Granulocyte transfusion therapy: update on potential clinical applications

The clinical usefulness of granulocyte transfusions for treatment or preven tion of life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections remains controvers ial. Clinical benefit has long been limited by insufficient donor stimulati on regimens and suboptimal leukapheresis techniques, Methodologic progress, in particular mobilization of neutrophils in healthy donors by administrat ion of G-CSF, has significantly enhanced leukapheresis yields. A newly publ ished study indicates that unrelated community donors can be effectively an d safely used as an alternative to related family donors. Furthermore, seve ral recent studies suggest that it may be possible to store granulocyte con centrates for 24 to 48 hours with adequate preservation of neutrophil funct ion, This review summarizes the current role of granulocyte transfusion the rapy in infectious diseases and highlights important recent advances. (C) 2 001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.