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Polycythemia in an infant secondary to granulocyte transfusions

Olufolake Adisa1, Jeanne E Hendrickson, Courtney K Hopkins

  • 1Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Granulocyte transfusions can help neutropenic children with infections. A case report highlights a rare risk: polycythemia in an infant after granulocyte transfusions, emphasizing the need for awareness of transfusion complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Granulocyte transfusions are used for neutropenic pediatric patients with severe infections.
  • Established risks include febrile reactions, fluid overload, alloimmunization, and lung injury.
  • Less recognized adverse effects warrant further investigation.

Observation:

  • A case report details an infant diagnosed with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
  • The infant received four daily transfusions of apheresis-collected, steroid-stimulated donor granulocytes (20 ml/kg).

Findings:

  • Following granulocyte transfusions, the infant developed polycythemia.
  • Hemoglobin levels increased significantly during the transfusion period.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, less-recognized adverse effect of granulocyte transfusions.
  • Expanded knowledge of transfusion risks aids in prompt recognition and management of complications.
  • Clinicians should consider polycythemia as a potential complication in infants receiving granulocyte transfusions.

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