Table 1.
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of pediatric patients with metamizole-induced neutropenia (n=17)
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Age (yr) | 5 (2–8) |
| Sex | |
| Male | 9 (52.9) |
| Female | 8 (47.1) |
| Indication | |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 9 (52.9) |
| Lower respiratory tract infection | 3 (17.6) |
| Urinary tract infection | 1 (5.9) |
| Acute gastroenteritis | 1 (5.9) |
| Acute appendicitis | 2 (11.8) |
| Others | 1 (5.9) |
| Drug prescribed | |
| Metamizole | 6 (35.3) |
| Metamizole with antibiotics | 11 (64.7) |
| Investigations for aetiology | |
| Peripheral blood smear | 17 (100) |
| Vitamin B12 level | 17 (100) |
| Viral markersa) | 17 (100) |
| Autoimmune markers | 14 (82.4) |
| Bone marrow aspiration | 3 (17.6) |
| Genetic testing | 0 (0) |
| Absolute neutrophil count at diagnosis | |
| <0.1×109/L | 5 (29.4) |
| <0.5×109/L | 3 (17.6) |
| 0.5–1.0×109/L | 7 (41.2) |
| 1.0–1.5×109/L | 2 (11.8) |
| Hospitalization required | 8 (47.1) |
| Treatment | |
| G-CSF | 3 (17.6) |
| Steroid | 3 (17.6) |
| Steroid + G-CSF | 2 (11.8) |
| Metamizole discontinued (no other treatment) | 9 (52.9) |
| Hospital stay (day) | 4.94 (1.0–15.0) |
| Outcome | |
| Complete recovery | 16 (94.1) |
| Death | 1 (5.9) |
Values are presented as median (range) or number (%).
G-CSF, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.
a)
Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus B19.