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. 1977 Aug 20;117(4):341–345.

Leukocyte transfusions for the prophylaxis and treatment of infections associated with granulocytopenia.

J E Curtis, R Hasselback, D E Bergsagel
PMCID: PMC1879729  PMID: 407998

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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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