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Leukapheresis and granulocyte transfusion.
CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Granulocyte transfusions are increasingly used for infections in granulocytopenic patients. While collection methods vary, their clinical benefit is evident in specific patient groups, particularly those with gram-negative sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Granulocytopenic patients are highly susceptible to severe infections.
- Granulocyte transfusions are a supportive therapy to combat these infections.
- Various methods exist for granulocyte collection, each with implications for cell function and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and clinical utility of granulocyte transfusions.
- To compare different granulocyte collection techniques and their outcomes.
- To discuss the controversies and ongoing research in granulocyte transfusion therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on granulocyte collection and transfusion.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo function of collected granulocytes.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data regarding patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Centrifuge-collected granulocytes exhibit normal in vitro function and recovery.
- Filtration-collected granulocytes show reduced in vivo recovery and abnormal kinetics.
- The clinical benefit of granulocyte transfusions is established for some patient groups, but optimal use remains under investigation.
- Compatibility testing for granulocyte transfusions remains controversial.
Conclusions:
- Granulocyte transfusions can improve survival in specific granulocytopenic patients, such as those with gram-negative sepsis.
- Further research is needed to define optimal patient selection, dosage, scheduling, and prophylactic use.
- Differences in clinical trial methodologies complicate direct comparisons and highlight the need for standardized approaches.