Transfusion
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Clinical Trial
Transfusion of 35-day stored red blood cells does not result in increase of plasma non-transferrin bound iron in human endotoxemia.
Transfusion of a single unit of stored red blood cells (RBCs) has been hypothesized to induce supra-physiological levels of non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), which may enhance inflammation and act as a nutrient for bacteria. We investigated the relation between RBC storage time and iron levels in a clinically relevant "two-hit" human transfusion model. ⋯ We conclude that 35D autologous RBCs do not cause hemolysis or increased levels of NTBI during human endotoxemia.