Granulocyte transfusions in children

Abstract

Abstract. Fifteen children with haematological diseases received an average of 10 granulocyte transfusions each, with 4.7 • 10 I~ granulocytes per m 2 body surface area (BSA) per transfusion. All patients except one had less than 100 granulocytes per I.tl blood combined with aplasia or hypoplasia of granulopoiesis. Thirteen patients were transfused therapeutically because of fever and/or severe local lesions unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Two patients, who were transfused prophylactically after bone-marrow transplantation (BMT), were in excellent clinical condition during the entire period of granulocyte transfusions in spite of severe granulocytopenia. All patients except one showed definite clinical benefit from granulocyte transfusions. The non-responding patient had leukocyte antibodies.