Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with prolonged neutropenia

BACKGROUND. Persistent neutropenia is frequent in HIV infected patients wit h severe immunodeficiency. G-CSF induces proliferation and differentation o f granulocyte precursors. Our objective has been to assess the response to G-CSF therapy on patients with advanced HIV disease and prolonged neutropen ia. METHODS. A restrospective analysis of databases containing demographic info rmation, analitic controls and hospitalizations related to neutropenia for patients attending our Infectious Diseases Unit from Decembre 1, 1992 to Ja nuary 30, 98. The episodes with absolute neutrophil counts lower than 1,000 x10(6) / l at least during 7 days which descend below 500x10(6) / l at any moment were included. RESULTS. 36 episodes were included. 9 episodes started on treatment with G- CSF. The median duration was 9 (3-76) weeks. Hospitalization with fever rel ated to neutropenia was significantly less frequent in episodes which recei ved G-CSF (22.2%) than episodes without (66.7%). CONCLUSION. In this study, a significantly lower risk of hospitalization du e to fever and neutropenia was associated with administration of G-CSF in p atients with absolute neutrophil counts lower than 500x106 / l.