Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in infectious diseases: Still a debate

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G CSF), a central mediator of the en dogenous response to infection and inflammation, is approved for use in the prevention of infection-related complications in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies during antineoplastic therapy associated with high risk of sev ere neutropenia. Administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor re sults in improvement of host defence paired with anti-inflammatory effects. There is evidence from animal and clinical studies that administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor may also be beneficial in non-neutrop enic infections. This review focuses mainly on the results of different ani mal and clinical studies of granulocyte colony stimulating factor used in t he treatment of severe infections and sepsis.