Recurrence of which condition may occur in patients who previously experienced neutropenia due to clozapine?

Recurrence of which condition may occur in patients who previously experienced neutropenia due to clozapine?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Serotonin syndrome
• C. Recurrence of clozapine-induced neutropenia
• D. Immediate thrombocytopenia

Answer: (C)

The main concept is that restarting a drug that previously caused a cytopenia can trigger the same problem again. Clozapine carries a significant risk of neutropenia and agranulocytosis, especially early in treatment. If neutropenia has occurred with clozapine, re-exposure may lead to recurrence of neutropenia, which is why clinicians approach rechallenge with extreme caution and require intensive monitoring (frequent CBCs/ANC checks). The other conditions listed do not reflect recurrent neutropenia tied to prior clozapine exposure: hyponatremia and serotonin syndrome are different adverse scenarios, and immediate thrombocytopenia involves platelets rather than neutrophils.

The main concept is that restarting a drug that previously caused a cytopenia can trigger the same problem again. Clozapine carries a significant risk of neutropenia and agranulocytosis, especially early in treatment. If neutropenia has occurred with clozapine, re-exposure may lead to recurrence of neutropenia, which is why clinicians approach rechallenge with extreme caution and require intensive monitoring (frequent CBCs/ANC checks). The other conditions listed do not reflect recurrent neutropenia tied to prior clozapine exposure: hyponatremia and serotonin syndrome are different adverse scenarios, and immediate thrombocytopenia involves platelets rather than neutrophils.