Erythrocyte transfusions after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell graft

Allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is being evaluated in a randomized French study comparing the use of peripheral blood stem cells vs, bone marrow graft stem cells. In order to standardize immunohematological (IH) assessment and transfusion practices within our protocol, we made suggestions to 25 allo-transplantation French centers on the following elements: pre-inclusion IH assessment, IH exclusion criteria, transfusion rules, post-transplantation IH surveillance and treatment of hemolysis. The analysis of their responses to our suggestions led trs to elaborate recommendations which were approved and implemented by the French Bone Marrow Transplantation Society (SFGM). These recommendations concern the transfusion practice in the general framework of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and can therefore be considered as referential. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.