Effect of Recombinant Human Granulocyte–Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor on Myelopoiesis in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

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Abstract
We administered recombinant (biosynthetic) human granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to 16 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and leukopenia (2225±614 cells per microliter [mean ±SD]). Each patient first received a single intravenous dose; 48 hours later a 14-day continuous intravenous infusion of the agent was begun. The doses used were 1.3x103 (n = 4), 2.6x103 (n = 4), 5.2x103 (n = 4), 1.0X104 (n = 3), or 2.0x104 (n = 1) U per kilogram of body weight per day. Administration of recombinant GM-CSF resulted in dose-dependent increases in circulating leukocytes and in increases in circulating neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. The peak leukocyte count ranged from 4575±2397 cells per microliter at the lowest dose, to 48,700 in the patient receiving the highest dose. Mild side effects — low-grade fever, myalgia, phlebitis, and flushing — were observed in some patients; there were no life-threatening toxic reactions.