Efficacy in reducing potassium load in irradiated red cell bags with a potassium adsorption filter

The transfusion of red cell (RBC) bags with high amounts of potassium (K(+)) causes concern about an increased risk of cardiac arrest because of transient hyperkalemia. To prevent K(+) overload, a K(+) adsorption filter (PAF) is available for use at bedside. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy in reducing K(+) load in irradiated RBC bags with this PAF.

Whole-blood (WB) bags were collected from volunteer donors on Day 0. RBC bags were prepared from WB bags on Day +1 and stored at 2 to 6 degrees C. RBC bags were irradiated on Day +14 and filtered with the PAF on Day +28, according to the manufacturers' instructions. The plasma electrolyte levels (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+)) were measured at the different points during storage.

Twelve RBC bags were prepared with a final volume of 274 +/- 15 mL. On Day +28, the volume of RBC bags was 257 +/- 15 mL, and the PAF was used at a flow rate of 4 +/- 0.7 mL per minute. K(+) level after RBC bag preparation was 1.28 +/- 0.59 mmol per L. The K(+) level was 60.6 +/- 2.68 mmol per L on Day +28, just before filtration with the PAF. After filtration, the level of K(+) was 3.42 +/- 2.91 mmol per L.

This study has shown a high efficacy in reducing potassium load in irradiated RBC bags with the use of the PAF.