APLASTIC ANEMIA FOLLOWING CORTICOTROPIN THERAPY

Abstract

Allergic reactions to corticotropin have been documented recently with increasing frequency. These reactions have been of varying degree and, although most reported reactions have been of relatively benign nature, instances of nearly fatal anaphylactic shock have been described by Segal¹ and Feinberg and associates.² Several series of less severe reactions have also been reported.³ The incidence of sensitivity reactions to this material has been variously reported up to as high as 5%.^3b Since corticotropin has been clearly shown to act as an allergen, one might anticipate bone marrow depression to be a resultant phenomenon in a certain number of those persons who manifest hypersensitivity to the drug. This we believe to have occurred in the following case and feel that it should be reported in view of the obvious importance of early recognition of such a reaction. REPORT OF CASE A 21-year-old white man was admitted