G-CSF stimulated donor granulocyte collections for prophylaxis and therapy of neutropenic sepsis

The administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases the granulocyte count in normal donors and enables the collection of large numbers of mature myeloid cells by leukapheresis. This has potential value in the treatment of sepsis unresponsive to antibiotics in patients with severe neutropenia.

To evaluate the tolerability of granulocyte collections in normal donors receiving G-CSF, the optimal method of collection and the clinical factors influencing the efficacy of granulocyte infusions.

Analysis of the outcome of 55 granulocyte collections from 26 donors for progressive bacterial or fungal sepsis in neutropenic patients (n = 8) or as prophylaxis in patients with recent fungal infections undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (n = 3).

G-CSF was well tolerated in most donors. Fatigue occurred commonly after the second collection. The median WCC per 200-220 mL bag was 351 x 10(9)/L. Collections were optimised with the use of a sedimenting agent (dextran) and a deepened interface setting on the cell separator. There was only a weak correlation between the number of granulocytes infused and the increment in the patient, but levels were usually maintained > or = 0.5 x 10(9)/L for the next 24 hours. The infusions were successful in three septic patients without multi-organ dysfunction and prophylactically, in two patients with localised fungal infections undergoing MBT. The infusions were not beneficial in patients with septicaemia and established organ dysfunction or with extensive pulmonary aspergillosis.

G-CSF mobilised granulocyte collections are feasible and the preliminary evidence suggests that the infusion of these cells may be useful early in the prophylaxis or treatment of severe neutropenic sepsis.