Diphenylhydantoin induced granulocytopenia following a seizure prophylaxis after a depressed skull fracture.

The article deals with a rare case of granulocytopenia following a seizure prophylaxis after a severe head injury. Although fatal complications like the one described occur extremely seldom, we want to emphasize the necessity of regular controls during the critical time period between the 10th and the 67th day of diphenylhydantoin treatment. The blood level should not exceed 10-20 micrograms/ml to prevent any toxic reaction to the myelopoetic system. If this treatment cannot be provided, we suggest to administer Clonazepam or Convulex.