Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy and systemic inflammation in critically ill patients.
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The effect of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor filgrastim on systemic inflammation was investigated in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in critically ill patients. SUBJECTS: 59 critically ill patients were recruited within 48 h of intubation due to ventilatory insufficiency. TREATMENT: Subcutaneous dosage of placebo or 300 microg filgrastim once daily. METHODS: Serum samples were collected at study entry, and 1 and 3 days after the start (Day1 and Day3, respectively). Levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and interleukin (IL)-10 were determined by ELISA, and those of IL-6, and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) by Immulite chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: The median sE-selectin level decreased by day 3 significantly in the control group but not in the filgrastim group. The difference in the change between the study groups was significant (p = 0.049). IL-10 levels decreased significantly in the filgrastim group, tended to decrease in controls (p = 0.052), and the difference in the change tended to be significant (p = 0.058). IL-6 levels decreased in both groups comparably. sIL-2R levels were elevated and stable. CONCLUSIONS: Filgrastim prolongs endothelial activation and possibly inhibits development of immune suppression mediated by IL-10.