Granulocyte transfusion therapy in paediatric patients with severe neutropenic infection

The data of 10 children who developed 13 high-risk febrile neutropenia with/without microbiologically documented severe infection, while being treated for a hematologic disorder were investigated retrospectively. The 24th hour post-transfusion neutrophil and platelet counts increased significantly, compared to the baseline values (p = 0.034, p = 0.025). Except three granulocyte transfusions (GTs) after which oliguria and/or mild respiratory distress developed, the transfusions were well tolerated. The clinical response, hematologic response and infection related mortality rates were 69.2%, 53.8% and 30.8%, respectively. Although our study includes limited number of patients, we can conclude that GT seems beneficial for children with severe sepsis during neutropenia.