Abstract
Background
Neonates may be exposed to lead (Pb) through blood transfusions from donors. Pb exposure has neurological, cardiovascular, renal, and other adverse effects. The study aimed to (i) determine the blood lead levels (BLLs) in different blood product units (whole blood, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, and plasma transfused to neonates) and (ii) estimate the proportion of units with high BLLs.
Methods
Residual blood from blood bank bags that were used for neonatal transfusion were collected: 25 samples from each type of blood product except for whole blood (10 samples). The Pb analysis was performed using the atomic absorption method. The study was conducted at the Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt.
Results
The mean of BLL in pRBCs, platelets, plasma, and whole blood were 136, 199, 108, and 130 µg/L, respectively; 60% contained Pb above 50 µg/L. The highest BLLs were in platelet units.
Conclusions
The present study showed for the first time that platelets and plasma in addition to whole blood and pRBCs used for neonatal transfusions are sources of Pb. Re-evaluation of the guidelines is mandatory for the safety of the neonates. Long-term neurodevelopment assessment of neonates exposed to high Pb is warranted.
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Authors contributions
J.G.: revised the article critically for important intellectual content and final approval of the version to be published. S.A.: study design, acquisition of data, data analysis & interpretation, drafting the article and final approval of the version to be published. AO: conception, design, acquisition of data, drafting the article, and final approval of the version to be published. M.O.A.: collection and analysis of samples, final approval of the version to be published. D.M. data interpretation, editing and final approval of the version to be published.
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Aly, S.M., Omran, A., Abdalla, M.O. et al. Lead: a hidden “untested” risk in neonatal blood transfusion. Pediatr Res 85, 50–54 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-018-0175-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-018-0175-9
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