Considerations on the number of plasma donations per donor per year: Pro

Although plasmapheresis is generally well tolerated, there is a matter of debate about the number of yearly plasma donations. While some countries follow a very conservative approach with a low number of yearly donations others allow for up to 104 plasma donations per year. This article summarises side effects and possible long-term effects of frequent plasmapheresis analysing the current literature data.

Donor-related and machine-related adverse events were identified. Donor-related adverse events were subdivided into actual and possible long-term health effects.

Vasovagal reactions and venepuncture-related problems were the most often actual side effects. Reported issues of long-term adverse events were iron deficiency, loss of protein/immunoglobulin G (IgG), and the occurrence of malignancies. There are contradictory reports in the literature for the occurrence of iron deficiency and malignancies as well as the impact of immunoglobulin loss with respect to infections.

Evidence-based data about the impact of frequent plasmapheresis on donor health are poor. High-quality studies on risks and outcome of frequent plasmaphereses are needed to ensure donor health.