The effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on chronic liver disease: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical application of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on chronic liver disease is still controversial. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on chronic liver disease.

Methodology: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Chinese Biomedical Literature database. Randomized-controlled trials assessing the efficacy of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor were selected.

Results: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was associated with an increasing long-term survival (RR 1.54; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.94; p = 0.0003; heterogeneity: Q = 0.26, I² = 25%) and an increasing short-term survival (RR 1.44; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.78; p = 0.0009; heterogeneity: Q < 0.00001, I² = 80%). Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor failed to lower mortality secondary to multiple organ failure (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.21; p = 0.17; heterogeneity: Q = 0.45; I² = 0%), gastrointestinal bleeding mortality (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.56; p = 0.91; heterogeneity: Q = 0.35; I² = 11%) and sepsis mortality (RR 0.27; 95% CI 0.06 to 1.12; p = 0.07; heterogeneity: Q < 0.00001; I² = 90%). It significantly lowered the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (MD=−0.97, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.45; p = 0.0003; heterogeneity: Q = 0.25; I² = 28%). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor resulted in significantly improved 12-month survival and reduced Child-Turcotte-Pugh score with relative safety. Establishment of guidelines and protocols in future clinical trials will promote granulocyte-colony stimulating factor as an effective and safe therapy for chronic liver disease.