Kostmann syndrome and severe congenital neutropenia

Congenital neutropenia (CN) includes hematologic disorders characterized by severe neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 0.5 x 10(9)/L associated with severe systemic bacterial infections from early infancy. One subtype of CN, Kostmann syndrome, was originally described as an autosomal-recessive disorder, characterized by early-stage maturation arrest of myelopoiesis. Autosomal-dominant and sporadic cases have also been reported. Recent studies on the genetic bases of CN have detected different inherited or spontaneous point mutations in the neutrophil elastase gene. Development of additional genetic defects during the course of disease, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-receptor gene mutations and cytogenetic aberrations, indicates an underlying genetic instability. Data on more than 300 patients with CN collected by the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR) since 1994 demonstrate that, independent of the CN subtype, more than 90% of patients respond to recombinant human (rHu)G-CSF with ANCs that can be maintained at approximately 1.0 x 10(9)/L. Adverse events include mild splenomegaly, moderate thrombocytopenia, osteoporosis, and malignant transformation into myelodysplasia (MDS)/leukemia. If and how rHuG-CSF treatment impacts on these adverse events remains unclear since there are no historical controls for comparison. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still the only available treatment for patients refractory to rHuG-CSF treatment.     

Severe congenital neutropenia

Severe congenital neutropenia (CN) includes a variety of hematologic disorders characterized by severe neutropenia, with absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) below 0.5 x 10(9)/L, and associated with severe systemic bacterial infections from early infancy. One subtype of CN, Kostmann syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized histopathologically by early-stage maturation arrest of myeloid differentiation. CN with similar clinical features occurs as an autosomal dominant disorder and many sporadic cases also have been reported. This genetic heterogeneity suggests that several pathophysiological mechanisms may lead to this common clinical phenotype. Recent studies on the genetic bases of CN have detected inherited or spontaneous point mutations in the neutrophil elastase gene (ELA 2) in about 60% to 80% of patients and, less commonly, mutations in other genes. Acquisition of additional genetic defects during the course of the disease, for example, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor gene mutations and cytogenetic aberrations, indicates an underlying genetic instability as a common feature for all congenital neutropenia subtypes. Data on more than 600 patients with CN collected by the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR) demonstrate that, regardless of the particular CN subtype, more than 95% of these patients respond to recombinant human (rHu)G-CSF with ANCs that can be maintained above 1.0 x 10(9)/L. Adverse events include mild splenomegaly, osteoporosis, and malignant transformation into myelodysplasia (MDS)/leukemia. If and how G-CSF treatment impacts on these adverse events is not fully understood. In recent analyses the influence of the G-CSF dose required to achieve neutrophil response (ANC >1,000/microL) in the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been reported. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still the only treatment available for patients who are refractory to G-CSF treatment.     

Pathophysiology and treatment of severe chronic neutropenia

 Severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) include a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by blood neutrophil counts chronically less than 0.5×10⁹/L. In phase I–III studies in SCN patients, treatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (r-metHuG-CSF; Filgrastim) resulted in a rise in the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) to above 1.0×10⁹/L associated with a reduction in bacterial infections. Long-term treatment with filgrastim up to 8 years demonstrate a sustained ANC response, a significant reduction of the need for intravenous antibiotics and a dramatic improvement in the quality of life. In 1994 an international registry for severe chronic neutropenia (SCNIR) was established to improve care for chronic neutropenia and for further understanding the pathophysiology of this rare disease. Three-hundred and ten patients have been enrolled to this registry so far. Worldwide phase I–III studies with filgrastim and SCNIR provide information on 424 patients with severe chronic neutropenia. Adverse events include the development of acute myeloid leukemia in approximately 7% of the patients within the cohort of patients with congenital neutropenia (Kostmann's syndrome) suggesting that congenital neutropenia is a preleukemic syndrome. None of the patients with cyclic of idiopathic neutropenia developed leukemia suggesting that filgrastim is not involved in the development of leukemia. Received: 19 December 1995 / Accepted: 21 December 1995     

Severe chronic neutropenia: treatment and follow-up of patients in the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry

Severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) is defined as an absolute neutrophil (ANC) of less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L, lasting for months or years. Congenital, cyclic, and idiopathic neutropenia are principal categories of SCN. Since 1994, the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR) has collected data to monitor the clinical course, treatments, and disease outcomes for SCN patients. This report summarizes data for 853 patients, almost all treated with daily or alternate-day recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF or Filgrastim). G-CSF treatment increased the ANC overall from 0.34 x 10(9)/L +/- 0.018 pre-treatment to 3.70 x 10(9)/L +/- 0.18 during the first year of treatment. For most patients, the responses were durable with patients remaining on the same dose of G-CSF for many years. Long-term hematological observations showed stable mean leukocyte and neutrophil counts and gradually increasing hemoglobin levels. Thrombocytopenia developed in 4% of patients. As of January 1, 2000, myelodysplasia (MDS) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has occurred in 35 of 387 patients with congenital neutropenia with a cumulative risk of 13% after 8 years of G-CSF treatment. This event occurred without a predictable relationship to the duration or dose of G-CSF treatment. No patients with cyclic or idiopathic neutropenia developed MDS or AML. Other important adverse events included hepatomegaly, osteoporosis, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and deaths in 4 of 14 cases requiring splenectomy. Growth and development and the outcome of pregnancy appeared to be unaffected by G-CSF treatment. These data indicate that congenital, cyclic, and idiopathic neutropenia can be effectively treated with long-term G-CSF. The risk of leukemia, osteoporosis, other potentially adverse events, and pregnancy outcome need to be further evaluated with continuing long-term observations.     

Neutropenia: causes and consequences

Neutrophils play a critical role in the acute inflammatory response and host-defenses against bacterial infections. Neutropenia, a deficiency of these cells, predisposes to infection, chiefly by organisms resident on body surfaces. The risk of infection is greatest with severe neutropenia, defined by an absolute blood neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L. Severe chronic neutropenia, lasting for more than a few weeks, can be caused by congenital marrow defects, as well as intrinsic and acquired disorders. Evaluation of patients begins with confirmation of neutropenia and examination of a blood smear. A careful review of the patient's medical history, family history, and physical examination is extremely important. Most severely neutropenic patients have a history of oral ulcers and inflammation and recurrent skin infections. Examination of a bone marrow aspirate and/or biopsy and cytogenetic testing are primary for diagnostic evaluation.     

GM-CSF treatment is not effective in congenital neutropenia patients due to its inability to activate NAMPT signaling

Severe congenital neutropenia (CN) is a bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 500 cells/μL and recurrent, life-threatening bacterial infections. Treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases the ANC in the majority of CN patients. In contrary, granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) fails to increase neutrophil numbers in CN patients in vitro and in vivo, suggesting specific defects in signaling pathways downstream of GM-CSF receptor. Recently, we detected that G-CSF induces granulopoiesis in CN patients by hyperactivation of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT)/Sirtuin 1 signaling in myeloid cells. Here, we demonstrated that, in contrast to G-CSF, GM-CSF failed to induce NAMPT-dependent granulopoiesis in CN patients. We further identified NAMPT signaling as an essential downstream effector of the GM-CSF pathway in myelopoiesis.     

Filgrastim for cladribine-induced neutropenic fever in patients with hairy cell leukemia

Cladribine treatment of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is complicated by neutropenic fever in 42% of patients despite documented infections being relatively uncommon. We performed a study of priming filgrastim followed by cladribine and then filgrastim again to determine if filgrastim would lead to a reduction of neutropenia and febrile episodes. Thirty-five patients received filgrastim and cladribine and were compared with 105 historic controls treated with cladribine alone. Cladribine was administered at 0.1 mg/kg/d by continuous infusion for 7 days. Filgrastim was administered at 5 micrograms/kg/d subcutaneously on days -3, -2, and -1 and then again after the completion of cladribine until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was >/=2 x 10(9)/L on 2 consecutive days (days +8, +9, etc). After filgrastim priming, the median ANC increased from 0.9 x 10(9)/L to 2.26 x 10(9)/L (2.5-fold increase), and after cladribine, the median nadir ANC in the filgrastim-treated group was 0.53 x 10(9)/L compared with 0.29 x 10(9)/L among historic controls (P =. 04). The median number of days to an ANC greater than 1.0 x 10(9)/L was 9 days in the filgrastim-treated group versus 22 days among historic controls (P < 10(-5)). The percentage of febrile patients, number of febrile days, and frequency of admissions for antibiotics were not statistically different in the two groups. Filgrastim regularly increases the ANC in patients with HCL and shortens the duration of severe neutropenia after cladribine. This phase II study, with comparison to historical controls, failed to detect any clinical advantage from the use of filgrastim and cladribine in the treatment of HCL. Accordingly, the routine adjunctive use of filgrastim with cladribine in the treatment of HCL cannot be recommended.     

Efficacy and safety of two different rG-CSF preparations in the treatment of patients with severe congenital neutropenia

In patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is raised during treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), resulting in a marked reduction of bacterial infection. Some patients, however, still have recurrent but less severe bacterial infections and severe periodontal infections. As it has been suggested that the biological activity of glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF (rHuG-CSF, i.e. lenograstim) is higher than the non-glycosylated form (i.e. filgrastim), we compared the two given in equimolar doses. Seven SCN patients participated in an open, randomized, double crossover study comprising 60 weeks, with four 12-week periods when the two drugs alternated after a 12-week run-in-period. The mean ANC values, sampled every second week, were 5.1 x 10(9)/l during filgrastim treatment and 4.2 x 10(9)/l during lenograstim treatment (P = 0.042). The ANC levels were also significantly higher during filgrastim treatment, when comparing each complementary pair of ANC measurements (P = 0.011) as well as the mean ANC values during each 12-week treatment period (P = 0.033). There were no differences regarding the frequency of infection, antibiotic treatment, gingival bleeding and the number of hospital admissions between the groups. We conclude that filgrastim and lenograstim displayed equal clinical efficacy, but that ANC levels were higher during filgrastim treatment, when administered in equimolar doses.     

聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合利巴韦林治疗慢性丙型肝炎期间中性粒细胞减少症与临床感染风险的相关性

目的 研究聚乙二醇干扰素(PEG-IFN) α-2a联合利巴韦林治疗慢性丙型肝炎(CHC)期间中性粒细胞(ANC)减少症发生率及其与临床感染发生之间的关系.方法 对哈尔滨医科大学附属第二医院进行PEG-IFNα-2a联合利巴韦林治疗的399例CHC患者进行回顾性分析,研究ANC减少症、临床感染的发生率及其之间的关系,分析影响临床感染发生的危险因素.结果 治疗期间251例患者发生ANC减少症(ANC＜1.50×109/L),占62.9％.其中,轻度ANC减少症[ANC ( ＞0.75～＜1.50) x109/L]132例；中度ANC减少症[ANC(0.50～0.75)x 109/L]103例；重度ANC 减少症( ANC＜0.50×109/L) 16例.399例CHC患者中,80例(20.1％)发生临床感染,其中14例发生重度感染.伴有ANC减少症患者的临床感染发生率为19.9％ (50/251)与未伴有ANC减少症的患者[20.3％ (30/148)]相比,差异无统计学意义(x2 =0.007,P=0.933).调整PEG-IFNα-2a剂量患者的临床感染发生率为21.5％(31/144),与未调整剂量患者[19.2％ (49/255)]相比,差异无统计学意义(x2=0.307,P=0.580).在多因素分析中,年龄(P =0.021)、糖尿病(P =0.004)和肝硬化(P =0.012)是影响CHC患者发生临床感染的独立危险因素.结论 CHC患者抗病毒治疗期间临床感染的发生与ANC减少症无明显关系.年龄、糖尿病和肝硬化是预测CHC患者发生临床感染的危险因素.     

Differential effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in children with severe congenital neutropenia.

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a disorder of myelopoiesis characterized by severe neutropenia secondary to a maturational arrest at the level of promyelocytes. We treated five patients with SCN with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) for 42 days and subsequently, between 1 and 3 months later, with rhG-CSF for 142 days. The objective was to evaluate the safety and ability of these factors to elicit a neutrophil response. rhGM-CSF was administered at a dose of 3 to 30 micrograms/kg/d (30 to 60 minutes, intravenously). In all patients, a specific, dose-dependent increase in the absolute granulocyte counts was observed. However, in four patients this increase was due to an increase in eosinophils, and in only one patient it was due to an increase in the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC). Subsequently, all patients received rhG-CSF at a dose of 3 to 15 micrograms/kg/d subcutaneously. In contrast to rhGM-CSF treatment, all five patients responded to rhG-CSF during the first 6 weeks of treatment with an increase in the ANC to above 1,000/microL. The level of ANC could be maintained during maintenance treatment. In one patient, the increase in ANC was associated with an improvement of a severe pneumonitis caused by Peptostreptococcus and resistant to antibiotic treatment. No severe bacterial infections occurred in any of the patients during CSF treatment. All patients tolerated rhGM-CSF and rhG-CSF treatment without severe side effects. These results demonstrate the beneficial effect of rhG-CSF in SCN patients.     

The incidence of leukemia and mortality from sepsis in patients with severe congenital neutropenia receiving long-term G-CSF therapy

In patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), sepsis mortality is reduced by treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), but myelodsyplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) have been reported. We studied 374 patients with SCN and 29 patients with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) on long-term G-CSF enrolled in the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry. In SCN, sepsis mortality was stable at 0.9% per year. The hazard of MDS/AML increased significantly over time, from 2.9% per year after 6 years to 8.0% per year after 12 years on G-CSF. After 10 years, the cumulative incidence was 8% for sepsis mortality and 21% for MDS/AML. A subgroup of SCN patients (29%) received more than the median dose of G-CSF (> or = 8 microg/kg/d), but achieved less than the median absolute neutrophil count (ANC) response (ANC < 2.188 x 10(9)/L [2188/microL] at 6-18 months). In these less-responsive patients, the cumulative incidence of adverse events was highest: after 10 years, 40% developed MDS/AML and 14% died of sepsis, compared with 11% and 4%, respectively, of more responsive patients whose ANC was above the median on doses of G-CSF below the median. Risk of MDS/AML may be similar in SDS and SCN. In less-responsive SCN patients, early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be a rational option.     

Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome with low-dose human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: a multicenter study

The objective of this study was to determine the hematopoietic effects and toxicity of low-dose granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with neutropenia. Recombinant human G-CSF (Lenograstim) was administered by daily subcutaneous injection with an initial dosage of 0.5 microg/kg per day for 2 weeks. Patients not responding to the initial dosage received the escalated dosage, 1 to 2 microg/kg per day for 2 weeks. Eligibility criteria were the following: French-American-British disease classification subtype refractory anemia (RA), refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), or refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of <1.5 x 10(9)/L. Criteria indicating response to treatment were ANC of >1.5 x 10(9)/L and doubling of ANC on at least 2 occasions. Thirty-two MDS patients were recruited from 6 university hospitals. Eighteen patients had RA, 4 had RARS, and 10 had RAEB. Median age was 56.4 years (range, 28-87 years). Twenty-six patients (81.2%) had an increase in ANC from a median of 0.94+/-0.35 x 10(9)/L to 4.24+/-3.78 x 10(9)/L.Three of 6 patients who did not respond to the initial dosage responded to the escalated dosage of 1 microg/kg per day. Eighteen (81.8%) of 22 patients with RA or RARS responded compared with 8 (80%) of 10 patients with RAEB. The response rates in patients with ANCs of <0.5 x 10(9)/L. 0.5 to <1.0 x 10(9)/L, and 1.0 to 1.5 x 10(9)/L were 80%, 70%, and 88.2%, respectively. The side effects were minimal. No significant changes in hemoglobin levels or platelet counts were observed. In conclusion, low-dose G-CSF administered by subcutaneous injection is well tolerated and effective in improving neutropenia in MDS patients.     

亲属间HLA半相合干细胞移植治疗难治复发性白血病患者30例疗效分析

目的观察亲属间HLA半相合干细胞移植(SCT)治疗难治复发性白血病(RL)的疗效。方法对自1998年8月至2004年8月期间进行HLA半相合SCT治疗30例RL的治疗结果进行分析。结果30例患者均为RL,其中急性非淋巴细胞白血病13例,急性淋巴细胞白血病10例,慢性粒细胞白血病6例,Ⅳ期淋巴瘤1例。男18例,女12例,中位年龄25(3~52)岁。30例患者均接受HLA半相合SCT。12例为父母给子女,4例为子女给父母,其余为同胞。HLA3个位点不合12例,HLA2个位点不合13例,5例HLA1个位点不合。预处理方案为氟达拉宾、马利兰、环磷酰胺方案,部分患者在此方案基础上加用抗人胸腺细胞球蛋白。平均移植单个核细胞数5·0(2·9~8·0)×108/kg,CD3+4细胞数为5·5(3·0~6·5)×106/kg。30例中24例完全供者植入,3例供、受者部分嵌合,经供者淋巴细胞输注转为完全供者型;1例移植失败,1例移植后2d死于重症霉菌感染,1例移植后28d死于重症肝静脉阻塞病;移植后WBC>1·0×109/L平均时间14(11~18)d,血小板>20×109/L时间15(11~18)d。6例发生Ⅲ~Ⅳ度重症移植物抗宿主病(GVHD),7例发生慢性GVHD,白血病缓解率90%,随访3~60个月,平均生存时间为16·9个月。7例复发,其中2例脑膜白血病复发,复发中位时间为10(3~24)个月,14例生存,10例仍无病生存。结论HLA半相合SCT能使大部分RL患者缓解,也能使部分RL患者获长期生存;HLA半相合SCT具有较强的移植物抗白血病效应,但在疾病状态下进行HLA半相合SCT,白血病仍会复发。     

Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation from unrelated HLA-matched donor in an infant with severe congenital neutropenia

We report here a 6-month-old boy with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) successfully treated by cord blood stem cell transplantation (CBSCT) from an unrelated donor. He had recurrent life-threatening respiratory infection due to severe neutropenia that was refractory to recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Because he had no HLA-matched sibling and no time to wait for unrelated donor, he received HLA-matched unrelated CBSCT as determined by DNA typing. A total of 6.4 x 10(7) CB nucleated cells/kg was infused after conditioning with busulfan/horse antihuman thymocyte serum/cyclophosphamide. No GVHD developed under the treatment with cyclosporin A and methyl prednisolone. The neutrophil count reached 0.5 x 10(9)/l on day 14, reticulocyte 1% on day 13 and platelet count over 50 x 10(9)/l on day 31. We conclude that unrelated CBSCT can be an indication for some cases of SCN, who have recurrent life-threatening infections and are refractory to rhG-CSF, and have no HLA-matched sibling.     

Primäre und sekundäre Neutropenie

Severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders with a common hematological and clinical phenotype characterized by absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) below 0,5???10⁹/l and increased risk of severe bacterial infections. The differentiation between primary and secondary neutropenia and the identification of causative gene mutations is of great importance for the estimation of prognosis. During childhood primary autoimmune neutropenia is the most frequent diagnosis, while secondary neutropenia predominates in adulthood. Despite the rarity, congenital, genetic neutropenias are of great value for research on normal and pathological hematopoiesis and have a fundamental impact on the current knowledge on hematopoiesis. To date mutations in more than 10 genes have been described which are mainly associated with an increased risk for leukemia. The treatment with hematopoietic growth factors has improved the long-term prognosis of SCN patients dramatically: Bacterial infections can be prevented and a normal participation in everyday life is possible.     

A randomized controlled phase III trial of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim) for treatment of severe chronic neutropenia

Patients with idiopathic, cyclic, and congenital neutropenia have recurrent severe bacterial infections. One hundred twenty-three patients with recurrent infections and severe chronic neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 0.5 x 10(9)/L) due to these diseases were enrolled in this multicenter phase III trial. They were randomized to either immediately beginning recombinant human granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (filgrastim) (3.45 to 11.50 micrograms/kg/d, subcutaneously) or entering a 4-month observation period followed by filgrastim administration. Blood neutrophil counts, bone marrow (BM) cell histology, and incidence and duration of infection-related events were monitored. Of the 123 patients enrolled, 120 received filgrastim. On therapy, 108 patients had a median absolute neutrophil count of > or = 1.5 x 10(9)/L. Examination of BM aspirates showed increased proportions of maturing neutrophils. Infection-related events were significantly decreased (P < .05) with approximately 50% reduction in the incidence and duration of infection-related events and almost 70% reduction in duration of antibiotic use. Asymptomatic splenic enlargement occurred frequently; adverse events frequently reported were bone pain, headache, and rash, which were generally mild and easily manageable. These data indicate that treatment of patients with severe chronic neutropenia with filgrastim results in a stimulation of BM production and maturation of neutrophils, an increase in circulating neutrophils, and a reduction in infection-related events.     

Treatment of idiopathic neutropenia in the elderly with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

We administered recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) intravenously for 2 weeks to 2 elderly patients with severe neutropenia. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovered promptly after the initiation of rhG-CSF therapy and reached a peak (greater than 10 x 10(9)/l) on the 13th day. The ANC fell rapidly after rhG-CSF was discontinued, but it remained within the normal range after therapy. There were no side effects during the entire course of treatment. Therefore, rhG-CSF seems to be a most beneficial treatment in elderly patients with severe neutropenia.     

The effect of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on neutropenia and related morbidity in chronic severe neutropenia

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical and hematologic effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) on patients with chronic severe neutropenia. DESIGN: Open-label, phase II study of rhGM-CSF. SETTING: Inpatient hematology and surgery clinic at a university medical center. PATIENTS: Four consecutive patients with chronic severe neutropenia, which in two cases was complicated by severe infection, in one case by perianal fistula, and in one case by complete rectal prolapse. Two patients had chronic idiopathic neutropenia; one patient had congenital neutropenia (myelokathexis); and one patient had autoimmune neutropenia. INTERVENTIONS: The rhGM-CSF was given intravenously or subcutaneously at starting dosages of 150 to 1000 micrograms/m2 body surface area.d for 12 to 14 consecutive days. Two patients received a second course of daily rhGM-CSF treatment after a nontreatment interval of 14 to 20 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all four patients, the absolute neutrophil counts increased from less than 0.25 x 10(9)/L to 3.2 to 19.2 x 10(9)/L within 2 weeks of beginning rhGM-CSF therapy. Two patients had life-threatening infections that resolved during therapy. The two other patients had major ano-rectal surgery during rhGM-CSF treatment and had no postoperative infections. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic neutropenia, rhGM-CSF may increase neutrophil counts. This therapy may be a useful adjunct to antibiotic therapy for patients with infection and perioperatively for patients having anorectal surgery.     

Uneventful outcome of unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with leukemic transformation of Kostmann syndrome and long-lasting invasive pulmonary mycosis

Kostmann syndrome (KS) is an inherited hematological disorder characterized by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.2 x 109/L and life-threatening bacterial infections. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) makes it possible to reach an ANC of 1.0 x 109/L and consequently to reduce significantly the occurrence of severe infections. Absence of response to G-CSF, G-CSF receptor mutation, and leukemic transformation are absolute indications to perform hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Pulmonary mycosis does not represent an absolute contraindication to bone marrow transplantation (BMT), although a relapse rate of 30-50% has been reported, despite adequate medical and surgical treatment. Mycotic pneumonia recurrence shows a mortality rate above 80%, especially in the presence of persisting immunosuppression. We report on a KS patient with long-lasting fungal pneumonia who developed myelodysplasia and subsequent acute myeliod leukemia (AML) conversion resistant to antiblastic therapy. Despite surgical excision and secondary prophylaxis, recurrence of the pulmonary lesion occurred prior to the unrelated HSCT. In spite of these poor prognostic characteristics, outcome was uneventful and the patient is alive and well in continuous complete remission with no signs of fungal infection.     

Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation with unpurged and purged marrow in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

The toxicity of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) is correlated to neutropenia. Although recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) seems to hold promise in accelerating neutrophil recovery, few analyses from randomized studies are presently available. Ninety-one patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma receiving high-dose ablative chemotherapy followed by ABMT with unpurged or purged marrow were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-four patients received 250 micrograms rhu GM-CSF (Escherichia coli)/m2 and 47 patients received placebo. Treatment was administered daily as continuous infusion from day of ABMT until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) reached 0.5 x 10(9)/L for 7 days or until day 30, whichever was first. With rhu GM-CSF, 50% of the patients reached an ANC count greater than 0.5 x 10(9)/L at day 14 as opposed to day 21 with placebo (P less than .0001). Patients transplanted with marrow purged by mafosfamide also recovered earlier when treated with rhu GM-CSF (16 v 20.5 days, P = .013). The hospitalization duration was shorter in the rhu GM-CSF group (median, 23 v 28 days, P less than .05). No difference was observed in fever, number of infections, and antibiotic administration between the two groups. The major adverse event ascribed to rhu GM-CSF was a capillary leak syndrome in three patients graded as severe in two patients, moderate in one, and reversible in all three patients. In addition, one patient in the rhu GM-CSF group died suddenly with no explanation. In long term follow-up, the relapse rate was identical in both groups and there was no significant difference in the number of deaths at 1 year (12 with rhu GM-CSF v 9 with placebo), although deaths seemed to occur slightly earlier in the rhu GM-CSF group. We conclude that after ABMT with purged or unpurged marrow, rhu GM-CSF (E coli) significantly reduces neutropenia duration and hospitalization stay. A positive causative relation between the study drug and/or its mode of application with an increased toxicity as compared with GM-CSF from other sources and/or other modes of application cannot be deduced from the experiences in this study. Additional randomized trials would be necessary for an appropriate answer.