Genetic determinants of cocaine-associated agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis from levamisole-adulterated cocaine.

INTRODUCTION Afebrile neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of zero in a nonimmunocompromised individual is unusual. Outlined is a case of agranulocytosis likely due to levamisole laced cocaine. Given recent publications in the news media and medical journals, this is a pertinent issue for primary care providers. CASE A 57-year-old female presented with painful bowel movements a...

Genetic determinants of addiction to opioids and cocaine.

OBJECTIVE The completion of the human genome sequence has spurred investigation of the genetic contribution to substance dependence. In this article some of the recent scientific evidence for genetic determinants of opioid and cocaine dependence is reviewed. METHOD An electronic search of the medical literature was conducted to locate published studies relevant to the genetics of opioid and c...

Captopril-associated agranulocytosis.

Agranulocytosis associated with nitrofurantoin therapy.

Agranulocytosis associated with sulphasalazine therapy.

A case report of a patient with agranulocytosis associated with sulphasalazine therapy is described. Recovery followed supportive therapy and withdrawal of the drug. Investigations including tests for leucocyte antibodies, the presence of which might have suggested an immunological cause for the drug reaction, were negative; an acetylation study, however, characterized the patient as a 'slow' a...