Therapeutic leukapheresis: 9-year experience in a University Hospital

Hyperleucocytosis is associated with higher morbidity and mortality related to possible development of leucostasis, tumour lysis syndrome and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation. There is insufficient evidence of the need for leukocytapheresis during early treatment of hyperleucocytosis, and its efficiency remains controversial, although leucoreduction is a measure that can prevent adverse events and death. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic leukocytapheresis and its influence on early mortality in our case series, adjusted to independent mortality risk factors described in the literature. This was a retrospective review (June 2003-June 2012) of procedures carried out for the treatment of hyperleucocytosis at the Haematology and Haemotherapy Service of Miguel Servet University Hospital. The patients' data and technical information were prospectively registered for each leukocytapheresis session. Thirteen patients underwent a total of 27 leukocytapheresis procedures. After an average of two sessions, a statistically significant drop in the initial leucocyte counts was observed (p