Method for reducing the likelihood of preterm labor in a subject in need thereof

Abstract

Compositions, kits and methods for the prevention of, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure during assisted reproduction are provided. The compositions, kits and methods provide an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to prevent, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure of an embryo.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . A method of reducing the likelihood of preterm labor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the G-CSF is administered parenterally, subcutaneously or intravenously. 
   
   
       8 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the subject is in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said G-CSF is administered through a slow release mechanism. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said slow release mechanism includes implantation of an inert matrix or device containing G-CSF formulated with polymeric or hydrophobic materials. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said slow release mechanism includes an adhesive disc or patch capable of slowly releasing G-CSF for percutaneous, intraepidermal, or intradermal absorption. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said G-CSF is formulated for administration by inhalation. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said G-CSF is administered by inhalation. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said G-CSF is formulated extended or slow release. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said G-CSF is administered in combination with another active compound. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said another active compound is an immunosuppressive agent or interleukin. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said immunosuppressive agent is non-myeloablative. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said immunosuppressive agent is a cyclophosphamide or purine nucleoside analog. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said purine nucleoside analog is cladibrine or fludarabine. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said interleukin is selected from a group consisting of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said interleukin is IL-3, IL-6 or IL-10. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said another active compound is another CSF, erythropoietin or stem cell factor. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said another CSF is a GMCSF or macrophage CSF. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said another active compound is an anti-inflammatory agent. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said another active compound is vitamin D or aspirin. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said another active compound is heparin, IVIG or progesterone. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said subject is a mammal. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the G-CSF is administered daily. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the G-CSF is administered at a dose of 1-100 mcg/kg. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the G-CSF is administered at a dose of 1-20 mcg/kg. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the G-CSF is administered at a dose of 1-10 mcg/kg.