Introduction: Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) collection is central to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Although generally safe, it may cause transient haematological changes requiring red blood cell (RBC) or platelet transfusions, and predictors of transfusion need in mixed adult–paediatric cohorts remain poorly characterised. Objective: To characterise transfusion requirements during PBSC collection and identify associated clinical and procedural factors in adult and paediatric patients. Methods: Retrospective single-centre study including all PBSC apheresis procedures for autologous transplantation at IPO-Porto (January 2020–December 2023). Demographics, laboratory parameters, mobilisation regimens, procedural characteristics, and transfusion data were collected. Haematological values were assessed pre-mobilisation, immediately before, and immediately after collection. Associations were evaluated using non-parametric and correlation analyses. Results: We analysed 571 procedures in 364 patients (42 paediatric, 322 adult). RBC transfusions were uncommon (2.1%) and strongly associated with lower pre-collection haemoglobin, occurring exclusively in adults undergoing multiple procedures. Platelet transfusions were more frequent (28.5%) and correlated with lower pre-collection platelet counts, number of collection sessions, and flow rate. Paediatric procedures involved lower processed blood volumes but longer durations, likely due to procedural constraints. No patients developed clinical anaemia or bleeding, and no severe transfusion-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Transfusion requirements during PBSC collection are mainly determined by baseline haemoglobin and platelet counts, cumulative procedural burden and flow-related factors, while the haematological impact of G-CSF mobilisation is modest.
Fonseca et al. (Fri,) studied this question.