Considerations for Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Apheresis in a Low Body Weight Infant.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) apheresis in infants (<10 kg body weight) requires specific precautions to prevent periprocedural complications. CASE REPORT A 9 month old child was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma and planned for autologous stem cell transplantation after induction chemotherapy. We illustrate the precautions and technical details observed while performing PBSC collection in this patient. DISCUSSION: Use of continuous flow devices, priming of apheresis circuits, appropriate flow rates and continuous monitoring can help to mitigate several procedure related complications. CONCLUSIONS: PBSC apheresis in infants (<10 Kg) is safe and feasible with appropriate precautions detailed above.