The current role of colony-stimulating factors in prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis.

OBJECTIVES

To review the role of colony-stimulating factors as adjuncts in the therapy of neonatal sepsis.

DATA SUMMARY

Data provided by animal experiments and in vitro experiments in human neonates demonstrate the inability of newborn infants to significantly upregulate colony-stimulating factor expression during infectious challenge. In a few clinical trials, exogenous administration of colony-stimulating factors has been associated with reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, reviewing the existing data on colony-stimulating factor administration in neonates, evidence for efficacy and benefit of these adjuncts in treating neonatal sepsis still appears to be poor.

CONCLUSION

Further randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, particularly for the subgroups of premature infants or infants with neutropenia, are urgently warranted before routine application of these cytokines can be recommended.