Normal Granulocyte Transfusion Therapy

Abstract

Ninety-six granulocyte transfusions were given from compatible normal donors to 39 neutropenic patients receiving appropriate antibiotics for documented septicemia due to gram-negative bacteria. A matched group of 37 patients treated concurrently with appropriate antibiotics alone served as a control. Eleven of 37 patients (29.7 per cent) in the control group survived the episode of sepsis. Eighteen of the 39 patients (46.1 per cent) receiving transfusions survived; however, 12 patients receiving four or more consecutive daily granulocyte transfusions from compatible donors had complete recovery (100 per cent). In contrast only five of 19 control patients (26 per cent) surviving long enough to receive four transfusions (more than five days) recovered. These studies indicate that compatible granulocyte transfusions (as defined by absence of recipient leukoagglutinins and lymphocytotoxic antibodies against donor leukocytes) can be effective in the clinical management of septicemia due to gram-negative bacteria when given repeatedly to granulocytic patients.