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Recent study findings show that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves survival among patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. In addition, animal studies suggest that the growth factor erythropoietin may stimulate hepatic regeneration and improve liver function. Now, investigators in India have examined the efficacy of both growth factors combined in improving survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
In a double-blind trial, 55 patients with decompensated cirrhosis were randomized to receive subcutaneous G-CSF (5 µg/kg/day for 5 days and then every third day, for a total of 12 doses) plus subcutaneous darbepoetin alpha (a long-acting erythropoietin; 40 µg/week for 4 weeks) or placebo. Both groups received stan…