[Clinical application of granulocyte concentrates in neutropenia caused by immunosupressive treatment]

Supplementary transfusions of granulocyte concentrates were known 70 years ago, when a direct relationship between decrease of the number of circulating granulocytes and the risk of sepsis was found. Using concentrates of granulocytes for treatment of severe bacterial and fungal infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia or disturbances of granulocytes function caused by immunosupression treatment is logically justified. Despite numerous clinical trials, the efficacy and safety of the concentrates transfusion still remains controversial. Early attempts were unsuccessful mainly because insufficient number of cells in concentrates. The technical progress enables now to achieve sufficient number of granulocytes for clinical purposes. Preliminary date suggest their clinical effectiveness. Further clinical studies on the role of granulocyte transfusions in the treatment of severe sepsis in patients with neutropenia or disturbances of granulocyte function caused by immunosupresion are needed.