Abstract
Potassium is the principal intracellular cation with sodium being the principal extracellular cation. Maintenance of the distribution of potassium and sodium between the intracellular and the extracellular compartments relies on several homeostatic mechanisms. This study analysed the effect of blood storage on the concentrations of potassium and sodium in stored blood and also determine any variations that may exist in their concentrations. 50mls of blood was sampled each from 28 units of evenly mixed donated blood in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA-1) bags immediately after donation into satellite bag and stored at 4oC. Potassium and sodium concentration determinations were done on each of the 28 samples on day 0 (before blood was initially stored in the fridge), day 5, day 10, day 15 and day 20 of storage using the Roche 9180 ISE Electrolyte Analyser (Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Switzerland). data analysis showed significant changes in the potassium and sodium concentrations with a continuous rise in potassium and a continuous fall in sodium. A daily change of 0.59mmol/l and 0.50mmol/l was observed in the potassium and sodium concentrations respectively. We showed steady but increased daily concentrations of potassium and decrease concentrations of sodium in blood stored over time at 4oC.
Highlights
Electrolyte disturbances can be associated with a number of occurrences including drug usage [1] but the kidney is expected to manage it
It shows a gradual consistent reduction in sodium concentration having reduced from a mean of 155mmol/l to 145.04mmol/l, a change of approximately 10mmol/l over the 20-day period
There is a daily change in potassium concentration of 1.08mmol/l during the first five days of storage; day 6 to day recorded a daily potassium change of 0.84mmol/l; day to day recorded a 0.28mmol/l daily change whiles day to day 20 recorded daily change 0.16mmol/l giving an overall average daily potassium change of 0.59mmol/l over the 20-day period
Summary
Electrolyte disturbances can be associated with a number of occurrences including drug usage [1] but the kidney is expected to manage it. It has been observed that following blood transfusion of stored blood, complications such as hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia and citrate toxicity among other conditions do occur [6]. There is a slow but constant leakage of potassium from the cells into the surrounding plasma along a concentration gradient as a result of sodium potassium ATPase pump failure. The resultant impact of transfusion of stored blood on the potassium and acid-base balance on the recipient is very complex. It is largely dependent on the rate of transfusion, volume of blood transfused, the rate of citrate metabolism and the changing state of the peripheral perfusion of the patient/recipient [3,9]. Failure to establish the apparent electrolyte changes has been found to be fatal in some instances [10]
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