Evaluation of the Incidence of Leukopenia and Agranulocytosis in Patients Receiving Combined Clozapine and Other Antipsychotics

Abstract

ABS TRACT: Evaluation of the incidence of leukopenia and agranulocytosis in patients receiving combined clozapine and other antipsychotics Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate of the incidence of leukopenia and agranulocytosis in patients receiving a combination of clozapine and other antipsychotics in clinical practice. Methods: The data for this study were collected by retrospective analysis of the charts of patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia at the Samsun Mental Health and Diseases Hospital in 2011. The dose of clozapine and the doses of other antipsychotics, the ages and genders of the patients, the duration of follow up (weeks) and leukocyte counts during follow up were recorded. The relationship between the use of clozapine and other antipsychotics and the categorical classification of leukocyte counts (3500-4000/µL, 3000-3499/µL or 4000/µL in patients receiving a combination of these different antipsychotics and clozapine. Leukocyte counts were decreased to lower than 3500/µL in 3 (3.2%) patients. Two (2.1%) of these patients who had leukocyte counts of 3000-3499/ µL were followed without any problem and one patient (1.1%), who had a leukocyte count of < 2000 µL followed a fatal course due to agranulocytosis and complicating infections. Conclusions: No difference was detected with respect to the risk of leukopenia and agranulocytosis with different antipsychotic combinations with clozapine. These findings must be confirmed by further studies.