In vitro measurements of several variables of the immune system were made in 21 healthy donors who had been subjected to frequent cytapheresis an a group of whole blood donor controls matched for age and sex. Significant changes noted in the apheresis donors compared to controls included a 23 percent lower mean absolute lymphocyte count (p less than .01), a 25 percent lower mean T cell count (p less than .01), and a 46 percent lower mean B cell count (p less than .001). Serum protein changes included a 27 percent lower mean gamma globulin level (p less than .01), and 14 percent lower mean IgG level (p less than .05) in the apheresis donors when compared to the control group. The possible implications of these findings are discussed, and we suggest that donors undergoing multiple cytapheresis procedures be closely monitored to determine the safe donation frequency.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hemostatic imbalances produced by plasma exchange.

Ten patients who underwent intensive therapeutic plasma exchange were studied prospectively to determine the nature and extent of changes induced in their coagulation mechanisms. The patients' plasma was replaced with serum albumin and normal saline. Significant changes were noted acutely in the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, plasma fibrinogen, and platelet counts. Chronically, significant decreases were found in plasma fibrinogen concentrations and platelet counts. Intensive plasma exchange with fluids devoid of coagulation factors results in defects in the normal hemostatic mechanism.

Adult↗