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Granulocyte transfusions for neutropenic patients with life‐threatening infections: a single centre experience in 47 patients, who received 348 granulocyte transfusions
Author(s) -
Ofran Y.,
Avivi I.,
Oliven A.,
Oren I.,
Zuckerman T.,
Bonstein L.,
Rowe J. M.,
Dann E. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2007.00971.x
Subject(s) - neutropenia , medicine , granulocyte , toxicity , platelet , leukopenia , surgery
The role of granulocyte transfusions (GT) in patients with neutropenia‐related infections remains controversial. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of 47 neutropenic patients, treated with 348 consecutive GTs for life‐threatening infections between 1999 and 2004, is presented. Results The only grade III–IV toxicity observed in GT recipients was respiratory deterioration ( n = 6, 12·8%). The overall infection‐related mortality (IRM) approached 38%. Achievement of a neutrophil count of > 700 cells per µl after at least 50% of days of GTs ( n = 33, 70%) significantly correlated with reduced IRM (27·3% vs. 64·3%, P < 0·02). GT doses of > 2 × 10 10 neutrophils per bag appeared to increase both neutophil and platelet counts following transfusion. Conclusion GTs are safe and should be considered for patients with life‐threatening neutropenic infections. However, prospective randomized studies of GTs are the only way to establish the true role of GTs.