Effectiveness of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) remain uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to draw a firmer conclusion. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, and China Biology Medicine disc to identify relevant RCTs performed before January 2020. Risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RRs (95% CI) for 1-, 2-, and 3-month survival rates. SAMPLE SIZE: Six RCTs, including three open-label studies. RESULTS: The six studies included 246 subjects (121 in a G-CSF group and 125 in a control group). G-CSF administration significantly improved the 1-, 2-, and 3-month survival rates in patients with ACLF. The pooled RRs (95% CI, P) were 0.43 (0.27–0.69, P=.0004), 0.44 (0.32–0.62, P<.00001), and 0.39 (0.22–0.68, P=.0009), respectively. CONCLUSION: G-CSF may be beneficial and effective in the treatment of ACLF, but further studies are needed to verify this conclusion. LIMITATIONS: The sample size was small, and studies were restricted to countries in Asia. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021225681 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.