Background: Hyperthyroid patients are commonly given antithyroid drugs as treatment or as preparation for a more definitive therapy such as radioactive iodine or surgery. Among the side effects of antithyroid drugs, the rare occurrence of agranulocytosis (less than 1 percent) is the most feared for this has a mortality rate as high as 21.5 percent. Objective: To compare the severity of agranulocytosis among patients on antithyroid drugs; to describe the clinical profile of patients with agranulocytosis; and to compare the clinical factors based on the levels of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC). Methodology: Retrospective, descriptive analysis of records of patients with antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis (ANC 37 ANC 192 vs 679, p=0.41). Slightly higher ANC was seen among well nourished individuals than those who were underweight (ANC 569 vs 194, p=0.54). Patients on propylthiouracil had severe agranulocytosis than those taking imidazole compounds (ANC=174 vs 31, p=0.38). PTCI above 300 mg/day was significantly correlated to lower levels of ANC (ANC=71 vs 380, p=0.023). Statistically low ANC counts were seen among those who died (ANC=24 vs 504, p=0.011). The use of G-CSF improved the outcome of patients with agranulocytosis (p-value .035). Conclusion: PTG >300mg/d was correlated to agranulocytosis. Mean ANC of 24 was correlated to poor outcome. The use of G-CSF improved the outcome of agranulocytosis.

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Mefenamic acid is a potent analgesic possessing both anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It is completely absorbed one to two hours after intake. Majority of patients however, expect relief of pain within 15 minutes. A new oral mefenamic acid containing sodium lauryl sulfate with a dissolution rate of 98 per cent in 15 minutes has been introduced. This phase 4 clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the onset of pain relief upon administration of mefenamic acid 500 mg combined with sodium lauryl sulfate. The study was an open, noncomparative clinical trial. Physicians all over the Philippines were asked to fill up a standard 3-page case report form. A total of 2,617 patients with a mean age of 36 years were enrolled. Forty two per cent were males and fifty eight per cent were females. Seventy per cent of patients took the drug every 6-8 hours. Majority (78.38%) reported complete resolution of pain (54.3%) of which occurred within 15 minutes, increasing to 84.93% within 30 minutes). Only 1.12 per cent showed no response. Forty one patients (1.57%) reported minor adverse reactions, majority of whose conditions improved with withdrawal of the drug. The overall assessment of clinical response was very good to excellent in 77.66 percent of patients.(Author)

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Mefenamic Acid ; Antipyretics ; Dodecyl Sulfate ; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate ; Analgesics ; Pain ; Anti-inflammatory Agents ; Pain Management