Abstract
Seven patients with hematologic malignancies were treated with granulocyte transfusions (GTX) for severe infection due to prolonged neutropenia. In the course of treatment, we performed 29 GTX. G-CSF was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1, μug/kg to each GTX donor, 12 hours prior to leukapheresis in an attempt to increase the yield of granulocytes after informed consent was obtained. Leukapheresis techniques including hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was performed using Hemonetics model 50. Hydrocortisone was not administered. The mean volume of processed blood was lower (1.6-1.8 l) than that by conventional methods (2.4-3.7 l). The collecting time was also shortened. No side effects were seen in donors. The mean number of granulocytes collected was 2.54+1.2 × 1010 which is about 3 times higher than that of the conventional method using hydrocortisone stimulation. In conclusion, G-CSF was safe to administer to normal individuals, and significantly improved the quantity of neutrophils collected. This study indicates that GTX donors and patients benefit from G-CSF administration to the donor prior to leukapheresis.
