Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin therapy in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
To determine whether granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin are effective in the therapy of neutropenia and anaemia related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to anti-retroviral agents, we recruited 11 HIV-infected children (mean age 4 years 10 months). All the children were given granulocyte-colony stimulating factor at a dosage of 5 micrograms/kg twice or three times a week while erythropoietin was administered additionally to three patients at a dosage of 50 U/kg twice a week. Both agents were administered subcutaneously for at least 4 months. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts significantly increased during the treatment (after 1 months, P = 0.003 and P = 0.009, respectively). Erythropoietin prevented blood transfusions and increased haemoglobin levels in the three children treated. No side-effects were recorded during the administration of either agent. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and erythropoietin appear to be safe and useful agents in the management of HIV-infected children.
Zuccotti
G V
GV
5th Paediatric Department, University of Milan, Italy.
Plebani
A
A
Biasucci
G
G
Clerici-Schoeller
M
M
Banderali
G
G
Decarlis
S
S
Startari
R
R
Riva
E
E
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D015215:Zidovudine