Co-administration of granulocyte colony-stimulation factor allows completion of interferon therapy in chronic viral hepatitis with neutropenia
(EN)
Patsanas Th.,
Rapti E.,
Tzilves D.,
Kokozidis G.,
Kitis G.,
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)
