Efficacy and safety of G-CSF mobilized granulocyte transfusions in four neutropenic children with sepsis and invasive fungal infection

Background: Bacterial and fungal infections are serious complications of cancer therapy. Especially during longstanding neutropenia, patients are at risk for Life-threatening infections. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and safety of G-CSF mobilized granulocyte transfusions (GTX) in four neutropenic pediatric patients with sepsis. Patients and Methods: The patients were between 4.6-17.5 years old and their diagnoses included very severe aplastic anemia, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and acute myetoid Leukemia. Before GTX, all patients had fever despite antibiotic and antimycotic therapy, neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count ANC < 500/muL), increasing C-reactive protein (CRP) values, hypotension requiring dopamine infusion and three patients needed supplemental oxygen. The granulocyte donors received G-CSF (Neupogen (TM), 5 mug/kg body weight) 12 h prior to granulocyte apheresis. Results: In total, 40 GTX were performed (range 2-28 per patient). The mean increase of the granulocyte count 1 h after GTX was 1,310/mul (range 200-2,950/mul). Within the period of GTX the CRP values decreased in all patients. During or 24 h after the Last GTX, the hypotension resolved and supplemental oxygen was stopped. One GTX was discontinued because of oxygen desaturation. Conclusion: GTX were a safe therapeutic measure with beneficial effects on serious infections in neutropenic children.