Lindane (Kwell) -Induced Aplastic Anemia

• Numerous toxic exposures have been implicated in causing aplastic anemia. Thirteen cases of aplastic anemia and 5 cases of other blood dyscrasias, eg, red blood cell aplasia and thrombocytopenia, associated with lindane, have been reported in the literature. However, aplastic anemia secondary to the scabicidal product (lindane [Kwell]) has not been documented, to our knowledge. We present the case of a 21-year-old man with a diagnosis of aplastic anemia, known prolonged exposure to lindane, and documented elevated serum lindane levels. His clinical course is described as well as various defects are explored for the aplasia. (Arch Intern Med.1990;150:2393-2395)