Prolonged iron depletion after allogeneic X-unit RBC apheresis

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic 2-unit RBG apheresis is a safe procedure offering ma ny advantages for donors and blood banks. A controlled study was performed to determine whether the recommended minimum interval of 4 months between e -unit RBC apheresis donations is appropriate in terms of the recovery of RB Cs and the regeneration of iron stores. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty male subjects each donated 2 units of RBCs by apheresis. The RBC count, reticulocyte count, EPO, and measures of iron status were analyzed before and during the 4 months after donation. RESULTS: A significant decrease in Hb (15.89 +/- 0.82 [mean +/- SD] vs. 14. 08 +/- 0.97 mg/dL, baseline vs. Day 7; p <0.001) was equalized within 2 mon ths. In contrast, ferritin Values declined significantly from 54.2 +/- 33.7 to 23.42 +/- 21.94 mug per L (predonation vs. Day 30) and remained signifi cantly below predonation values, but within the normal range, until the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: A donation interval of 4 months is appropriate in terms of RBC recovery, but may not be appropriate in terms of iron store regeneration. T he tendency to shorten the donation interval should be reconsidered in ligh t of the measurements of iron storage. The use of ferritin levels is recomm ended as a preselection criterion for allogeneic 2-unit RBC apheresis.