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The use of stimulated granulocyte transfusions to prevent recurrence of past severe infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Author(s) -
Kerr J. Paul,
Liakopolou Effie,
Brown Jessica,
Cornish Jacqueline M.,
Fleming David,
Massey Edwin,
Oakhill Anthony,
Pamphilon Derwood H.,
Robinson Stephen P.,
Totem April,
Valencia Alexandra M. P. I.,
Marks David I.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04583.x
Subject(s) - medicine , neutropenia , granulocyte , transplantation , surgery , aspergillosis , incidence (geometry) , granulocyte colony stimulating factor , autologous stem cell transplantation , stem cell , hematopoietic stem cell transplantation , chemotherapy , toxicity , gastroenterology , immunology , physics , biology , optics , genetics
Summary. The predictable neutropenia that follows allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may be associated with recurrence of previous life‐threatening infection. We describe nine patients with either previous invasive aspergillosis (IA) or considered to be at high risk of developing IA who underwent ASCT with prophylactic granulocyte transfusions. The study group, when compared with a control group, had a significant reduction in the incidence and duration of fevers ( P < 0·05) and maximum C‐reactive protein ( P < 0·05). There were significantly fewer days of neutropenia ( P < 0·05). There was also radiological improvement of pulmonary infiltrates in four out of seven assessable patients. No serious toxicity was encountered in donors or recipients. We conclude that prophylactic granulocyte donations can be given safely, and that they significantly reduce the number of days of neutropenia. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether granulocyte donations can prevent the recurrence of IA in patients at risk of fungal infection.