Iron supplementation and 2-unit red blood cell apheresis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
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.
Radtke
Hartmut
H
Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany. hartmut.radtke@charite.de
Mayer
Beate
B
Röcker
Lothar
L
Salama
Abdulgabar
A
Kiesewetter
Holger
H
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
D006454:Hemoglobins; D010919:Placebos; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron