Reversal of immunoparalysis by recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with severe sepsis.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) on immunoparalysis as defined by a sustained decrease of HLA-DR expression on monocytes in patients with severe sepsis.

Design: Prospective, non-randomised observational study.

Setting: Two anaesthesiological intensive care units of a university hospital.