Abstract 7

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of G-CSF and GM-CSF on the PMN neutrophil numbers and functions in septicaemic low birth weight neonates.

Subjects and Methods: Thirty two neonates were studied out of which 13 (BW=1063±480) received G-CSF, 10 (BW=1345±490) received GM-CSF and 9 (BW=1315±520) were used as controls. Growth factors were administered (5ìg/kg) daily for 4 consecutive days. Blood samples were taken before treatment, on diagnosis of septicaemia, and at 1, 3 and 5 days following treatment. Results: It was found that both growth factors increased the PMN numbers of septicaemic neonates, during the period before and 5 days following treatment, but the increase was statistically significant (p<0,05) only when G-CSF was used. The chemotaxis of the PMN was also increased significantly (p<0,05), before the treatment and 5 days following it, only when G-CSF was used. The ability of PMN's to phagocytose Staph.epidermidis increased, during the same time period, both when G-CSF (p<0,001) and GM-CSF (p<0,05) were used. Finally the killing of PMN's was also increased when G-CSF (p<0,001) or GM-CSF (p<0,05) were administered. No changes in the numbers or function of PMN's were found when normal saline was used in the controls.

Conclusion: In conclusion, both G-CSF and GM-CSF when used in septicaemic premature neonates increase their PMN neutrophil numbers and functions but G-CSF was found to be more effective when compared with GM-CSF.