Transfusion of Neutrophils as Prevention or Treatment of Infection in Patients with Neutropenia

Abstract

TREATMENT of life-threatening bacterial infections in patients with severe neutropenia is extraordinarily difficult, at least as judged by any degree of long-term success. Although factors other than neutropenia often contribute to the susceptibility of such patients to infection, there is little doubt that neutropenia per se is associated with a marked increase in the frequency and severity of infection.¹ Since replacement of platelets by transfusion has proved beneficial in preventing² and treating³ bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia, it is natural that interest has grown in the possible prevention and treatment of infection in patients with neutropenia by transfusing neutrophils. Although . . .