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Lead: a hidden "untested" risk in neonatal blood transfusion
Sanaa Mohamed Aly1, Ahmed Omran2, Mohamed Osama Abdalla3
1Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. sasydayem@hotmail.com.
Pediatric Research
|October 10, 2018
Summary
Neonatal blood transfusions can expose infants to lead (Pb). This study found that platelets and plasma, along with red blood cells and whole blood, contain concerning levels of lead, necessitating guideline review.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Toxicology
- Blood Banking
Background:
- Neonates are vulnerable to lead (Pb) exposure via blood transfusions.
- Lead exposure can cause significant neurological, cardiovascular, and renal damage.
- Current transfusion practices may inadvertently expose neonates to lead.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine blood lead levels (BLLs) in neonatal blood products.
- Assess the prevalence of high BLLs in transfused blood components.
- Identify specific blood products that are significant sources of lead.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed residual blood from neonatal transfusion units (whole blood, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, plasma).
- Utilized atomic absorption spectroscopy for lead quantification.
- Conducted study at Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt.
Main Results:
- Mean BLLs varied by product: platelets (199 µg/L), pRBCs (136 µg/L), whole blood (130 µg/L), and plasma (108 µg/L).
- A significant proportion (60%) of units exceeded 50 µg/L lead.
- Platelet units exhibited the highest blood lead concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Platelets and plasma are identified as novel sources of lead exposure in neonates through transfusion.
- Existing transfusion guidelines require re-evaluation to ensure neonatal safety.
- Further research on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in lead-exposed neonates is crucial.