Granulocyte transfusion

Granulocyte Transfusion

A segmented neutrophil, a type of granulocyte

Granulocyte transfusion is a medical procedure in which granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are transfused into a patient. This procedure is typically used to treat patients with severe neutropenia and infections that are not responding to standard treatments. Granulocytes are crucial components of the immune system, playing a key role in the body's defense against bacterial and fungal infections.

Indications

Granulocyte transfusions are primarily indicated for patients with:

• Severe neutropenia, particularly when the neutrophil count is less than 0.1 x 10^9/L.
• Persistent or severe infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics.
• Conditions such as aplastic anemia, leukemia, or bone marrow transplant recipients who are at high risk for infections.

Collection and Preparation

Granulocytes are collected from healthy donors through a process called apheresis. During apheresis, blood is drawn from the donor, and a machine separates the granulocytes from other blood components. The remaining blood is then returned to the donor. Granulocyte collection is often stimulated by administering granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and corticosteroids to the donor to increase the yield of granulocytes.

Administration

Granulocyte transfusions are administered intravenously, typically over a period of 1-2 hours. The transfusion is usually given daily until the patient's neutrophil count improves or the infection is controlled. Close monitoring is required during the transfusion to watch for any adverse reactions.

Risks and Complications

While granulocyte transfusions can be life-saving, they are associated with several risks, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions
• Transmission of infections
• Graft-versus-host disease

Efficacy

The efficacy of granulocyte transfusions can vary depending on the underlying condition and the severity of the infection. Some studies suggest that they can be beneficial in certain high-risk patients, but their use remains controversial due to the potential risks and the availability of alternative treatments.

Related Pages

• Neutropenia
• Apheresis
• Bone marrow transplant
• Immune system