Polycythemia in an infant secondary to granulocyte transfusions

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Olufolake A. Adisa, Emory University; Jeanne Hendrickson, Emory University; Courtney K. Hopkins, American Red Cross; Howard Katzenstein, Emory University; Cassandra D Josephson, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2011-12-15
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pbc.23080/abstract
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Pediatric Blood and Cancer
• ISSN: 1545-5009
• Volume: 57
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 1236
• End Page: 1238
• Grant/Funding Information: NIH award HL-07-001 Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Academic Career Award
• Keywords: red blood cells; Transfusion; granulocytes; neutropenia
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Oncology; Health Sciences, Pathology

Abstract

Granulocyte transfusions may be useful for neutropenic pediatric patients with refractory bacterial or fungal infections. Many potential adverse sequelae associated with granulocyte transfusions are well recognized, including febrile reactions, fluid overload, alloimmunization, and lung injury. Other potential adverse sequelae, however, are less well known. This case report describes an infant with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) who developed polycythemia (hemoglobin 10 g/dL to 17.6 g/dL) following four daily transfusions of 20 ml/kg of apheresis collected, steroid stimulated donor granulocytes. Expanded knowledge of potential risks of transfused granulocytes will allow for rapid recognition of transfusion related complications, should they occur.