[Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the long-term treatment of AIDS-related neutropenias]

Neutropenia is a common finding in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC), and limits their survival and therapies. We administered recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) 300 micrograms/day to 15 AIDS patients with severe neutropenia (< 1000/microliters). without discontinuing zidovudine, ganciclovir or other myelosuppressive drugs (e.g. antineoplastic chemotherapy). All patients showed correction of neutropenia and/or limitation of drug myelosuppressive action. Neutrophil count was > 1000/microliters during the whole follow-up (11 months). No patient showed sepsis, opportunistic infections or side effects. These data confirm the efficacy and tolerability of rG-CSF in AIDS-related neutropenia.