RETRACTED: Lithium in the treatment of neutropenia (Retracted article. See vol. 19, pg. 241, 2012)

Purpose of review The capacity of lithium to induce neutrophilia and increase circulating CD34(+) cells of marrow origin has long been known. Lithium has been the object of hematological investigations for many years, but no definitive use in hematology has yet emerged. Recent findings We review the evidence that lithium increases granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and augments G-CSF effects, showing its potential use in stem cell mobilization and engraftment of stem cell transplantation. Summary We suggest possible therapeutic uses of lithium in neutropenia. In bone marrow transplantation, preharvest lithium-assisted hematopoietic stem cell mobilization may be useful as well.