GIN
Granulocytes in Neutropenia clinical study
Are pooled granulocytes safe and effective for patients who are neutropenic?
What was this study about?
People with neutropenia have very low numbers of white blood cells, particularly white blood cells with granules in them called granulocytes. Granulocytes attack and destroy foreign substances (like bacteria) in the blood. Doctors give granulocyte transfusions to people with neutropenia to prevent or treat bacterial or fungal infections.
What difference did this study make?
Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps to fight infection. The GIN study was looking at how safe a new formulation of granulocytes is. The study found that the new formulation is safe, and less likely to cause reactions to the transfusion than the previous formulation. The new pooled granulocyte product is now recommended in guidelines for use in patients with a low white cell count, and is benefitting patients because it helps them to fight infection whilst reducing the risk that they will have a transfusion reaction (in particular a severe reaction known as "Transfusion-related lung injury", which causes breathing difficulties).
Type of study
Non-randomised trial
Contact details
Who funded the study?
The National Blood Service, which is part of NHS Blood and Transplant.
When did it take place?
This study started recruiting people in March 2007. It stopped recruiting people in 2009.
Where did it take place?
This trial recruited patients from hospitals in Bristol, Oxford and Manchester.
Who was included?
Adults and children who were staying in hospital,had a low white cell count, and had been prescribed a transfusion of granulocytes by their Doctor either because they had a bacterial or fungal infection or they had previously had a severe infection during a period of neutropenia