Drug-induced agranulocytosis, with special reference to aminophenazone. IV. Children.

Abstract

Abstract Thirteen cases of agranulocytosis in children under 15 years have been diagnosed in Finland during 1966–67. This is an incidence of 1: 185 000. In children under 5 years the incidence was 1: 86 000. These frequencies correspond well with those for adults in Finland, but remarkably exceed estimates accepted in other countries. Twelve episodes occurring in ten patients were analysed in detail. The use of drugs suspected of causing agranulocytosis was found in ten episodes, aminophenazone and sulfonamides being the most common. The fatality rate was surprisingly high (50%), probably caused, at least in some cases, by administration of the causative drug after symptoms of agranulocytosis had appeared. Our results indicate that drug‐induced agranulocytosis is as common among children as among adults and, therefore, that the same or more caution should be applied to the administration of these suspected drugs to children as to adults.