Continuous‐Flow Leukapheresis for Rapid Cytoreduction in Leukemia

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Abstract
Three patients with leukemia were treated for acute leukostasis using the continuous-flow cell separator. The 1st patient, treated with a standard procedure sustained only a 14% decrease in leukocyte count even though 50 .times. 1010 leukocytes were removed. A more aggressive approach was taken with the 2nd 2 patients by increasing the rate of leukocyte removal 3- to 4-fold. In these patients, 100-230 .times. 1010 leukocytes were removed and prepheresis counts dropped by 48-85%. Both had satisfactory clinical response to pheresis. An aggressive pheresis can effectively treat symptoms associated with acute leukostasis. The continuous-flow cell separator has distinct advantages over the discontinuous-flow separator in patients with small blood volumes.