Effect of Plasma Unit Weight and Donor Sex on Post-Donation Citrate Level: An Experimental Study on Plasmapheresis Donors

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Plasmapheresis donation is considered safe and well tolerated, although long-term effects need to be clarified. The volumes of anticoagulant (ACD-A) used are variable and depend primarily on hematocrit (HCT), total blood processed, amount of plasma collected, and donor characteristics. To elucidate the effect of the plasma unit weight setting on plasmapheresis efficiency and ACD-A distribution, we enrolled male donors undergoing a controlled apheresis process donating 700 g and 720 g in two different sessions. In parallel, we investigated a possible effect of sex, recruiting women donating 700 g of plasma. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study was conducted on men donating 720 g and (12 months later) 700 g of plasma, and on women donating 700 g of plasma. The main outcomes were pre-/post-donation delta (Δ) citrate concentration in donor plasma and ACD-A reinfused to the donor. Information concerning the annual check-up and the procedure was also collected. Intergroup comparisons (men donating 720 g vs. men donating 700 g and men vs. women both donating 700 g) and intragroup associations with donor and procedural characteristics were reported. <b><i>Results:</i></b> With the procedure set at 720 g, the machine processed around 44 mL more whole blood to collect 20 g more plasma, and 720 g donors received around 12 mL more anticoagulant than 700 g donors. Accordingly, Δ citrate concentration was 1.5 times higher (12 μ<sc>m</sc>), with a greater variability observed for 720 g donations. Citrate concentration in the plasma unit was lower in the 720 g group, although not significantly. Comparing outcomes between women and men donating 700 g, we observed higher (and highly variable) Δ citrate and reinfused ACD-A in women, accompanied by lower anticoagulant levels in the unit. Increased Δ citrate is inversely associated with HCT and age in men and with HCT and triglycerides in women. Reinfused ACD-A correlates with HCT in women but not in men. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Unit weight setting and sex influence an ACD-A shift from the estimated values toward an increased reinfusion to donor. In parallel, we observed an impact of age and sex on post-donation citrate metabolism. Altogether, these elements should be taken into account for the development of tailored approaches aimed at maintaining similar safety profiles for all donors using different plasmapheresis settings.