[Indications and clinical aspects of granulocyte transfusions (author's transl)]

Granulocyte transfusions (n = 222) were administered to 41 patients with granulocytopenia (less than 500 X 10(6)/1) and antibiotics-resistant infections. The average granulocyte content per transfusion was 2.1 X 10(10), 212 transfusions had been obtained by filter leucapheresis. Infections improved in 25 episodes, and 18 patients survived the 30th day. There was no influence in 18 episodes and only 2 patients survived beyond the 30th day. Extent and duration of bone marrow insufficiency, and type and grade of infection, clearly influenced prognosis. Further prognostically relevant risk factors were age (greater than 60 years) and platelet deficiency (less than 20 X 10(9)/1), as well as liver and renal insufficiency. Adherence to precise guidelines may prevent pointless transfusions.