Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in cyclic neutropenia: use of a new 3-day-a-week regimen.
BACKGROUND
G-CSF has been shown to be beneficial in cyclic neutropenia when given as a daily subcutaneous injection. We investigated the usefulness of a new three-day-a-week regimen.


METHODS
A ten year old boy with cyclic neutropenia was initially treated with G-CSF 7 micrograms/kg given on alternate days for seven months. He was then placed on the same dose, given three days a week. The effectiveness of these regimens were assessed by serial CBCs and by the frequency and duration of the symptoms.


RESULTS
The mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) increased from 1282 before therapy to 11,718/microliters on alternate day regimen and 7716/microliters on three-day-a-week regimen. The nadir ANC improved from 30/microliters before therapy to 546/microliters and 198/microliters on treatment. The duration and frequency of mouth sores were significantly less on therapy, and there was an estimated cost savings of $23,826/year on three-day-a-week regimen compared to a daily regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
The three-day-a-week G-CSF regimen is clinically effective and cost saving in the treatment of cyclic neutropenia and should be studied in a larger cohort of patients.
Jayabose
S
S
Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, New York Medical College, Valhalla.
Tugal
O
O
Sandoval
C
C
Li
K
K
D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010507:Periodicity; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor