Hematopoietic growth factors: Part I

The recent production of recombinant human growth factors has expanded the neonatal clinician's armamentarium for treating sepsis and anemia of prematurity (AOP). Agents that may prove useful in the premature neonate include recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), and CSF). Within the neonatal population, research utilizing these agents is still relatively new. Appropriate clinical trials are still needed to elucidate the optimal dosing regimen for both rhG-CSF and rh-EPO, as are studies to address the issue of long-term safety. Use of rhG-CSF in sepsis and of rh-EPO for AOP is still considered experimental, but in instances where conventional treatments are not proving beneficial, these agents may provide a therapeutic alternative. Their potential for improving care of the premature neonate must also be assessed.