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Guidelines for safety management of granulocyte transfusion in Japan

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Abstract

Granulocyte transfusion (GTX) has recently been revived by the ability to stimulate granulocyte donors with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), resulting in a greatly increased number of cells that can be collected. However, there is a paucity of guidelines for assessing the appropriateness and safety management of GTX. The objective of this study was to establish guidelines for the safety management of GTX appropriate for the clinical situation in Japan. The Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Granulocyte Transfusion Task Force issued the first version of guidelines for GTX considering the safety management of both granulocyte donors and patients who receive GTX therapy. The current guidelines cover issues concerning: (1) the appropriateness of medical institutions, (2) management of granulocyte donors, (3) quality assurance of granulocyte concentrates, (4) administration of granulocyte concentrates, (5) evaluation of the effectiveness of GTX therapy, and (6) complications of GTX therapy. The simple ‘bag separation method’ without apheresis may be recommended for granulocyte collection in pediatric patients. The first version of guidelines for GTX therapy has been established, which may be appropriate for the clinical situation in Japan. Care should be taken to perform the safety management of both granulocyte donors and patients who receive GTX therapy.

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Correspondence to Akimichi Ohsaka.

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The Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Granulocyte Transfusion Task Force.

Although the recommendation and information are believed to be true and accurate at the time of preparation of the guidelines, neither the authors nor the Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy accept any legal responsibility for the content of current guidelines.

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Ohsaka, A., Kikuta, A., Ohto, H. et al. Guidelines for safety management of granulocyte transfusion in Japan. Int J Hematol 91, 201–208 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-010-0506-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-010-0506-z

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