[Granulocytopenia while using clozapine: continuing or stopping treatment]. / Granulocytopenie bij clozapine: doorgaan of stoppen met behandeling.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This article describes four patients using clozapine, with neutropenia. Clozapine-induced neutropenia can be one of three types pseudo, benign or malignant. The malignant type can give cause for serious concern; in that case treatment with clozapine must be stopped. Pseudo-neutropenia and benign neutropenia, however, occur frequently. In these cases it is probably unnecessary to stop clozapine medication, particularly if clozapine is clearly indicated.