Simple Predictors of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Yield in Healthy Donors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are commonly used for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) over other stem cell sources. The hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are mobilized from marrow by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and then harvested by apheresis technique. The HSC yield differs in donors that may be due to inadequate mobilization or difficulty in harvesting the mobilized stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed donor demographic and pre-apheresis hematological variables with circulating CD34+ cell (cir CD34) count and HSC yield in product in 100 normal donors. G-CSF was given for 5 consecutive days, and the stem cells were harvested on day 5. The cir CD34 count and pre-apheresis variables were recorded a day before harvest. RESULTS: Of 100 donors, 77% were males and 23% were females. Male sex, younger age, and donor weight were significantly associated with better CD34 yield in the product. Among the pre-apheresis hematological variables, absolute neutrophil count, hematocrit, and absolute nucleated red blood cell count significantly correlated with post-GCF circulating CD34 and CD34 yield in the product. Donors with mean corpuscular volume <80 fL showed relatively poor CD34 cell harvest as compared to normal donors, though with adequate mobilization. CONCLUSION: Selection of donors for PBSC apheresis is crucial for a good transplant outcome and recovery. Alternate strategies that improve the final CD34 yield should be employed for donors with high risk for poor CD34+ cell yield.