Donor reaction to hydroxyethyl starch during granulocytapheresis.

Granulocyte transfusion therapy has become relatively routine in centers treating patients with hematologic malignancies. The yield of granulocytes has been improved with newer leukapheresis techniques, premedication with corticosteroids, and the use of sedimenting agents, usually hydroxyethyl starch. Despite the relative safety of these techniques, there are risks to participating donors. A case of a donor reaction related to hydroxyethyl starch is presented. This report is a reminder that leukapheresis must be performed with careful consideration of therapeutic benefit-to-risk ratios.