Abstract
BackgroundDuring storage, transfusion blood may undergo a series of biochemical changes that could pose risks to patients when used. It is important therefore to monitor biochemical changes that may reduce survival or function of stored blood cells.ObjectiveThis study assessed biochemical changes in whole blood stored for transfusion at Bungoma County Referral Hospital in the western region of Kenya between February 2019 and August 2019.MethodsA prospective study design involving 20 randomly selected donor blood units in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine anticoagulant was employed. Biochemical changes were evaluated for 35 days. Potassium and sodium levels were tested using the HumaLyte Plus5 analyser. Blood pH level was estimated using the Hanna pH meter.ResultsAt the end of the 35 days of storage under blood bank conditions, the mean potassium level significantly increased from 7.31 mmol/L at baseline to 20.14 mmol/L at week 5 (p < 0.0001), and the mean sodium level significantly decreased from 150.72 mmol/L at baseline to 121.56 mmol/L at week 5 (p < 0.0001). The pH level decreased insignificantly from 7.48 at baseline to 7.38 at the end of week 1 (p = 0.0757) but decreased significantly to 6.15 at the end of week 5 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionPotassium increased and sodium concentrations decreased significantly from the first week of blood storage. The pH decreased significantly from the second week of storage. Therefore, aged blood should be avoided to circumvent potential adverse outcomes from biochemical changes and stored blood should be tested before use.
Highlights
Biochemical variations take place during transfusion blood reservations, affecting their function.[1]
This study observed significant variance in potassium levels at baseline compared to the normal reference interval median of 4.5 mmol/L
Potassium levels increased significantly throughout the blood storage period compared to the baseline mean of 7.31 mmol/L (Table 1)
Summary
Biochemical variations take place during transfusion blood reservations, affecting their function.[1]. Clinical investigations have proposed that blood units reserved for extended periods (frequently detailed as 14–21 days) might be detrimental to the recipients, causing morbidity and mortality.[2] Potassium is the prominent intracellular cation with sodium being the prominent extracellular cation. Literature discloses that potassium efflux, a renowned effect of prolonged red blood cell reservation, causes vesicle creation and may have a significant effect on the transfusion outcome.[3] Studies have shown a steady decrease in pH throughout the blood storage period which renders the cell membrane too rigid and predisposes the cells to lysis.[4]. Transfusion blood may undergo a series of biochemical changes that could pose risks to patients when used. It is important to monitor biochemical changes that may reduce survival or function of stored blood cells
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