of sensitivity to chlorpromazine should be treated with respect. Fever, jaundice, and skin eruptions during the early weeks of treatment should be taken as danger signals and should compel repeated examination of the blood, if not withdrawal of the drug. Ulcerative stomatitis, particularly if it occurs at about the sixth week of treatment, should be an absolute indication for the immediate cessation of chlorpromazine therapy. REFERENCES