Iron supplementation and 2-unit red blood cell apheresis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

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.

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.

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.

Regular iron supplementation prevents iron depletion in the majority of donors after 2-unit RBC apheresis within an 8- to 10-week period.