What can be given to replace lost white blood cells (WBCs)?

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are specifically designed to stimulate the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. When patients experience low white blood cell counts, often due to chemotherapy or certain medical conditions, G-CSFs can be administered to promote the recovery of neutrophils. This is crucial as neutrophils play a vital role in the body's immune response, particularly in fighting infections.

In contrast, erythropoietin is primarily used to stimulate red blood cell production and is not effective for increasing white blood cell counts. Cytokine inhibitors work by blocking the action of certain cytokines involved in inflammation and immune responses, but they do not aid in the replacement or boost of white blood cells. Interferons have antiviral properties and can modulate the immune response, but they do not specifically enhance white blood cell production. Therefore, G-CSFs are the appropriate choice for replacing lost white blood cells.