Settling the Issue: Does Neupogen Increase the Risk of Rejection After Heart Transplant?

Purpose: Immunosuppression after heart transplantation (HTx) includes the use of calcineurin inhibitor, antiproliferative agent and corticosteroids. Antiproliferative agents are known to decrease white blood cell (WBC) counts after HTx. Though these agents may be held, leukopenia is commonly seen. If the WBC count is be less than 2.0 x 103/L, use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF known as Neupogen) may be considered. Stimulating the bone marrow with Neupogen does increase the WBC but there is concern that this stimulation may cause rejection.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research