Comparison of hematopoietic progenitor cell collection using different inlet flow rates with the Fenwal Amicus

We have used a hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) algorithm (standard [STD]) that restricted the inlet flow rate to 65 mL/min for peripheral white blood cell count (PWBC) >35 × 10⁹ /L (STD). In this study, we evaluated a technique that allows 85 mL/min, regardless of the PWBC count (high). For patients with PWBC >35 × 10⁹ /L, a prospective, randomized comparison of the high flow rate vs the STD PWBC-based flow rate (65 mL/min) was performed, comparing CD34+ and lymphocyte yields, collection efficiencies (CE1), mononuclear cells (MNC), and granulocytes, red blood cell (RBC), and platelet content.

The Fenwal Amicus version 4.5 with a heparinized ACD-A anticoagulant (AC) delivered at a 26:1 AC ratio was used. Paired comparisons between high and STD techniques were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests, with P < .05 considered significant. Data are summarized as medians.

Forty patient pairs (autologous) were compared. Diagnoses included primarily multiple myeloma (60%) and lymphoma (37.5%). High had significantly higher median average inlet rates (69 vs 55 mL/min), whole blood processed (20 vs 16 L), and cycles (15 vs 14) than STD. There were no significant differences in pre-procedure counts. Collection contents were (high/STD): 306/328 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells, 48/59% CD34+ CE1 (significant), 0.2/0.2 × 10⁹ /kg lymphocytes, 45/57% lymphocyte CE1, 63/59 × 10⁹ WBC, 15/16 × 10⁹ granulocytes, and 1.9/1.7 × 10¹¹ platelets.

The simpler, standardized high flow technique did not significantly increase or decrease CD34+ cells or lymphocyte yields, but did significantly decrease CD34+ CE1. The effects on cross-cellular content were minimal and not clinically significant.