Cord blood as a source of autologous RBCs for transfusion to preterm infants

This prospective study was conducted to gain experience as to whether it is technically possible to produce autologous RBCs in additive solution from cord blood (CB), to optimize the blood supply for preterm infants.

CB was collected from 47 infants with a mean (+/- SD) birth weight of 1717 (+/- 699) g. Whenever possible, RBC components were prepared by standard centrifugation using a six-bag system. All samples were put in sterility testing quarantine for 5 days, and a maximum storage of 14 days from collection to transfusion was specified. The babies were given either the autologous RBCs or standard allogeneic RBC concentrates, if autologous blood was not available.

In 81 percent of the samples, autologous RBC components could be processed (vol, 7-87 mL; Hct, 31-82%). But within the group of extremely low birth weight infants (body weight <1000 g), a mean CB net volume of only 37 mL was collected, and the RBC preparation was successful only in exceptional cases. Three CB samples (8.6%) tested positive in sterility testing. Of the 47 infants, 21 were treated with a total of 62 allogeneic and 4 autologous RBC transfusions. Most infants with a body weight over 1400 g did not need any RBC transfusion.

The preparation of autologous RBCs from the CB of preterm infants is technically possible in principle. However, major concerns must be raised as to whether such preparations are of benefit in ensuring safe care of neonates with blood components, with respect to the high rate of bacterial contamination and the limited availability in babies with low birth weight.