Capillary leak syndrome likely the result of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after high-dose chemotherapy

Two cases of malignant lymphoma complicated with capillary leak syndrome following super high-dose chemotherapy and administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) are presented. Subsequent to the nadir of granulocytes, and at the stage of rapid increase of granulocytes, the symptoms of fever, hypotension, dyspnea, pleural effusion and edema appeared, and laboratory data revealed hypoxia, hypocapnia and hypoalbuminemia. In addition, an abscess-like lesion was observed in the liver in one patient. After the administration of G-CSF was ceased or decreased, and pulse therapy with methylprednisolone was initiated, these symptoms disappeared quickly.