Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Propylthiouracil Treatment may be Associated with Agranulocytosis and Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Kemec Z, Yesilbagdan H, Gurel A, Demir M, Kacmaz H and Balci AM

Agranulocytosis is a rare adverse effect of propylthiouracil. The usual duration of treatment prior to the onset of agranulocytosis is approximately 1 to 4 months, and can be as long as 1 year. Agranulocytosis together with hepatotoxicity is an extremely rare side effect of propylthiouracil treatment. We present an unprecedented case of a hyperthyroidism patient who showed a strong reaction to propylthiouracil with obvious agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity which developed approximately one month after administration. The patient’s symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved following withdrawal of offending drug. This case, along with a literature review, is aimed to increase the awareness of physicians of sudden onset of agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity due to propylthiouracil.