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

Abstract

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.