In vivo and in vitro effects of lithium on granulopoiesis in human neutropenic disorders.

Studies have been cazrried out to determine the in vivo and in vitro effects of lithium carbonate in various neutropenic disorders. Addition of lithium to culture of bone marrow from patients with a variety of neutropenic disorders and ANLL in which normal or elevated serum and/or urinary CSA levels were present did not enhance granulocyte colony formation. Administration of lithium carbonate to patients with Felty's syndrome, in which serum and urinary CSA levels are reduced, enhanced peripheral blood neutrophil levels and serum and urinary CSA values. Lithium administration appears to be most beneficial in neutropenic patients in whom it can be demonstrated that CSA production is reduced.