Mononuclear cell collection in patients treated with extracorporeal photochemotherapy by using the off-line method: a comparison between COBE Spectra AutoPbsc version 6.1 and Amicus cell separators.

BACKGROUND: The first step (MNC collection) during extracorporeal photochemotherapy by using the off-line method is of paramount importance, since the product should be highly MNC-enriched with low RBC count to avoid UV-A intercepting by erythrocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 patients (nine with chronic GvHD and one with bullous pemphigoid) underwent MNC collection on subsequent days either with the COBE Spectra AutoPbsc version 6.1 or the Amicus Crescendo cell separator. Total and differential WBC count were performed on peripheral blood samples before procedure and on the yields. The procedure parameters were recorded for comparison between the two devices. Analysis included descriptive statistics and paired t-test. RESULTS: No clinically relevant side effect with the exception of mild paresthesias was observed during the 20 MNC collections. Furthermore, no difference were observed as to pre-collection hematological parameters. The mean total nucleated cell count in the yield was 6.99 ± 2.39 × 10(9) with a MNC content of 5.9 ± 2.19 × 10(9) in the Spectra group and 6.15 ± 2.02 × 10(9) with 5.29 ± 2.39 × 10(9) in the Amicus group (P = 0.407 and P = 0.540, respectively). PLT content was higher in the yield from the Spectra group when compared to the Amicus group (1.54 × 10(11) ± 0.74 vs. 0.53 × 10(11) ± 0.34, P = 0.001). Moreover, no difference were observed in the RBC content in the product : 3.38 mL ± 1.91 vs. 4.59 mL ± 2.09, P = 0.191, when COBE Spectra and Amicus were compared, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both devices provide a satisfactory MNC collection for further UV-A treatment.