GM-CSF, G-CSF or no cytokine therapy with anti-GD2 immunotherapy for high-risk neuroblastoma.

Colony-stimulating factors have been shown to improve anti-disialoganglioside 2 (anti-GD2) monoclonal antibody response in high-risk neuroblastoma by enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). A substantial amount of research has focused on recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an adjuvant to anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies. There may be a disparity in care among patients as access to GM-CSF therapy and anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies is not uniform.

Recombinant GM-CSF for diseases of GM-CSF insufficiency: Correcting dysfunctional mononuclear phagocyte disorders.

Introduction: Endogenous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), identified by its ability to support differentiation of hematopoietic cells into several types of myeloid cells, is now known to support maturation and maintain the metabolic capacity of mononuclear phagocytes including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells sense and attack potential pathogens, present antigens to adaptive immune cells, and recruit other immune cells. Recombinant human (rhu) GM-CSF (e.

Sargramostim (rhu GM-CSF) as Cancer Therapy (Systematic Review) and An Immunomodulator. A Drug Before Its Time?

Background: Sargramostim [recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF)] was approved by US FDA in 1991 to accelerate bone marrow recovery in diverse settings of bone marrow failure and is designated on the list of FDA Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and Critical Inputs. Other important biological activities including accelerating tissue repair and modulating host immunity to infection and cancer the innate and adaptive immune systems are reported in pre-clinical models but incompletely studied in humans.

Objective: Assess safety and efficacy of sargramostim in cancer and other diverse experimental and clinical settings.

Dexamethasone Associated With Significantly Shorter Length of Hospital Stay Compared With a Prednisolone-Based Regimen in Pediatric Patients With Mild to Moderate Acute Asthma Exacerbations.

A retrospective chart review was done to evaluate the efficacy of a course of dexamethasone for pediatric patients hospitalized with a mild to moderate acute asthma exacerbation compared with a prednisone-based regimen. Patients were identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) discharge diagnosis codes for asthma and cross-referenced with pharmacy dispense reports during the study period of June 2011 to January 2016. Baseline characteristics were similar among the 2 groups.

Antithrombin III Doses Rounded to Available Vial Sizes in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients.

Objectives: Children have decreased levels of antithrombin III (AT III) compared to adults. These levels may be further decreased during acute illness. Administration of exogenous AT III can increase anticoagulant efficacy.

Comparison of Intravenous Palivizumab and Standard of Care for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients.

Objectives: Evidence suggests palivizumab may be beneficial for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in pediatric patients, although it is only approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for RSV prophylaxis. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes among pediatric patients with RSV infection who received intravenous palivizumab and standard of care versus standard of care alone.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study conducted between November 2003 and October 2013.

Alteplase infusion versus dwell for clearance of partially occluded central venous catheters in critically ill pediatric patients.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alteplase infusions and alteplase local instillations (dwells) to clear partially occluded central venous catheters in critically ill children.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: PICU in a single, tertiary care, academic children's hospital.