[Agranulocytosis from metamizole: a potential problem for the British population]

Rev Clin Esp. 2009 Apr;209(4):176-9. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2565(09)71310-4.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of this adverse effect and assess its incidence in the general population, especially in the British one.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective analysis of all the patients discharged at Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella) with a main diagnosis of dipyrone-related agranulocytosis in the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) from January 1998 to December 2003. Neutropenia was defined as severe (neutrophils lower than 500/ml), moderate (500-1000/ml) and mild (1000-1500/ml).

Results: 13 patients developed dipyrone-related agranulocytosis, 8 of them foreign (61.5%) and 5 from United Kingdom. The rate of events was 8.33/106 inhabitants/year. With regard to British population registered in the area, the estimated rate of events was 20.4 cases/106 inhabitants/year.

Conclusion: Dipyrone-related agranulocytosis is an adverse effect more frequent in British population, and its use must be avoided.

MeSH terms

  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced*
  • Agranulocytosis / epidemiology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Dipyrone / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Dipyrone