SUMMARY
Neutropenia, due either to hypersplenism or to myelotoxicity
of interferon (IFN), is a contraindication to start or
continue IFN treatment. In a prospective, open study the
use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a
growth factor capable of directly and selectively stimulating
proliferation, differentiation and function of neutrophils,
has been evaluated in combination with IFN A-2a
in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Inclusion criteria,
in addition to those for IFN treatment, were compensated
disease (Child-� class A), leukocyte count< 3,0 k/�l and/or
neutrophil count < 1,5 k/�l. The dose of G-CSF was titrated
in order to raise and maintain the white cell counts above
these levels throughout the treatment period and limited to
(EN)
Medical and Health Sciences ▶ Clinical Medicine Gastroenterology
(EN)
Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology
