THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN PROLONGED CHLORPROMAZINE THERAPY
JOHN R. SHAWVER M.D., and
STANLEY M. TARNOWSKI M.S.1
1 VA Hospital, Waco, Tex.
Two hundred and forty-five patients who had been on chlorpromazine medication for two or more years were evaluated hematologically, including platelet estimations. Only one case was found with a relatively low platelet count coincidental with leukopenia in which no interference in bleeding or clotting mechanism could be demonstrated. From our study we conclude that the development of thrombocytopenia in patients who are on prolonged therapy with chlorpromazine is rare. We plan to evaluate the 245 patients in this study at yearly intervals.
