Abstract
HIV infection and absolute neutropenia is a well-recognized complication of
advanced HIV infection (11-16). The level at which reduced neutrophil counts
and=or function clinically impact wound healing is not known but it is reasonable
to assume that more severe the patients defect in neutrophilic function the more
likely delayed wound healing will occur. Early work suggests that granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and=or granulocyte colonystimulating factor (G-CSF) may improve wound healing in patients with defects in
neutrophilic function (17,18). Case reports describe benificial effects on wound
healing in surgical patients with both acquired and congenital neutropenia
(6,19,20). Further controlled studies are needed to evaluate the utility of these agents
in patients with impaired neutrophilic function.