Agranulocytosis caused by thiouracil: A review of fifty-nine cases in the literature and a report of two additional cases

Fifty-nine cases of thiouracil-induced agranulocytosis collected from the literature and two additional cases herewith reported are analyzed and discussed.The importance of early diagnosis and prompt institution of treatment is stressed.Penicillin, given early and in massive doses, has been found to be the most effective agent in the treatment of the complications of agranulocytosis.Adjunct treatment, especially the administration of whole blood and pyridoxine may be of considerable value in hastening the recovery.