'Vampire syndrome': serum protein and lipid abnormalities related to frequent sale of plasma.
The sale of plasma for profit has become a common occurrence. In the United States, a healthy individual can donate as frequently as six times per month and up to 60 L of plasma per year. Although plasma donors are generally healthy, intervening conditions can increase the catabolism or decrease the synthesis of certain serum constituents and thereby produce a confusing clinical picture. In 1 month, we encountered two patients who presented with hypoalbuminemia and hypocholesterolemia for which there was no obvious cause except a history of frequent plasma sales.
Jones
D K
DK
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
Dunn
M I
MI
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003132:Commerce; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010949:Plasma; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors
D012709:Serum Albumin; D002784:Cholesterol