Impact of the use of hydroxyethyl starch in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia

Objectives To determine the impact of the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia. Background Granulocyte transfusion (GT) is a therapeutic option for neutropenic patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. Recent studies in emergency medicine have shown the potential risk of using HES, which is routinely used in granulocyte apheresis to increase yield by sedimenting red blood cells. We hypothesized that the use of a newer device (Spectra Optia) would spare the need for HES. Methods We retrospectively compared granulocyte apheresis with HES (HES group, n = 89) and without HES (non-HES group, n = 36) using Spectra Optia. Results The granulocyte yield was significantly higher in the HES group (7.3 x 10(10) vs. 2.0 x 10, p < 0.01) and was attributed to the difference in collection efficiency (36% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.01). The absolute neutrophil count on the following morning of GT was significantly higher in the HES group than in the non-HES group (2460/mu l vs. 505/mu l, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the HES and non-HES groups. The renal function was unchanged in both groups after apheresis. Conclusions We demonstrated that the advantage of using HES remained unchanged in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia.