Application of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in children with acute myeloid leukemia

Objective To evaluate the effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony st imulating factor (rhG-CSF) on accelerating neutrophil recovery and decrease fatal infections for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods From November 1992 to March 1997, 45 patients were enrolled into ou r study and 15 were newly diagnosed. All were treated with high dose chemot herapy combined with rhG-CSF. Results Of 15 newly diagnosed patients, 13 achieved complete remission (CR) after one course of therapy and 2 achieved CR after two courses of therapy . For newly diagnosed patients, the durations of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) < 0.5 x 10(9)/L were 5 days and 10 days in rhG-CSF group and control group respectively (P < 0.05). The incidences of infection of these two gr oups were 40% and 60% respectively (P < 0.05). As for patients who received intensive therapy, the durations of ANC < 0.5 x 109/L were 5 days and 8 da ys in rhG-CSF group and control group, respectively (P < 0.05), and the inc idences of infection were 25% and 44.4% respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions The application of rhG-CSF in children with AML after chemother apy may hasten the hematopoietic recovery. The duration of neutropenia was shortened by 3 - 4 days, and the incidence of fatal infection was reduced. rhG-CSF does not stimulate AML growth in vivo.