title: Iron supplementation and 2-unit red blood cell apheresis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The benefits of 2-unit red blood cell (RBC) apheresis are evident, but iron depletion may be a limiting factor in using this technology. Regular iron supplementation may allow a better utilization of this technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 260 regular blood donors donated 2-unit RBCs on each of a total of seven visits at intervals of 8 to 10 weeks. The volunteers were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of iron(II) or placebo daily. Group A received iron capsules after the first three donations, and Group B after the second three donations, respectively. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and serum iron were measured before each donation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean serum ferritin concentration decreased after each donation in the placebo phase of both treatment groups, but it remained largely constant during the iron phase in Group A, and even increased during the iron phase in Group B.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regular iron supplementation prevents iron depletion in the majority of donors after 2-unit RBC apheresis within an 8- to 10-week period.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany. hartmut.radtke@charite.de
authors.forename: Hartmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Radtke
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Röcker
authors.forename: Abdulgabar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salama
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kiesewetter
mesh_terms: D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001782:Blood Donors; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D010919:Placebos
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D010919:Placebos; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron