Hyperpyrexia in Association With Administration of L‐alpha Methyldopa

AbstractTwo cases of hyperpyrexia associated with administration ofl‐alpha‐methyldopa are presented. Febrile reaction has been reported to bothd‐ andl‐isomers of methyldopa but true hyperpyrexia has occurred only with thel‐isomer. Previous attempts to obtain proof of an allergic reaction as a cause of hyperpyrexia have failed. In vitro studies were made of the leukocytes of one of the patients sensitized by administration ofl‐alpha‐methyldopa, which was also used as an antigenic agent in the experiment. The results suggest the possibility of toxic leukocytolysis as the causative mechanism underlying the hyperpyrexia.