PROPYLTHIOURACIL-INDUCED AGRANULOCYTOSIS, TOXIC HEPATITIS, AND DEATH

Abstract

Because of its therapeutic effect and minimal toxicity, propylthiouracil has become the drug of choice in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Leukopenia developed in only 10 of 672 patients who received the drug in preparation for thyroidectomy.1Recently, however, administration of propylthiouracil has been reported to cause death or severe disability in a few cases. Livingston and Livingston2reported a nonfatal case of toxic hepatitis following treatment with the drug. Two other fatalities from agranulocytosis have been described previously in the literature.3This is a report of a third death due to agranulocytosis, associated with early toxic hepatitis, following the administration of propylthiouracil. REPORT OF CASE History.— A white woman, a secretary, aged 60, was admitted to Evanston Hospital on Aug. 17, 1950. Until two weeks before admission she had been perfectly well. At that time she noticed palpitation and a tightness in the chest on reclining