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Lead and Mercury Levels in Preterm Infants Before and After Blood Transfusions

Sahin Takci1, Ali Asci2,3, Pinar Erkekoglu2

  • 1School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey.

Biological Trace Element Research
|August 2, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants receiving packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions are exposed to heavy metals. This study found significant lead transfer and potential mercury transfer via pRBCs, highlighting a risk for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Toxicology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants frequently require packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions.
  • The potential for heavy metal transfer through pRBC transfusions is not well-established.
  • Understanding heavy metal exposure in VLBW infants is crucial for their health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify pre- and post-transfusion erythrocyte lead and mercury levels in VLBW infants.
  • To determine the concentrations of lead and mercury within pRBC units.
  • To correlate infant heavy metal levels with concentrations found in transfused pRBCs.

Main Methods:

  • Enrollment of 80 VLBW infants receiving their first pRBC transfusion.
  • Measurement of erythrocyte lead and mercury levels in infant blood samples before and after transfusion.
  • Analysis of heavy metal concentrations in the transfused pRBC units.

Main Results:

  • Mean lead levels in pRBCs were 16.3 ± 10.8 μg/L; 69.7% of infants received lead above the reference dose.
  • Erythrocyte lead levels significantly increased post-transfusion (p < 0.05) and correlated with lead in pRBCs (r = 0.28).
  • Mean erythrocyte mercury levels showed no significant pre-/post-transfusion change (p > 0.05), but post-transfusion differences correlated with mercury in pRBCs (r = 0.28).

Conclusions:

  • VLBW infants are exposed to significant levels of lead and potentially mercury through pRBC transfusions.
  • Transfusion practices may contribute to heavy metal burden in vulnerable infant populations.
  • Further research is warranted to assess the clinical implications of heavy metal transfer via pRBCs.

Keywords:
Blood transfusionLeadMercuryNeonatePrematurity

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