Granulocyte transfusions in the G-CSF era. Where do we stand?

The efficacy of granulocytes transfusions (GTX) in either the prevention or treatment of neutropenic sepsis has been a controversial issue. Early studies employing steroid mobilised GTX showed variable, dose-dependent results and significant pulmonary toxicity was reported. With the introduction of the recombinant myeloid growth factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), the quantity of granulocytes that could be harvested was substantially increased leading to renewed interest in the clinical application of GTX. The administration of G-CSF to normal donors leads to significantly higher pre-harvest neutrophil counts and consequently larger granulocyte harvests. Infusion of G-CSF stimulated GTX results in measurable increases in the recipients' neutrophil count and may reduce the duration and severity of neutropenia. However, the efficacy of these GTX in treating or preventing established neutropenic sepsis remains to be established in prospective controlled clinical trials.

Blood center perspective of granulocyte transfusions: future applications.

The role of the blood bank in provision of an optimal granulocyte concentrate is discussed. The importance of the granulocyte dose is emphasized, and recent developments permitting the collection of larger numbers of cells are reviewed. In particular, the administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to normal donors has been reported to result in dramatically increased neutrophil yields. Recent data has also suggested that increased efficiencies of collection can be realized by the use of hetastarch as the red cell sedimenting agent.