Alternate dosage regimens for high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is used to enhance granulocyte procurement.
• Optimizing HES dosage is crucial for maximizing granulocyte yields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of alternate dosage regimens of six percent high molecular weight HES for granulocyte procurement.
• To determine the optimal HES concentration and timing for granulocyte collection.

Main Methods:

• Varied doses and administration timings of six percent HES were tested during leukapheresis.
• Granulocyte yields were measured per liter of blood processed (LBP) under different HES regimens.
• Comparison of yields between standard full-strength HES, reduced-strength HES, and HES administered at different procedural stages.

Main Results:

• The standard 500 ml dose of six percent HES yielded 0.57 +/- 0.15 X 10(10) granulocytes/LBP.
• Reduced HES doses or altered administration timing (e.g., only first three passes, half-strength, pre-infusion) significantly lowered granulocyte yields.
• HES must be present during centrifugation and separation to enhance yields; pre-infusion was ineffective.

Conclusions:

• Alternate dosage regimens of six percent HES are not advisable for granulocyte procurement.
• Optimal granulocyte yields are achieved using the standard 500 ml dose of six percent HES during the collection procedure.