KINETICS OF CD34-GSF-MOBILIZED PATIENTS AND RELATED DONORS( CELLS IN BLOOD AND LEUKAPHERESIS PRODUCTS OF G)

Background: Since there is little conclusive data about the apheresis- induced kinetics and changes of CD34+ cells, we analyzed the relation of CD34+ cells in blood before and after leukapheresis to the yields i n apheresis products. Methods: We investigated the amount of CD34+ cel ls in a total of 51 peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) apheresis products and in peripheral blood before and after PBPC apheresis of 20 patients/related donors. Progenitor cells were mobilized with 2x12 mu g G-CSF/kg body weight for patients, whereas related donors obtained 2 x 5 mu g G-CSF/kg body weight (bw). Results: Flow cytometric analysi s showed decreasing CD34+ cells in blood and apheresis products for co nsecutive PBPC aphereses for both groups. Similar decrease rates of CD 34+ cells in blood during PBPC apheresis procedures for patients (mean decrease 34.8%) and related donors (mean decrease 34.3%) demonstrate comparable kinetics. Regression analysis showed a correlation coeffici ent of r=0.75 for CD34+ cells in blood and apheresis products, and r=0 .24 for WBC in blood and CD34+ cells in leukapheresis products. Conclu sion: The results confirm the feasibility and efficiency of CD34+ cell monitoring in blood predicting the yields of PBPC aphereses. Kinetics of CD34+ cells show a maximum after 5 days administration of G-CSF (f irst apheresis) with consecutive decreases of CD34+ cells in both bloo d and apheresis products for patients and related donors.