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Granulocyte transfusions in the management of neutropenic fever: A pediatric perspective
Dilek Gurlek Gokcebay1, Sibel Akpinar Tekgunduz1
1University of Health Sciences, Ankara Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Turkey.
Insights
Granulocyte transfusions may help children with cancer chemotherapy-induced neutropenic fever and severe infections. This review examines the benefits and risks of this supportive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive bacterial and fungal infections are leading causes of death in children undergoing cancer chemotherapy.
- Severe neutropenia, a low white blood cell count, increases infection risk.
- Granulocyte transfusion therapy is a supportive measure for severe infections in neutropenic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential benefits and risks of granulocyte transfusions in pediatric patients with neutropenic fever.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of granulocyte transfusions in managing severe infections in immunocompromised children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Appraisal of retrospective and prospective observational studies on pediatric granulocyte transfusion therapy.
- Analysis of data on clinical outcomes, benefits, and risks.
Main Results:
- Granulocyte transfusions can increase neutrophil counts in recipients.
- Evidence from observational studies is not conclusive regarding efficacy.
- The therapy aims to enhance neutrophil accumulation at infection sites.
Conclusions:
- Granulocyte transfusion is a potential supportive therapy for severe infections in pediatric neutropenic patients.
- Further conclusive data is needed to establish definitive benefits and risks.
- The review highlights the need for careful consideration in managing neutropenic fever.
Abstract:
Severe neutropenia-associated invasive bacterial or fungal infections are still the major cause of mortality and morbidity in children receiving cancer chemotherapy. Granulocyte transfusion therapy has been used for many years in the management of neutropenic patients with severe infections in whom the clinical condition deteriorated despite appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Transfused granulocytes can increase the recipient's blood neutrophil count and accumulation of them into the site of infection. There are some data obtained from retrospective or prospective observational studies in pediatric granulocyte transfusion therapy, but results are not conclusive. This review appraises the potential benefits and risks of the use of granulocyte transfusion in children with neutropenic fever.
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