Reference intervals for serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plays a crucial role in neutrophil production.
• Establishing age-specific reference intervals for serum G-CSF is essential for accurate pediatric health assessment.
• G-CSF levels exhibit significant variability in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine age-adjusted reference intervals for serum G-CSF levels in children.
• To investigate the relationship between serum G-CSF and neutrophil counts in pediatric populations.
• To establish baseline G-CSF values for disease-free children from neonates to 15 years of age.

Main Methods:

• Serum G-CSF levels were measured in 168 healthy children (term neonates to 15 years) using a sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.
• Age-specific G-CSF levels were analyzed, with particular attention to neonatal and early childhood periods.
• Correlation analysis was performed between G-CSF levels and blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts.

Main Results:

• Serum G-CSF levels were highest at birth (147 ± 146 ng/L), decreasing significantly in the neonatal period (46 ± 33 ng/L) and thereafter.
• G-CSF levels in neonates were significantly higher than in older children.
• A 95% reference interval of 5 to 42 ng/L was established for children over 4 weeks of age.
• G-CSF values showed a significant positive correlation with leukocyte (r=0.496) and neutrophil counts (r=0.547).

Conclusions:

• Serum G-CSF levels in children are age-dependent and correlate with neutrophil counts.
• The study provides age-adjusted reference intervals for G-CSF in children older than 4 weeks.
• Further research is needed to establish precise reference intervals for the neonatal period.