title: Leukocyte transfusions for the prophylaxis and treatment of infections associated with granulocytopenia.
abstract: The role of leukocyte transfusions in the prevention and treatment of infections in adults with granulocytopenia was investigated. Leukocytes were obtained from healthy volunteers by continuous-flow centrifugation. Histocompatibility antigen (HLA)-matched leukocytes were used to assess the prophylactic value of leukocyte transfusions. Seven patients with acute myelogenous leukemia received HLA-matched leukocytes during the period of maximal granulocytopenia associated with initial remission induction therapy; 20 concurrently treated patients who did not receive leukocyte transfusions were the control group. The patients receiving HLA-matched leukocytes had significantly fewer (P = 0.043) infectious episodes (not bacteriologically proven) during the study period, and remission occurred in 5 of the 7, compared with 10 of the 20 controls. In addition, 52 series of two or more ABO-compatible transfusions were given to 50 patients with proven infection or elevated temperature presumed due to infection and a granulocyte count of less than 0.5 X 10(9)/L. Response, indicated by a decrease in temperature, occurred in 23 patients. Leukocyte transfusions thus have an important adjuvant role in the management of patients with severe granulocytopenia.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000628:therapy; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D017708:Leukocyte Transfusion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged