Progress in the therapy of children with congenital hemolytic anemias by transfusion of neocyte concentrations. Initial experiences in the separation and transfusion of young erythrocytes, obtained with the cell separator Fenwal CS-3000

Abstract

Transfusion-induced hemochromatosis remains a major therapeutic complication in the management of patients with chronic hemolytic anemias. Red cell units harvested with blood cell separators have an average estimated mean cell age of 30 days, compared to 60 days for unfractionated blood. Our initial experience with transfusion of neocytes indicates that the amount of transfused erythrocytes can be reduced on 60 per cent. Further studies must demonstrate the clinical benefit. When combined with modern iron chelator regimens, it may be possible to achieve consistently negative iron balance prior to the onset of hemochromatosis which would allow patients to probably lead a normal life-span.