[Lessons drawn from granulocyte transfusions in the treatment of infections complicating aplasia induced by anti-leukemic chemotherapy].

The authors report the results of leukocyte transfusions of white cells obtained by sedimentation from donors with chronic myeloid leukemia, and by a continuous output cell separator used in healthy donors. The percentage of therapeutic efficacy of these two techniques is respectively, 62 and 78%. Among the factors affecting transfusion efficacy, the dose of injected leukocytes, the immunological compatibility and the functional value of the injected cells, appear of major importance. A qualitative study of the polymorphs in chronic myeloid leukemia, assessed by reduction with tetrazolium nitro-blue (N.B.T.) after ingestion of latex particles, proved normal when studied in vivo in the recipient. The mode of action of transfused leukocytes is then discussed.