Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy as a bridging treatment for pediatric decompensated liver cirrhosis prior to liver transplantation: an open-label randomized clinical trial

Background: Decompensated cirrhosis (DC) in children is the main indication of liver transplantation (LT). The lack access to and impending clinical complications while awaiting affect morbidity mortality pretransplant patients. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy has shown promising results adult decompensated as a potential bridging treatment. Our study aimed identify effect G-CSF on pediatric end-stage disease (PELD) score, function, CD34+ cell mobilization, nutritional status, survival, short-term side effects LT. Methods: This was an open-label, randomized controlled trial that included patients with between 3 months 12 years age. intervention group received courses subcutaneous injection (5 μg/kg/day) plus standard medical treatment (SMT) for cirrhosis. Results were obtained regarding PELD scores, changes leukocyte neutrophil counts, within three months. Results: Thirty-five into (17 patients) control (18 groups. During trial, 14 (82%) completed median ages groups 18 14.5 months, respectively. study's primary outcome identified no statistically significant difference scores after Liver function tests showed compared from improvements alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Other tests, survival did not. mobilization increased group, but there difference. Minor observed group. Conclusion: Multiple doses not improve significantly temporary improvement ALT level.