A CASE OF HYPOPLASTIC ANEMIA WITH SECONDARY THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA FOLLOWING THE USE OF CHLORAMPHENICOL

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Abstract
A fatal case is presented following intermittent use of chloramphenicol over a 2-yr. period. This medication was utilized for only short periods of from 3 to 7 days, and probably on no more than 6 occasions. The predominating symptomatology was due to hemorrhage, which appeared in the subcut. tissues, nasal mucosa, gingivae, urinary system, cervix and, finally, in the brain. Treatment consisted of infusions of whole blood and of thrombocytes and ACTH, cortisone, BAL, colchicine, massive doses of B12 and liver extract, and symptomatic measures. While undoubtedly these agents served to prolong life, the depression of the bone marrow persisted and the patient succumbed 8 mos. after the onset. It appears that chloramphenicol, in relatively small and intermittent dosages, is capable of producing marked and apparently irreversible changes in the hematopoietic system of a susceptible individual.

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