Leukocyte Transfusions: Function of Transfused Granulocytes from Donors with Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Abstract The in vivo function of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) leukocytes transfused into infected patients with severe neutropenia was evaluated and the results in four representative patients are reported. The intravascular survival, extravascular migration, and phagocytic capacity of these cells appeared normal in two patients without preformed leukoagglutinins. In two other patients who had only small transient increments in circulating granulocytes and severe transfusion reactions, preformed leukoagglutinins were found. The poor granulocyte recoveries in these patients with antibody could probably be explained by splenic sequestration of the transfused cells. These studies provide evidence supporting the use of CML leukocyte transfusions in patients without preformed leukocyte antibodies.