Management of a pregnant patient with Graves' disease complicated by propylthiouracil induced agranulocytosis

Korean J Intern Med. 2005 Dec;20(4):335-8. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2005.20.4.335.

Abstract

Relapse and exacerbation of Graves' disease during pregnancy is rare, and thionamide induced agranulocytosis is an uncommon side effect. We report a case of a pregnant woman in her 24th week of gestation that experienced a relapse of Graves' disease that was complicated by propylthiouracil induced agranulocytosis. Following the discontinuation of propylthiouracil and administration of a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, agranulocytosis subsided within 10 days. A total thyroidectomy to avoid any future relapse was planned and a short course of a beta-adrenergic blocker and Lugol solution were prescribed before the operation. At the 28th week of gestation, a total thyroidectomy was performed without complications and thyroxine replacement therapy was commenced. At the 40th week of gestation, labor was induced and a 3,370 g healthy male infant was born without clinical features of thyrotoxicosis. We report herein on the patient and the treatment options for this rare and complicated case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced
  • Agranulocytosis / complications*
  • Antithyroid Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Graves Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Propylthiouracil / administration & dosage
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Thyroidectomy

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Propylthiouracil