[Peripheral blood stem cell collection in pediatric oncohematology. Experience with patients weighing less than 15 kg].
BACKGROUND
Leukapheresis for peripheral blood stem cell collection is increasingly being carried out in pediatric cancer patients. Aim of this study was to report experience of the Padua Apheresis Unit on a series of children weighting < 15 kg who have undergone such an apheresis procedure.


METHODS
This retrospective study includes 15 pediatric patients affected with various malignancies (neuroblastoma: 7; acute myelogenous leukemia: 3; rhabdomyosarcoma: 2; PNET: 1; retinoblastoma: 1; Burkitt's lymphoma: 1) collecting peripheral blood stem cells by a Cobe Spectra blood cell separator. Main procedure parameters, including vascular access, leukapheresis duration, blood flow rate, processed blood volumes, side effects, mononuclear and CD34+ cell yields, have been registered.


RESULTS
Altogether 22 sessions have been carried out, by processing a mean of 2.8 blood volumes. No leukapheresis related complications have been recorded, such as hypotension, hypocalcemia and hypothermia. Noteworthy, in 4 procedures two or more peripheral venipunctures have been performed to ensure an adequate blood flow.


CONCLUSIONS
Leukapheresis for peripheral blood stem cell collection can be safely and efficaciously carried out in pediatric patients, even weighing < 15 kg, on the condition that certain aspects of apheresis practice in children (vascular access, volume shifts, anticoagulation, side effects) are carefully considered.
Marson
P
P
Servizio di Immunoematologia e Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova.
Petris
M G
MG
Messina
C
C
Cecchetto
G
G
Giordano
R
R
Zanesco
L
L
De Silvestro
G
G
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007937:Leukapheresis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018952:Antigens, CD34
Raccolta di cellule staminali periferiche in oncoematologia pediatrica. Esperienza su soggetti di peso inferiore a 15 kg.