Name of the Procedure:

Leukocyte Transfusion
(Also known as: White Blood Cell Transfusion)

Summary

Leukocyte transfusion is a medical procedure where white blood cells are transferred from a healthy donor to a patient. This is often done to boost the patient's immune system, especially when it is particularly compromised.

Purpose

The main purpose of a leukocyte transfusion is to treat patients with severe infections that their bodies cannot fight off due to a low white blood cell count. It aims to reestablish the patient's immune system defenses to prevent or combat infections.

Indications

• Severe neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
• Refractory infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Bone marrow failure or suppression
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant

Preparation

• The patient may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.
• Blood tests and assessments to determine white blood cell count and compatibility with the donor's cells.
• Review and adjustment of current medications as necessary.

Procedure Description

1. Donor Selection: Identifying a compatible donor with an adequate white blood cell count.
2. Collection: The donor's white blood cells are collected through a process called apheresis, which separates white blood cells from the rest of the blood.
3. Transfusion: The prepared leukocyte concentrate is transfused into the patient through an intravenous (IV) line.
   • Tools include an IV catheter, apheresis machine, and sterile transfusion bags.
   • Sedation is generally not required, but local anesthetics may be used for the IV insertion site.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital or specialized outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Hematologist or oncologist
• Trained nurses
• Medical technicians
• Transfusion medicine specialist

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reactions
• Fever and chills
• Transmission of infections
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
• Possible exacerbation of pre-existing conditions

Benefits

• Enhanced ability to fight infections
• Improved short-term immune response
• Potentially life-saving for patients with severe neutropenia or infections

Recovery

• Monitoring for several hours post-transfusion for adverse reactions.
• Possible temporary side effects like fever or chills.
• Follow-up blood tests to monitor white blood cell count.
• Instructions on activity restrictions and medications, if needed.

Alternatives

• Antibiotic therapy
• Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections to stimulate white cell production
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplant for long-term treatment
• Each alternative varies in effectiveness, duration, and risk profile compared to leukocyte transfusion.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a slight discomfort or pain at the IV insertion site.
• Typically, patients experience minimal discomfort during the transfusion.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and comfort measures like warm compresses.
• Monitoring and support from healthcare staff throughout the procedure and recovery process.