Granulocyte transfusion in children.

We describe a single institution experience with the use of granulocyte transfusion in children. This is a retrospective analysis of 45 collections of granulocyte units obtained by apheresis after priming with dexamethasone, infused into 17 children with severe neutropenic infections. Ten children survived the acute infection. Granulocyte transfusion is a useful adjunct to antimicrobials and growth factors in post chemotherapy neutropenic sepsis and is highly effective in children with chronic granulomatous disease and life threatening infections.

Component therapy.

The dramatic advances that have taken place in recent years in the care of sick and premature infants also have been matched by a similar increase in the use of blood transfusion therapy. Haematological features indicate that a newborn has a blood volume of 85-125 ml/kg the foetal haemoglobin is 60-85% and average Hb in full term infant is 18 gm/dl. By 2-3 months it falls to 11-12 g/dl the main cause of anemia are iron poor diet, weaning diets recurrent or chronic infections and hemolytic episodes in malarious areas. The red cells transfusions are usually top up transfusions, exchange transfusions, partial exchange transfusions. Top up- are for investigational losses and correction of mild degrees of anemias, upto to 5-15 ml/kg. They comprise 90% of all neonatal transfusions and are used in low birth babies in special care units for a maximum of 9-10 episodes. The walk in donor programs once popular are not much in vogue. The threshold for transfusion is 8-10 g/dl Hb for upto 5 weeks. Exchange transfusions are done for correction of anemia, removal of bilirubin, removal of antibodies and replacement of red cells. Ideally plasma reduced red cells that are not older than 5 days are used. It is prepared by removal of 120 ml of standard whole blood donation. The advantage of fresh cells is that hyperkalemia is avoided and good post transfusion survival acceptable red cell oxygen affinity. However it has to be screened for sickle cell disease and G6PD deficiency. Indications for exchange transfusion are kernicterus, neonatal hemolysis, G6PD deficiency, ARDS, neonatal sepsis, DIC and neonatal isoimmune thrombocytopaenia. Complications include over transfusion, perforation of major vessels, hypocalcaemia, citrate toxicity, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, necrotizing enterocolitis, GVHD, bacterial, viral infections. Partial exchange transfusions are done for symptomatic anemia, where Hb<10 g/dl, it is indicated in polycythemia and hyperviscosity syndromes. Exchange volume = Blood volume x (observed Hct-Desired HCt) divided observed Hct. Points to consider-there is weak expression of ABO antigens so particular care while grouping. Transfusing volumes should be 2-5 ml/kg/hour in paediatric bags of 50-100 ml with infusion devices. Platelet transfusion are indicated in neonatal throbocytopaenia, thrombocytopaenia due to sepsis, DIC, bacterial pathogens, CMV, TORCHS, Obstetric conditions such as pre eclampsia, intrauterine death abruption placenta birth injury hypoxia schock neonatal iso immune thrombocytopaenia and maternal ITP. Administration 1 RDE/pack per 2.5 kg single dose of fresh platelets less than 24hrs which contains 55 x 10(9) cells. This also contributes fresh plasma so is useful for coagulation defects also, though there is a risk of CMV and GVHD due to leucocyte contamination. Granulocyte concentrate; Gravity leucopheresis-1:8 ratio of 60 ml of 6% HES made to stand for 1hr.

Transfusión de granulocitos en pacientes neutropénicos febriles / Granulocyte transfusion in febrile neutropenic patients

Desde 1996 a la fecha hemos transfundido con granulocitos a 20 pacientes con 21 episodios de neutropenia febril con criterios de extrema gravedad. 14 episodios correspondieron a sepsis con germen conocido y 7 neutropenia febril sin germen aislado. Los pacientes recibieron un promedio de 3.7 aféresis, con 2.17(potencia 10) granulocitos por cada una. Los donantes fueron seleccionados entre familiares directos con estudios rutinarios para la donaci¢n de sangre, los que fueron condicionados con factor estimulante de colonias granulocíticas previa al procedimiento aferético. 15 pacientes sobrevivieron al episodio neutropénico con resolución de cuadro infeccioso. Las reacciones adversas transfucionales en los receptores fueron leves y no hubo complicaciones clínicas en los donantes. Las transfusiones de granulocitos parecen ser efectivas en pacientes con neutropenia febril sin respuesta a antibióticos

Transfusion de granulócitos en enfermos neutropénicos / Granulocytes transfusion for neutropenic patients

Existe un renovado interés en el uso de trafusiones de granulocitos con el objetivo de ofrecer un mejor soporte a enfermos con neutropenia severa y prolongada.Ello se debe a los avances en la metodología de la movilización y coleta, lo que ha pertido la obtención de produtos con mayor número y función de neutrófilos comparados a los obtenidos en la década del 70. En esta revisión se discute la experiencia referidas en la literatura en las pasadas tres décadas, los progesos en la selección de donantes, y el uso de factores estimulantes de colonias y de separadores celulares. Comentaos también los efectos adversos, enfatizamos sus indicaciones actuales, y nuestra propia experencia en la utilización de transfusiones granulócitas. Es de esperar que los progresos realizados en esta área justifiquen tener en cuenta a las transfusiones de granulocitos en el tratamiento del paciente con neutropenia severa, y que ofrezcan documentación que permita no reiterar las decepciones experimentadas en los últimos veinte años.