Granulocyte transfusions for neutropenic patients with life‐threatening infections: a single centre experience in 47 patients, who received 348 granulocyte transfusions

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Abstract
Introduction  The role of granulocyte transfusions (GT) in patients with neutropenia‐related infections remains controversial.Materials and Methods  A retrospective analysis of 47 neutropenic patients, treated with 348 consecutive GTs for life‐threatening infections between 1999 and 2004, is presented.Results  The only grade III–IV toxicity observed in GT recipients was respiratory deterioration (n= 6, 12·8%). The overall infection‐related mortality (IRM) approached 38%. Achievement of a neutrophil count of > 700 cells per µl after at least 50% of days of GTs (n = 33, 70%) significantly correlated with reduced IRM (27·3% vs. 64·3%, P < 0·02). GT doses of > 2 × 1010 neutrophils per bag appeared to increase both neutophil and platelet counts following transfusion.Conclusion  GTs are safe and should be considered for patients with life‐threatening neutropenic infections. However, prospective randomized studies of GTs are the only way to establish the true role of GTs.